- Locksmith & Home Security Technician
- Getting a career diploma in as little as 2 months.
- Gain experience with practical exercises and interactive assignments.
- Learn how to identify, create, and duplicate keys.
- Learn to work with several types of locks including safes, valuts, and auto.
- and more...
In the state of Texas, locksmiths are governed by the Private Security Act, which is administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety Bureau (PSB).
TDPS does not require all locksmiths to maintain a license to practice.
However, if you are the manager or owner of a locksmithing business you will be required to obtain a company license.
Although the statute does not require a license for employees, they still must meet the following requirements (this applies to owners/managers as well):
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Not have been convicted of any felony or Class A misdemeanor
- Be mentally competent
- Not be alcohol or drug-depending
- Not have been dishonorably discharged from any US Armed Services
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements
If you are looking to open your own locksmith company in Texas you must complete the following steps.
Step 1
Complete form PSB-01, Company License Application by downloading it here: https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/licensing-and-registration
This application is for obtaining a private security business license for a new company in the state.
Fee: $412
Step 2
Complete form PSB-04A, Owner/Manager Application which can be downloaded at the link in Step 1 above.
This form is to establish the management team of your new company and is required by PSB to register your company.
In this step, all managers will be required to submit/complete the following:
- Submit two (2) classifiable sets of fingerprint cards and fees (for a full criminal history background)
- Three (3) years of experience or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice
- Successful completion of the Qualified Manager’s Exam (which can also be downloaded at the link in Step 1)
Fee: $55 per owner
The applications in Step 1 and Step 2 can be submitted online at the PSB website or sent to the following address:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Private Security Bureau
5806 Guadalupe, Building I
Austin, Texas 78752
Note that even if you apply online you will still need to manually submit some of the supplemental forms (such as fingerprinting or criminal background history).
For any additional information be sure to read the Texas Legislature Online.
4 Best Locksmith Schools in Texas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) | ALOA Training Center 3500 Easy Street Dallas, TX 75247-6416 |
| Cothron’s School of Lock Technology | 509 Rio Grande St Austin, TX 78701 |
| 24 HR Car Unlock | Austin, TX |
| Penn Foster | Online |
Salary
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Locksmiths in Texas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Abilene | $47,719 |
| Carrollton | $52,683 |
| Amarillo | $48,519 |
| Corpus Christi | $50,121 |
| Killeen | $48,519 |
| Mesquite | $52,629 |
| Richardson | $52,683 |
| Harlingen | $46,064 |
| Grand Prairie | $52,576 |
| Houston | $53,537 |
Regional Salary in Texas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 110 | $48,240 | $23.19 | $59,220 | $37,360 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 440 | $47,070 | $22.63 | $64,410 | $31,590 |
| El Paso, TX | 40 | $38,360 | $18.44 | $53,890 | $27,640 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 290 | $48,460 | $23.3 | $66,660 | $35,960 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 30 | $45,270 | $21.76 | $59,630 | $29,250 |
| Lubbock, TX | 40 | $43,160 | $20.75 | $52,770 | $30,520 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 30 | $41,590 | $20 | $49,610 | $27,480 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 110 | $42,840 | $20.6 | $58,120 | $30,130 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
TDPS does not require all locksmiths to maintain a license in order to practice. However, if you are the manager or owner of a locksmithing business you will be required to obtain a company license.
this is wrong
section 2 section 1702.102a that all locksmith in texas have to have a licence
Jude, I appreciate the comment, but I don’t agree.
Here is a link to Section 2, 1702: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/Search/DocViewer.aspx?ID=84RHB021611B&QueryText=%22locksmith%22&DocType=B
And here is what it says:
You may practice locksmithing without a license, BUT you have to work for a licensed locksmith company. If you work alone as a locksmith, you will be required to have a license.
I suppose it depends on how “company” is defined. Every one of those in the list end in “company.”
I’m a Certified Diesel Technician, I’ve had to programmed new keys before as part of diagnosing and repairing electrical-related issues; with my current high tech scanners. I want to expand the services for the shop I work for, would I need to get a license to add these services if needed?…
I’ve owned diesel pickup repair shop since 2007, I need to get approved for programming’17up trucks. I haven’t had problems with ‘16 and earlier. Haven’t had any convictions in 8yrs. And it was a misunderstanding charge that happened, I hope to get expunged soon.
I am a retired trucker living in Texas @would like to learn and practice the locksmith trade, what would you suggest I do to get started? Thanks for any advice.
William, I would start by reading this: https://www.howtobecomealocksmith.org/locksmith-training/
There is really 2 main options:
1. Take locksmith training on your own and learn the trade that way, or
2. Find a locally locksmith and just go talk to them. Sometimes they will mentor your as an apprentice.
Hope that helps!
whoah this blog is fantastic i really like studying your articles.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks Paul!
This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thanks for providing these details.
No problem Miglior, hope it was helpful.
My questions are
1 I worked for pop a lock from 1997 to 2006
Was very good at what I was doing and have not for got a Thang. I really want to get back in to it but I don’t no if a deferred and dismissed case will keep me from doing so? Any help will be good help thanks
I am a semi retired locksmith from Arizona and have been licensed for 40 years there, so what steps are necessary to obtain a license here?
Thanks, Bill
Is it required to work full time under a licensed company for a year if the person has completed the required schooling?
I owned and operated a locksmith company for 11 years in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, do I still have to have a license to open a new shop? Thanks
It says no felony or class A misdemeanor convictions. Does that mean ever or is there a time limit, for example no convictions in the past 10 years?