Do you need a locksmith license to work in Maryland?

Maryland requires locksmith businesses to obtain a state license, while locksmith employees must complete the required employee registration process rather than obtain a separate business license. Business owners must be at least 18 years old and submit a locksmith business license application. Employees must complete a Report of Employee form and provide the required identification and photograph. Both business owners and employees must meet applicable criminal background check requirements. Business owners must provide a fixed business address and proof of liability insurance. If you're planning to work independently, review this guide to starting a locksmith business before applying.

How much does it cost to get a locksmith license in Maryland?

Maryland charges a $225 locksmith application fee, with additional expenses potentially applying to fingerprinting, insurance, training, and business setup. Budget for the application fee before submitting your paperwork. Confirm the current fingerprinting and criminal background check costs. Include at least $300,000 in general liability insurance coverage in your business planning, as described in the article. Account for locksmith tools, training, and the cost of maintaining a fixed business address. Check the latest fee schedule with Maryland's licensing authority before paying, since application charges may change.

What are the business requirements for opening a locksmith company in Maryland?

Maryland locksmith business applicants must provide a qualifying business address, proof of liability insurance, and the required ownership and employee documentation. Secure a fixed business address rather than using a service vehicle as your business location. Arrange the general liability insurance coverage described in the licensing requirements. Maintain accurate records of employee identification, photographs, and required forms. Prepare a suitable storage and inventory system for locks, key blanks, tools, and replacement parts. Before purchasing equipment, consult the 26 essential locksmith tools every technician must have to help plan your initial inventory.

How can Workiz help a newly licensed Maryland locksmith manage daily operations?

Workiz helps locksmith business owners organize appointments, customer information, invoices, payments, and inventory as they begin serving customers. Schedule residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith appointments in one place. Keep customer details and job information accessible to your team. Generate invoices and manage payments after completing service calls. Monitor inventory so technicians can prepare for upcoming jobs. Explore Workiz locksmith management software to see how these workflows can support a growing business.

How can Maryland locksmith businesses use Workiz to manage multiple technicians and service calls?

Workiz helps locksmith businesses coordinate technician schedules, track jobs, and maintain visibility into daily field operations as their teams grow. Assign jobs based on technician availability and the type of locksmith service required. Keep dispatchers and technicians informed about appointment details and schedule changes. Track job progress to identify delays and manage customer expectations. Organize invoicing, payments, and inventory records as service volume increases. Using Workiz can help Maryland locksmith businesses build more consistent processes as they expand beyond a single technician.

Maryland Locksmith License: Requirements & Costs

Key takeaways:

Business licensing is required: Maryland requires locksmith business owners to obtain a license, while employees must submit an employment registration form.
Meet licensing requirements: Business owners must be at least 18, provide a fixed business address, and maintain at least $300,000 in liability insurance.
Complete background checks and training: Applicants must undergo fingerprinting and criminal background checks. No official exam is required, but locksmith education or apprenticeship is outlined.
Pay fees and submit applications: Both businesses and employees need to pay a $225 non-refundable application fee. Completed applications must be submitted by mail or in person.

Maryland requires only its business owners to obtain a license and does not require an official exam.

This brief article will walk you through the entire process, answering only the questions you care about and redirecting you to resources to begin the process!

How Do You Get a Locksmith License in Maryland?

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

The Maryland Department of Labor (MDL) administers locksmith licenses in the State of Maryland. While businesses are required to obtain a license, employees are not, but still must complete an employee form.

To obtain a business license:

Complete a business application: Business owners must be at least 18 or older. Businesses must fill out and submit an original locksmith license form.
Proof of a business address: A business address must be provided, motor vehicles are not accepted as an address.
Employee photos: Each business owner must submit photo IDs of every licensed locksmith working for them. Learn more about the requirements here.
Driver's license: Submit a valid driver's license.
Proof of insurance: Businesses must possess general liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000. You can find more information on the proof of insurance here.
Background check: Apply for a national and state criminal history records check and complete two fingerprint cards approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the FBI.
Pay fee: $225

For employees:

Complete an employee application: Employees must be at least 18 or older and must fill out and submit a Report of Employee form to document employment.
Photos: A passport-sized photograph taken within the last 6-months is required.
Driver's license: Submit a valid driver's license.
Background check: Apply for a national and state criminal history records check and complete two fingerprint cards approved by the Director of the Central Repository and the FBI. Your employer is responsible for covering the fees of the background check.
Pay fee: $225

2. Pass a criminal background check.

Visit the MD Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services to start the background check process. You can get fingerprinted at an authorized location and pay fees there.

What criminal history can get you disqualified?

The Secretary of State may deny a license, if you have:

Provided false information or photo identification
Impersonated a locksmith
Been convicted of crimes related to locksmithing
Knowingly employed a convicted felon who has charges relating to locksmithing
Been convicted of a felony

The Secretary of State will consider the nature of the crime, the amount of time that has passed, your sentencing or penalties, and your behavior afterward. So, you might still have a chance to obtain a license, depending on the nature of your past offenses.

3. Complete educational requirements.

Although Maryland does not require an official exam for a locksmith license, you still need to choose and complete one of the following three options to prepare for a career in locksmithing:

Attend an accredited locksmithing school
Take an online accredited course
Become an apprentice under a licensed locksmith

Where can you study locksmithing?

Looking to become a certified locksmith? 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.

Associated Locksmiths of America — certification, test preparation, and practice.

4. Pay application fee.

Both locksmith businesses and employees must pay a non-refundable application fee of $225 once the application has been approved.

5. Submit your application.

Completed locksmith applications should be printed out and mailed or delivered in person to the following address:

Maryland Locksmith Licensing Program

500 N. Calvert Street, Room 481

Baltimore, Maryland 21202-3651

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

Get Licensed in Maryland and Start Working as a Locksmith

One thing that Maryland requires from its locksmiths is a fixed business address, which does not include a motor vehicle. If you are planning to start your own locksmith business, then finding a location and setting up a shop to house all your inventory is something you need to plan and prepare for. You should have a general idea of the locksmithing tools you need to successfully run your business.

Also, brush up on your command of Locksmith Management and Scheduling Software, such as Workiz. This type of tool is a lifesaver whether you are a beginner or a veteran technician who needs to manage inventory, send invoices, receive payments, view jobs at a glance, and scale operations. If all of this sounds good to you, sign up for a free trial of Workiz and test it out!

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

California: Locksmith license California

Illinois: Locksmith license Illinois

Louisiana: Locksmith license Louisiana

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

Virgina: Locksmith license Virgina

Alabama: Locksmith license Alabama

Frequently asked questions

Maryland requires locksmith businesses to obtain a state license, while locksmith employees must complete the required employee registration process rather than obtain a separate business license.
Business owners must be at least 18 years old and submit a locksmith business license application.
Employees must complete a Report of Employee form and provide the required identification and photograph.
Both business owners and employees must meet applicable criminal background check requirements.
Business owners must provide a fixed business address and proof of liability insurance.
If you're planning to work independently, review this guide to starting a locksmith business before applying.
Maryland charges a $225 locksmith application fee, with additional expenses potentially applying to fingerprinting, insurance, training, and business setup.
Budget for the application fee before submitting your paperwork.
Confirm the current fingerprinting and criminal background check costs.
Include at least $300,000 in general liability insurance coverage in your business planning, as described in the article.
Account for locksmith tools, training, and the cost of maintaining a fixed business address.
Check the latest fee schedule with Maryland's licensing authority before paying, since application charges may change.
Maryland locksmith business applicants must provide a qualifying business address, proof of liability insurance, and the required ownership and employee documentation.
Secure a fixed business address rather than using a service vehicle as your business location.
Arrange the general liability insurance coverage described in the licensing requirements.
Maintain accurate records of employee identification, photographs, and required forms.
Prepare a suitable storage and inventory system for locks, key blanks, tools, and replacement parts.
Before purchasing equipment, consult the 26 essential locksmith tools every technician must have to help plan your initial inventory.
Workiz helps locksmith business owners organize appointments, customer information, invoices, payments, and inventory as they begin serving customers.
Schedule residential, commercial, and emergency locksmith appointments in one place.
Keep customer details and job information accessible to your team.
Generate invoices and manage payments after completing service calls.
Monitor inventory so technicians can prepare for upcoming jobs.
Explore Workiz locksmith management software to see how these workflows can support a growing business.
Workiz helps locksmith businesses coordinate technician schedules, track jobs, and maintain visibility into daily field operations as their teams grow.
Assign jobs based on technician availability and the type of locksmith service required.
Keep dispatchers and technicians informed about appointment details and schedule changes.
Track job progress to identify delays and manage customer expectations.
Organize invoicing, payments, and inventory records as service volume increases.
Using Workiz can help Maryland locksmith businesses build more consistent processes as they expand beyond a single technician.