Do you need a locksmith license to work in Virginia?

Yes, Virginia requires locksmiths to obtain the appropriate registration through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Applicants must be at least 18 years old. You must complete the required training, pass a written exam, and undergo a criminal background check. Individuals planning to open a locksmith company should also review the state's business licensing requirements. For a broader overview of licensing requirements, check out our locksmith licensing guide .

Can you start working as a locksmith in Virginia before receiving your registration?

Virginia allows eligible locksmith applicants to work for up to 90 consecutive days while completing training and having their applications processed, subject to DCJS requirements. Confirm your eligibility for the temporary work period before accepting jobs. Schedule your required 18-hour training as early as possible. Track your application progress and any deadlines to avoid interruptions. Keep documentation of your training and registration status accessible. During this period, having a reliable system for tracking appointments and customer requests can help you establish an organized workflow from day one.

Can you get a locksmith license in Virginia with a criminal record?

A criminal record may affect your eligibility for locksmith registration in Virginia, but applicants must disclose their history and undergo the DCJS review process. Report applicable criminal convictions accurately on your application. Complete the Criminal History Supplemental Form when required. Gather supporting police and court documents before submitting your application. Allow additional time for the review process if your application requires further documentation. Because eligibility depends on the circumstances and applicable regulations, confirm your situation with DCJS rather than assuming a conviction automatically disqualifies you.

How can Workiz help you manage a locksmith business after getting licensed in Virginia?

Workiz helps locksmith businesses organize scheduling, dispatching, customer information, invoicing, and inventory management in one platform. Schedule emergency lockouts, rekeying appointments, and security installation jobs. Coordinate technicians and dispatch jobs without relying on scattered calls or messages. Create invoices and track payments to simplify daily administration. Monitor inventory and marketing performance as your business grows. Once you're ready to take on customers, Workiz can help you manage your locksmith operations more efficiently.

How can locksmith businesses in Virginia use Workiz to handle emergency calls and multiple technicians?

Workiz can help Virginia locksmith businesses coordinate urgent service requests, technician schedules, and job information as their operations expand. Keep incoming service requests organized so emergency lockouts don't get overlooked. Assign jobs based on technician availability and the service required. Maintain customer and job details so technicians have the information they need. Review scheduling and job activity to identify operational bottlenecks and improve response workflows. For additional ways to improve day-to-day operations, explore these tips for running a successful locksmith business .

How to Get a Locksmith License in Virginia: 5 Steps

Key takeaways:

Licensing is mandatory: Locksmiths in Virginia must obtain a license through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Training and examination are required: Applicants must complete an 18-hour entry-level locksmith course and pass a written exam covering locksmith techniques, state regulations, and public safety.
Background checks are essential: Applicants must undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check. Criminal convictions may affect eligibility, and additional documentation may be required.
Licensing costs include application and fingerprinting fees: The application fee is $25, while fingerprint processing costs $50, totaling $75 before training expenses.

However, there are going to be some days where unpredictable, wacky, and just plain weird situations take place—like a partially unclothed couple, wandering into your shop handcuffed together. Awkward moments like these can keep you on your toes, give you a good laugh, and make the profession even more rewarding!

If you want to work in the locksmithing industry or open your own business and market yourself as a locksmith in Virginia, you will need to apply for a license. Want to see if you're eligible? Keep reading.

How Do You Get a Locksmith License in Virginia?

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

To obtain a license:

Complete your application: You can find applications for individuals and businesses here.
Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Training and examination: You must take an entry-level locksmith course and pass a written exam.
Criminal background check: Get fingerprinted, complete a background check, and pay a fee.

2. Pass a criminal background check.

You will be asked to reveal any criminal convictions on your locksmith license application. If you have a criminal history, you will need to submit a Criminal History Supplemental Form and provide copies of police and court records.

You must also get fingerprinted with Field Print Virginia and complete the fingerprint processing application, for a fee of $50.

What criminal history can get you disqualified?

Your application may be rejected if you've been found convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation).

3. Pass a licensing exam.

After you complete your 18-hour training course, you will need to pass a written exam.

The course covers the following topics:

Code of Virginia and 6VAC20-174, Regulations Relating to Private Security Services
Signs of Terrorism
Orientation to Locksmithing
Technical Applications
Public Safety Codes

How can you pass your exam?

The DCJS offers a directory where you can find verified training courses to fulfill all your locksmith training requirements and access resources to pass the test.

4. Pay application fee.

The application fee for licensure is $25.

5. Submit your application.

You can submit your application online with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS).

By The Numbers The Total Cost Of Getting Your Locksmith License In Alabama 1 3

Get to Work as a Locksmith in Virginia

Here's some good news: DCJS allows you to work 90 consecutive days while you're in the process of getting your training and while your application is being processed. This means that you can start your career or business immediately without waiting to finish school or pass the exam.

When you pass, sign up for Workiz Locksmith Scheduling and Management software. It's a tool that handles online booking, scheduling, invoicing, inventory management, ad tracking, and more, all in one place. It's impossible to go out in the field without the right tools in your toolbox, let alone without the right apps on your phone or iPad to stay organized and get jobs done faster. Start a free trial of Workiz as soon as you start working as a locksmith.

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

California: Locksmith license California

Illinois: Locksmith license Illinois

Louisiana: Locksmith license Louisiana

Maryland: Locksmith license Maryland

Nebraska: Locksmith license Nebraska

Nevada: Locksmith license Nevada

New Jersey: Locksmith license New Jersey

New York City: Locksmith license New York City

North Carolina: Locksmith license North Carolina

Oklahoma: Locksmith license Oklahoma

Oregon: Locksmith license Oregon

Tennessee: Locksmith license Tennessee

Alabama: Locksmith license Alabama

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Virginia requires locksmiths to obtain the appropriate registration through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
You must complete the required training, pass a written exam, and undergo a criminal background check.
Individuals planning to open a locksmith company should also review the state's business licensing requirements.
For a broader overview of licensing requirements, check out our locksmith licensing guide.
Virginia allows eligible locksmith applicants to work for up to 90 consecutive days while completing training and having their applications processed, subject to DCJS requirements.
Confirm your eligibility for the temporary work period before accepting jobs.
Schedule your required 18-hour training as early as possible.
Track your application progress and any deadlines to avoid interruptions.
Keep documentation of your training and registration status accessible.
During this period, having a reliable system for tracking appointments and customer requests can help you establish an organized workflow from day one.
A criminal record may affect your eligibility for locksmith registration in Virginia, but applicants must disclose their history and undergo the DCJS review process.
Report applicable criminal convictions accurately on your application.
Complete the Criminal History Supplemental Form when required.
Gather supporting police and court documents before submitting your application.
Allow additional time for the review process if your application requires further documentation.
Because eligibility depends on the circumstances and applicable regulations, confirm your situation with DCJS rather than assuming a conviction automatically disqualifies you.
Workiz helps locksmith businesses organize scheduling, dispatching, customer information, invoicing, and inventory management in one platform.
Schedule emergency lockouts, rekeying appointments, and security installation jobs.
Coordinate technicians and dispatch jobs without relying on scattered calls or messages.
Create invoices and track payments to simplify daily administration.
Monitor inventory and marketing performance as your business grows.
Once you're ready to take on customers, Workiz can help you manage your locksmith operations more efficiently.
Workiz can help Virginia locksmith businesses coordinate urgent service requests, technician schedules, and job information as their operations expand.
Keep incoming service requests organized so emergency lockouts don't get overlooked.
Assign jobs based on technician availability and the service required.
Maintain customer and job details so technicians have the information they need.
Review scheduling and job activity to identify operational bottlenecks and improve response workflows.
For additional ways to improve day-to-day operations, explore these tips for running a successful locksmith business.