California Locksmith Help
Source: California Locksmith Help (californialocksmithhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 3, 2026.
California locksmith rules from official sources: BSIS licenses and fees, lockout ID rules, key duplication, landlord lock duties, city door rules and complaints. Information only.
Key facts (each checked against its source)
- Locksmith companies are licensed by BSIS; their employees must be registered. (source: California Legislature)
- A new Locksmith Company license costs $550: $275 to apply plus $275 for the license. (source: Bureau of Security and Investigative Services)
- At a home or business lockout, the locksmith must record your ID on a work order kept two years. (source: California Legislature)
- Landlords must keep a working dead bolt on each main swinging entry door. (source: California Legislature)
Licenses and lock laws
- California locksmith license rules (BSIS): Who needs a BSIS locksmith license and what the company license requires.
- California locksmith employee registration: The BSIS registration every locksmith company employee needs.
- What a California locksmith must ask for at a lockout: Work order and ID rules for opening homes, businesses and vehicles.
- California key duplication rules: Do Not Duplicate keys, restricted keys and who may copy keys.
- Who does not need a California locksmith license: Exemptions in the Locksmith Act, B&P 6980.12.
- California landlord dead bolt and window lock rules: Civil Code 1941.3: dead bolts, window locks and common area doors.
- Lock changes for California tenants facing abuse or violence: Civil Code 1941.5: the landlord changes locks within 24 hours.
- When a California locksmith also needs a contractor license: BSIS and CSLB rules for bigger lock and door jobs.
- Door replacement permits in California cities: Which California cities require a permit to replace an entry door.
Costs, how to and complaints
- California locksmith license fees: BSIS fees for locksmith companies, branches and employees.
- How to check a California locksmith and complain: Verify a BSIS license, read the ad, and where complaints go.
California cities
All questions (FAQ) · All sources
Sources
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 6980.10 (locksmith license required) (checked November 3, 2026)
- Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS): Information About Licensing: Locksmith Company (PDF) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Business and Professions Code 6980.53 to 6980.69 (locksmith conduct of business) (checked November 3, 2026)
- California Legislature (California Legislative Information): Civil Code 1941.3 (landlord dead bolt and window lock duties) (checked November 3, 2026)
Last updated: