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Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Locksmith License in Illinois

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Locksmith License in Illinois

WorkizLocksmith TipsUpdated on October 22, 20265 min read

Illinois is currently ranked 6th in locksmith market size, according to CareerExplorer, which means that the market is pretty competitive but there may still be enough demand to find employment or get a few vehicles together to start your own locksmith business!

Key takeaways:

  • Licensing is mandatory for locksmith operations in Illinois: Locksmiths must obtain a license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Business owners must be at least 21, while employees must be at least 18.

  • Background checks and examinations are essential: Applicants must complete fingerprinting, pass a criminal background check, and successfully complete a locksmith licensing examination. Formal training certification is not required.

  • Licensing involves multiple fees: Prepare for the fingerprinting fee, examination fee, and an application fee, which can total $256 for the standard licensing process.

  • Operational software supports business growth: Scheduling, dispatching, inventory tracking, invoicing, and payment collection help locksmith businesses coordinate field operations, reduce administrative work, and improve revenue opportunities.

Without a locksmith license, there is absolutely no way for you to operate as a locksmith in Illinois. To obtain a license, you have to apply and pass an examination. In 5 steps, we are going to answer every question to get you on your way.

How Do You Get a Locksmith License in Illinois?

1. Ensure you meet the requirements for a locksmith license.

Illinois locksmith licenses are administered by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Here are the requirements to obtain a license:

  • Minimum age: 21 years or older for a business owner; at least 18 years old for an employee.

  • Criminal background check: Pass a background check and get fingerprinted. Your license will not be issued until you complete these steps.

  • Pass an examination: Take and pass a locksmith licensing exam and pay a fee of $50.

  • Insurance: Business owners must prove they have liability insurance.

2. Pass a criminal background check.

To pass the background check in order to obtain your locksmith license, you must get fingerprinted. The IDFPR, the licensing authority, provides a massive list of fingerprinting vendors with whom you can schedule an appointment.

Fingerprints must be taken within 60 days from the date of submission of the application to the Department or to its testing vendor. Once completed, the Illinois State Police will send results electronically to the IDFPR.

The submission fee is $32.

What criminal history can get you disqualified?

You can get disqualified based on your criminal history if you have:

  • Been convicted of a felony within the last 10 years

  • Been previously denied a locksmith license or permit

  • Been previously denied from taking the locksmith license examination

  • Previously had a license or permit disciplined by a licensing authority in Illinois or elsewhere

  • Failed to file a tax return, or pay taxes, penalties, or interest shown in a filed return

  • Been dishonorably discharged from the military

  • Been more than 30 days late in child support payments

However, it should be noted that convictions and other past criminal activity do not mean an automatic denial of licensure.

Finger Prints

3. Pass the Locksmith Licensing Exam.

To obtain your locksmith license in Illinois, you need to register and pass the Locksmith Licensing Examination. The exam is held in March and September each year and costs $50.

Where and how to pass the licensing exam?

You can access and take the Locksmith Licensing Examination online at Continental Testing Services. You must complete the exam within 4 hours.

IDPFR also allows you to take a test with the Associated Locksmiths of America (AOLA). However, this exam requires payment of a $500 fee, and it must be taken within the three years prior to submitting the application.

Use our free online tool to find locksmith training schools by state and compare available programs. Explore detailed course information, certification requirements, and start your career journey with the right training.

You do not need formal training certification. But, that does not mean you should go in unprepared. IDPFR recommends the following resources to prepare for the exams:

PRP Resource Guide. Code No.: AL-PRG

Life Safety Codes and the ADA Manual Code. No.: TS-LSCM

Basic Electricity. Code No.: LPC-816

Illinois Locksmith Licensing Study Package. Code No.: A-ILL-LLSP4

Includes: Locksmithing 101, Study Guide for Basic Electricity, Life Safety Code Manual, PRP Resource Guide

Reference material is available online through AOLA.

Taking A Test

4. Pay an application fee.

To obtain an Illinois locksmith license, you must pay an application fee of $174 to the IDFPR.

Receipt Paper

5. Submit your application.

Submit your locksmith application and required supporting documents in person to the IDFPR, at the following address:

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

Division of Professional Regulation

P.O. Box 7007

Springfield, Illinois 62791

By The Numbers The Total Cost Of Getting Your Locksmith License In Illinois

Get Licensed and Watch Your Career Take Off

Locksmiths provide an essential service, helping keep people's homes, offices, and vehicles safe. In order to start practicing as a professional locksmith in Illinois, or to start your own business, you must start by obtaining a license. Once you get licensed, you can help your business grow by making sure you find the best locksmith wholesalers to provide effective and professional service.

You should also try using Workiz's Locksmith Inventory Software to manage, organize, and track where all your supplies are located. Showing up on site missing a part can cost you a job, but when you're using the right software to alert you when parts are running low, located in another vehicle, or out of stock, you can jump on it quickly and not waste days waiting on inventory, complete more jobs the same day, and earn more income.

Where can I find information about Locksmith licenses in other states?

Frequently asked questions

  • Yes, Illinois requires locksmith professionals to meet state licensing requirements before performing regulated locksmith services.

    • Check eligibility: Review the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requirements for the license you need.

    • Complete a background check: Follow the state's fingerprinting and criminal history review procedures.

    • Pass the licensing exam: Prepare for the required locksmith examination.

    • Apply for approval: Submit the necessary documentation and fees before beginning regulated work.

    Once licensed, locksmith professionals can explore Workiz job scheduling to organize customer appointments and service calls.

  • You can prepare for the Illinois locksmith licensing exam by reviewing locksmith fundamentals, electrical principles, life safety codes, and the study resources identified by the licensing authority.

    • Review the exam requirements: Confirm the current testing format and registration procedures.

    • Study locksmith fundamentals: Focus on locks, keys, security hardware, and common repair techniques.

    • Understand safety standards: Review applicable life safety requirements and basic electricity.

    • Practice before testing: Use study guides and practice questions to identify knowledge gaps.

    After passing the examination and receiving your license, Workiz online booking can help customers request locksmith appointments.

  • Obtaining the appropriate locksmith license is an important step toward starting a locksmith business in Illinois, but business owners must also meet applicable company registration, insurance, and regulatory requirements.

    • Verify business licensing: Check whether your company needs a separate agency or business license.

    • Arrange insurance: Obtain the coverage required for your operations.

    • Plan service coverage: Decide which cities and neighborhoods your locksmith business will serve.

    • Organize field operations: Establish procedures for emergency calls, scheduled jobs, and technician assignments.

    Locksmith business owners can explore Workiz service areas to organize the locations they serve.

  • Workiz helps locksmith businesses organize appointments, coordinate service requests, and manage daily scheduling workflows.

    • Centralize appointments: Keep scheduled locksmith jobs organized.

    • Coordinate availability: Manage technician workloads and appointment times.

    • Handle urgent requests: Make room for emergency lockouts alongside planned service calls.

    • Reduce administrative work: Keep job information accessible instead of relying on scattered notes.

    Explore Workiz dispatching to help coordinate locksmith service calls and technician assignments.

  • Workiz offers inventory management tools that can help locksmith businesses organize supplies and monitor parts used during service jobs.

    • Track essential supplies: Organize commonly used locks, cylinders, keys, and replacement hardware.

    • Monitor inventory: Maintain visibility into available parts and materials.

    • Prepare for service calls: Check inventory before dispatching technicians.

    • Reduce unnecessary delays: Improve planning when parts need to be replenished.

    Workiz inventory management can help locksmith companies keep better track of the supplies needed for everyday jobs.

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