- 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...
The general requirements to become a locksmith in California are:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Undergo a criminal history review by the Department of Justice and the FBI
- Specify who will run the business
Table of Contents
The Application Process
The application package consists of the following items:
- License Application (Form 31A-4)
- Personal Identification (Form 31A-9)
- A copy of the Live Scan Form (BCII 8016)
- Two (2) recent photographs or IDs
- Request for Authorization of Business name (this is typically only for fictitious business names)
- Endorsed Articles of Incorporation (if filing as a corporation)
In addition, if you maintain a physical office you will be required by Code 6980.26 to obtain a branch office registration.
Mobile locksmiths are exempt from this requirement.
If you need to start working immediately you can apply for a temporary registration which will be valid for 120 days or until you receive your actual registration.
You can download all application forms here (make sure you scroll to the “Locksmith” section of the page): https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/index.shtml
Fees and Processing
Step 1
Compile the above documents and forms. Double-check them to ensure you filled them out correctly.
Step 2
The locksmith applicant must apply to the following address:
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
P.O. Box 989002
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9002
Breakdown of fees that need to be included:
Application Fee: $250
License Fee: $250
Total: $500
Step 3
The locksmith applicant is required to submit fingerprints electronically using Live Scan.
You must only use the Live Scan forms downloaded from the Bureau’s Website or obtained in person from the Bureau.
Breakdown of fees paid at the Live Scan site:
DOJ Fingerprint Fee: $32
FBI Fingerprint Fee: $17
Total: $51
Step 4
Once the application has been reviewed by the Bureau and criminal history clearances granted, you will be able to find the processed application on the Bureau’s Website.
The actual locksmith registration will be mailed to the applicant within 10-15 business days.
Step 5
You’re done!
Just remember California requires all locksmiths to maintain a current license and renewal certificate conspicuously displayed at all times.
*If you are opening a physical office you will also be charged a $35 branch office fee.
3 Best Locksmith Schools in California
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Abram Friedman Occupational Center | 1646 South Olive Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
| California Institute of Locksmithing | 30423 Canwood St #201 Agoura Hills, CA 91301 |
| Golden Gate School of Locksmithing | 3722 San Pablo Avenue Oakland, CA 94608 |
Salary
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Locksmiths in California
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $59,753 |
| Fresno | $53,746 |
| Long Beach | $59,324 |
| Anaheim | $59,485 |
| Sacramento | $57,983 |
| Santa Barbara | $57,930 |
| Santa Maria | $58,466 |
| San Jose | $67,316 |
| Palmdale | $59,378 |
| Carlsbad | $57,287 |
Regional Salary in California
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 30 | $63,690 | $30.62 | $77,690 | $37,510 |
| Fresno, CA | 50 | $62,700 | $30.15 | $77,100 | $46,220 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 770 | $59,970 | $28.83 | $85,830 | $38,510 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 40 | $58,950 | $28.34 | $80,660 | $38,140 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 210 | $60,870 | $29.27 | $80,310 | $38,120 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 130 | $63,970 | $30.76 | $84,840 | $39,060 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 220 | $58,910 | $28.32 | $81,570 | $38,790 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 330 | $70,210 | $33.75 | $105,880 | $48,310 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 80 | $72,710 | $34.96 | $105,390 | $45,920 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 40 | $57,840 | $27.81 | $83,510 | $38,550 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
One Last Note
If for any reason your services will include work that exceeds $500 you will also need a contractor’s license.
You can find more information about that here: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/
Thanks for this informative post! I’ve always been interested in locksmithing, and it’s great to see a clear roadmap for pursuing it in California.