North Carolina locksmith license
Yes. North Carolina licenses locksmiths through the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. Each locksmith needs a license, which requires being at least 18, a state and national criminal history check and passing the Board's exam. Licenses are renewed every three years, with 16 hours of continuing education.
Last checked October 13, 2026 · 32 quoted facts from official pages
North Carolina at a glance
- State license
- Yes, a statewide license
- License types
- 3
- Renewal
- Every 3 years
License types
As the agency names them.
Individual
Locksmith license
Required to perform or offer locksmith services in NC (G.S. 74F-3(a)); includes automotive, residential and commercial lock bypassing. Valid 3 years; licensee gets a Board photo ID card and must put the license number in all advertising.
Apprentice / trainee
Apprentice designation (apprentice license)
No exam; works under a licensed locksmith's supervision; limited to 3 years and not renewable - the licensing exam must be taken before it expires. A licensed locksmith may supervise no more than two apprentices at a time (G.S. 74F-7.1).
Company
Business name registration (not a license)
Current law licenses individuals only. Licensees register the business name(s) they use, and all advertising must be in the registered name (21 NCAC 29 .0502(f)). A separate locksmith business license is proposed in 2025 House Bill 829, which was not enacted as of 2026-10-13.
Requirements
Only what the official pages state. A blank means we could not confirm it.
- Minimum age
- 18
- Training or experience
- None required by statute; the Board states North Carolina does not regulate how locksmithing is taught or learned.
- Exam
- Board-administered licensing exam on locksmith services and the applicable laws (G.S. 74F-7(3)); paper multiple-choice exam on scheduled dates, 70% to pass (Board 2025 instructions).
- Background check
- Good moral and ethical character shown in part by a State and national (SBI/FBI) criminal history record check from LiveScan fingerprints (G.S. 74F-7(1), 74F-18); a conviction does not automatically bar licensure.
Fees
From the agency's fee rules. Fees change, so check before you apply.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| License fee charged by the Board (2025 application) | $300 |
| SBI/FBI criminal record check fee (2025 application) | $38 |
| Examination fee, per attempt (2025 application and instructions) | $200 |
| Total due with a new locksmith license application ($300 + $38 + $200) | $538 |
| Apprentice license fee (2025 apprentice application; plus $38 record check, $338 total) | $300 |
| Renewal fee (every 3 years) | $300 |
| Late fee if renewal is submitted after expiration | $300 |
| Additional expired-license fee to reinstate a license expired more than 1 year (Board says $850 total with renewal and late fee) | $250 |
| Replacement license fee (21 NCAC 29 .0404, amended eff. January 1, 2019) | $10 |
| Statutory maximum for license issuance (G.S. 74F-9); the Board sets actual fees up to these caps | $300 |
Renewal and continuing education
- Renewal
- Every 3 years
- Continuing education
- 16 hours of continuing education per 3-year renewal cycle (Board 2025 instructions; 21 NCAC 29 .0802, amended eff. January 1, 2019); hours cannot be carried forward; exemption for licensees who are at least 62, have 15+ years of experience, have been NC-licensed 9+ years and are not under investigation.
Working without a license
Performing or offering locksmith services without a license is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class I felony for a second or subsequent offense, unless another law provides greater punishment (G.S. 74F-3(b)); the Board may also seek an injunction in superior court (G.S. 74F-17).
What the official sources say
Each line is a short quote from the official page it links to, with the date we read it.
No person may perform or offer to perform locksmith services in NC without a license under Chapter 74F (G.S. 74F-3(a)).
“No person shall perform or offer to perform locksmith services in this State unless the person has been licensed under the provisions of this Chapter.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Locksmith services include bypassing locks in commercial, residential or automotive settings for compensation (G.S. 74F-4(5)).
“The definition also includes any method of bypassing a locking mechanism of any kind, whether in a commercial, residential, or automotive setting, for compensation.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Qualification: good moral and ethical character shown in part by a criminal history record check (G.S. 74F-7(1)).
“Is of good moral and ethical character, as evidenced in part by a criminal history record check conducted in accordance with G.S. 74F-18.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Qualifications: at least 18 years old and pass the Board's examination (G.S. 74F-7(2)-(3)).
“(2) Is at least 18 years of age. (3) Successfully completes an examination administered by the Board”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The Board must have the applicant's State and national criminal history checked (G.S. 74F-18(b)).
“The Board shall ensure that the State and national criminal history of an applicant is checked.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A conviction on the listed crimes does not automatically bar a license; the Board weighs factors such as seriousness, date, age and rehabilitation (G.S. 74F-18(c)).
“the conviction shall not automatically bar licensure.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
The Board may seek an injunction in superior court against violations, including unlicensed practice (G.S. 74F-17).
“The Board may apply to the superior court for an order enjoining violations of this Chapter.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Statutory fee caps: issuance and renewal up to $300 each (also exam $200, reinstatement $250, late fee $300, apprentice $300, apprentice transfer $25) (G.S. 74F-9).
“The Board shall establish fees not exceeding the following amounts: (1) Issuance of a license $300.00 (2) Renewal of a license $300.00”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Show 24 more facts
Licenses expire three years after issuance unless renewed (G.S. 74F-10(b)).
“All licenses shall expire three years after the date they were issued unless renewed.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
An apprentice designation lasts no longer than three years (G.S. 74F-7.1(c)).
“An apprentice may have the apprentice designation for no longer than three years.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
A licensed locksmith may supervise no more than two apprentices at one time (G.S. 74F-7.1).
“Each licensed locksmith shall have no more than two apprentices at one time.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
All locksmith advertising must show a valid Board license number (G.S. 74F-12(b)).
“All advertisements for locksmith services shall include a valid license number issued by the Board.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Licensees must report to the Board each employee who performs locksmith services or has access to locksmith tools, and report changes within 30 days (G.S. 74F-13).
“provide to the Board the names of each person employed by the licensee who either performs locksmith services or has access to locksmith tools”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Exemption: an employee working under the direct control and supervision of a licensed locksmith, who must physically accompany the employee (G.S. 74F-16(1)); other exemptions include towing, auto repair, repossession, motor vehicle dealers and motor clubs, property owners, qualifying retail/hardware stores, law enforcement/fire, and licensed general contractors.
“An employee of a licensed locksmith when acting under the direct control and supervision of the licensed locksmith.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Penalty: unlicensed locksmith services are a Class 1 misdemeanor (first offense) and a Class I felony for a second or subsequent offense (G.S. 74F-3(b)).
“a violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first offense. A second or subsequent offense is a Class I felony.”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Board instructions (2025 edition): North Carolina does not regulate how locksmithing is taught or learned.
“The state of North Carolina does not regulate how locksmithing is taught or learned.”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
The Board's 2025 locksmith license application requires $538: $300 license fee, $38 SBI/FBI record check, $200 examination fee.
“Fees: A check or money order for $538 ($300 license fee + $38 for SBI/FBI record check, + $200 examination fee)”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
The Board's 2025 apprentice application requires $338: $300 license fee plus $38 record check.
“Fees: A check or money order for $338 ($300 license fee + $38 for SBI/FBI record check)”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
Exam: a 70% score is required to pass (Board instructions, 2025 edition); additional attempts are $200 each.
“You must obtain a score of 70% to pass the NC Locksmith Licensing Exam.”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
The exam is a paper-and-pencil multiple-choice test given on prescheduled dates (Board instructions, 2025 edition).
“The exam is a paper and pencil multiple choice exam”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
Exam fee per Board instructions (2025 edition).
“Your exam fee is $200. Additional exam attempts are $200.”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
Renewal requires 16 hours of continuing education every 3 years (Board instructions, 2025 edition).
“You will need to complete 16 hours of CE and complete a renewal application, either paper or online, every 3 years.”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
Renewal fee is $300 (Board instructions, 2025 edition).
“The Renewal Fee is $300.”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
A $300 late fee applies to renewals submitted after expiration (Board instructions, 2025 edition).
“A $300 late fee will be applied if the renewal is submitted after expiration of the license.”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
A license expired more than 1 year is reinstated with renewal plus an additional $250 expired license fee, $850 total (Board instructions, 2025 edition).
“reinstated by completing the renewal and an additional $250 expired license fee ($850 total)”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
Background check fee and LiveScan fingerprinting through the NC State Bureau of Investigation (Board instructions, 2025 edition).
“The background check is conducted through a LIVESCAN of your fingerprints. Your background check fee is $38.”
Source: nclocksmithboard.org · checked October 13, 2026
21 NCAC 29 .0404 (amended eff. January 1, 2019; OAH Rules Review Commission filing of October 10, 2018) sets a $10 replacement license fee.
“the fee for issuance of a replacement license shall be ten dollars ($10.00).”
Source: oah.nc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
21 NCAC 29 .0802 (amended eff. January 1, 2019) exempts from CE licensees who are 62+, have 15+ years of experience, have been NC-licensed 9+ years and are not under investigation.
“(A) are at least 62 years of age; (B) have at least 15 years of experience as locksmiths;”
Source: oah.nc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Continuing education hours cannot be carried forward into the next renewal period (21 NCAC 29 .0802(c), amended eff. January 1, 2019).
“Licensees shall not carry forward any contact hours of continuing education into the subsequent renewal period.”
Source: oah.nc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Licensees must register their business names with the Board and advertise in those registered names (21 NCAC 29 .0502(f), amended eff. January 1, 2019).
“All advertising for locksmith services and documents related to locksmith services in North Carolina shall be in the registered name(s)”
Source: oah.nc.gov · checked October 13, 2026
2025 House Bill 829 ('Locksmith Licensing Act Modernization') would require locksmith business licenses renewed annually - a pending bill, not current law.
“shall obtain a locksmith business license from the Board. The locksmith business license shall be renewed annually.”
Source: house.ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
H829's last recorded action was a re-referral to the House Rules committee on 6/17/2025 (not enacted).
“Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House on 6/17/2025”
Source: ncleg.gov · checked October 13, 2026
Sales tax on locksmith work in North Carolina
Rates, local taxes and how North Carolina treats labor and repair charges: sales tax facts for North Carolina.
Running a locksmith business in North Carolina on IntelliDrive OS
What the software does today, nothing more. It does not apply for licenses, file returns or give legal or tax advice.
One tax rate per shop
Add your rates under Settings → Tax Rates, then choose each shop’s default rate under Settings → Outlets, so every shop charges its own local rate.
All featuresRecords kept digitally
Invoices, receipts, signatures and photos are kept digitally for your records, and you can send a receipt to the customer by email or text.
Payment-link evidencePayment links through your own account
Text or email a payment link through your own QuickBooks Payments, Square or Stripe account. On a payment-link sale the record keeps the customer’s signature, the terms they accepted, IP address and device, photos, and location when their browser shares it.
Payment processingStock by shop and van
Each shop, and each van you set up as its own location, keeps its own stock, with reorder points, counts and exact transfers between locations.
InventoryYour team, hours and commission
Time clock, timesheets, pay rates and per-technician commission reporting, with role permissions and staff limited to their own shop.
WorkforceQuickBooks Online, when you choose
Push sales and payments from IntelliDrive OS to QuickBooks Online. It is a one-way push that you start yourself.
QuickBooks integrationScheduling and dispatch (add-on)
Scheduling, dispatch, live GPS and ETA texts come with the GetTimePad add-on at $199/month. It is not part of the $79 plan.
SchedulingMore for locksmiths: IntelliDrive OS for locksmiths.
North Carolina locksmith license questions
Do you need a license to be a locksmith in North Carolina?
Yes. North Carolina licenses locksmiths through the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. Each locksmith needs a license, which requires being at least 18, a state and national criminal history check and passing the Board's exam. Licenses are renewed every three years, with 16 hours of continuing education.
Who issues locksmith licenses in North Carolina?
North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board, under N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 74F (Locksmith Licensing Act).
How much does a North Carolina locksmith license cost?
License fee charged by the Board (2025 application): $300. SBI/FBI criminal record check fee (2025 application): $38. Examination fee, per attempt (2025 application and instructions): $200. Total due with a new locksmith license application ($300 + $38 + $200): $538. Fees change, so check the agency's fee page before you apply.
How often do you renew a North Carolina locksmith license?
Every 3 years. 0802, amended eff.
What happens if you work as a locksmith without a license in North Carolina?
S. S.
This guide summarizes the official pages linked next to each fact. Rules and fees change, so check with the licensing agency before you apply or take work. This is not legal advice.
Last checked October 13, 2026.
Run your North Carolina locksmith business on IntelliDrive OS
$79/month per business, billed monthly, with unlimited users.
The first 30 days are free. A card is required at signup and the first charge is on day 31; cancel in Settings → Billing before then and you pay nothing.