Lockout Tips

The locksmith industry faces intense scrutiny repeatedly. If you do a quick Google search for a locksmith in your area, you will get dozens if not hundreds of results. All of them will want to help you out. But what kinds of help are they really offering? When you are locked out of your home or car, you become a potential victim for some unscrupulous locksmiths.

The majority of consumers seeking the help of a locksmith are not aware of crucial elements to look for or how to avoid being taken advantage of. In addition, most people don’t know how to know if they are getting the best service for the fee being charged. Hopefully, a look at one of the most startling facts about the locksmith industry will help ensure that you know what to look for when you need locksmith service.

Only 15 States Require Locksmiths to Be Licensed

It’s a startling fact, but it’s true. Only 15 out of the 50 states require active locksmiths to maintain a license. This means that in the other 35 states, anyone who claims to be a locksmith does not have to keep or show any type of verification that they are an actual professional locksmith. You have to take their word for it.

This can make it difficult to obtain honest, reliable service when you need it most if you live in one of those 35 states. At the same time, it makes it very difficult for honest, reliable locksmiths to stand out in an industry known for unscrupulous individuals. If you happen to be locked out of your car late at night on a dark road, you don’t want to be worried about reaching a certified, qualified locksmith.

Which States Require Licenses for Locksmiths?

The states that require locksmiths to be licensed are:

• Alabama
• California
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Virginia

If you call a locksmith in any of the above states, request to see their identification and proof of license when they arrive. For the other 35 states, you can request to see identification and some type of proof that they are qualified as a locksmith, but keep in mind that they aren’t required to keep or maintain a license.

24Hr Lockouts ensures that all of the locksmiths it dispatches agree to maintain every state and/or local certifications mandated by law. Keep our toll free number in your contact list on your smart phone and be assured of qualified service when you need it most.