Maybe you absolutely hate school and need a career that you can enter within 1-2 years; or perhaps you’re attracted to the raw physical nature of locksmithing, traveling from town to town in your van, using high-tech tools and gear, and getting your hands dirty. So, if “how do I get a locksmith license in Nebraska?” is one of your next questions, we will tell you what you need to have prepared to complete the application and give you a little advice to help you understand if a locksmith career is right for you.
How Do You Get a Locksmith License in Nebraska?
1. Ensure you meet the requirements for a locksmith license.
Locksmith licenses in Nebraska are administered by the Nebraska Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller.
To obtain a locksmith license:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18.
- Complete the application: Both individual locksmiths and businesses must fill out the same form. Print and fill out the locksmith license application.
- For business owners: List your business type (e.g., LLC, corporation, partnership), business address, name, titles, and officers of the company.
- Attach résumé (recommended): You will be asked to explain and write about your work experience from the last 5 years on the application; it would be best to compile all the information in a résumé and attach it to the form.
- Pay fee: Submit $5 with your application.
2. Provide criminal history.
The Nebraska Douglas Clerk/Comptroller does not require a criminal background check or fingerprinting. However, the locksmith license application will have a question that asks you if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense or have any current charges pending. If applicable, you will have to explain the details, supply dates, locations, and parties involved.
The form also provides a spot for references to name three people that can vouch for you as an honest and professional locksmith.
What criminal history can get you disqualified?
Any crimes related to locksmithing such as falsely representing yourself as a licensed locksmith or unlawful use of locks or keys can get you disqualified from receiving a license.
3. Study to become a locksmith.
The state of Nebraska does not require an official locksmith licensing exam.
Does this mean you should skip out on your education? Absolutely not! Locksmithing is a demanding but rewarding career; if you are not properly prepared, you might not complete your projects successfully and could potentially put your customer’s safety at risk.
So, how do you study to become a locksmith?
- Attend an accredited locksmith school
- Take an accredited online locksmith course
- Become an apprentice under a licensed locksmith
Where to study locksmithing?
To get started, you should start learning the basics online through the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). This accredited organization is the premier resource to become a certified locksmith online from anywhere in the country. You will have complete access to their library of books, DVDs, CDs, webinars, and other training material to help you pass their exam and get your certification. ALOA works with many states to make sure that their course materials and training are up to date to prepare you to work in the field.
You have to pay a membership fee of $255 in order to join ALOA.
4. Pay application fee.
The license application fee is only $5 (yes, really!).
5. Submit your application.
Download, print, complete, sign, and return the application, including the fee, to:
Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller
Records Division
1819 Harney St. Room H08
Omaha, NE 68183
Get Licensed in Nebraska and Get to Work
Now, we know what you are thinking: there is no training, exam, or criminal background check requirement in my state; therefore, it must be super easy to jump into a career as a locksmith right? Think again. The art of locksmithing requires ongoing education, training, and old-fashioned elbow grease. Yes, you can enter the field within two years, but you should always aim to get firsthand locksmith training at either a trade school, accredited college, or with your local locksmith as an apprentice. Getting feedback and learning techniques from someone who currently works in the field is worth gold. It also benefits you to continue to research and read up on essential locksmith tools and different gear you need to work smarter, not harder. Overall, becoming a locksmith is one of the best career choices if you want stability, love to work with your hands, travel, and need to start working soon.
Once you start working as a locksmith and paying attention to industry trends, note that locksmiths are hanging up their clipboards and running their businesses with technology like Workiz’s Locksmith Scheduling and Management Software. With this tool, you can book jobs online, keep track of job progress, and stay on top of your inventory so that you do not make careless mistakes like showing up to a job without a part or lacking the right tools. As soon as you get licensed as a locksmith, sign up for a free trial of Workiz!
