Licensing Information

§ 74F‑3. Licenses required.

No person shall perform or offer to perform locksmith services in this State unless the person has been licensed under the provisions of this Chapter. A violation of this section is a Class 3 misdemeanor unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment. (2001‑369, s. 1.)  Click here to view the full bill.

There are some specific exemptions for licensed general contractors and persons who work only on property owned by their employer (such as university or hospital locksmiths). This exemption does not apply to general maintenance workers who provide locksmith services on property that is not owned by their employer. There are additional exemptions for tow operators who unlock vehicles in their course of business, but offer no other locksmith services. Read the entire statute for further information. The NC Locksmith Licensing Board has also provided answers to frequently asked questions for both consumers and potential licensees. Consumers can check a list of licensed locksmiths. Persons working in the field can download all the forms and applications they need at the board’s web site.