How to Start a Locksmith Business

Locksmithing involves picking, designing, installing, and maintaining locks — both mechanical and electronic. Your business would sell to, and service, clients who need these kinds of services. Clients may include other businesses, state and local governments, elementary and secondary schools, hospitals, and security companies. Most locksmithing businesses provide services either in-store or on-site.

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Start a locksmith business by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Locksmith Business
  2. Form your Locksmith Business into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Locksmith Business for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Locksmith Business
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Locksmith Business
  7. Get Locksmith Business Insurance
  8. Define your Locksmith Business Brand
  9. Create your Locksmith Business Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your locksmith business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Locksmith Business Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a locksmith business?

Starting a locksmithing business doesn’t cost a fortune. If you start working out of your home, it may cost a few hundred dollars for basic equipment like:

  • Plug spinners
  • Mechanical and computerized picks
  • Key extractor
  • Tension wrenches
  • Electric pick guns
  • Locksmith hammer
  • Router drills
  • Key cutters

A full-time operation with a wide range of services might have initial startup costs of between $5,000 and $10,000, with much of this money going toward more advanced tools like:

  • Key decoders
  • Lock bypass tools
  • Specialized tools like automotive lock picking tools or safe cracking tools
  • Drill jigs and guides

If you want to run an emergency on-site service, you’ll also need a vehicle.

What are the ongoing expenses for a locksmith business?

Ongoing expenses for a locksmith business depend on the size of the business. Maintenance of service vehicles may run a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a year. Maintenance on tools is typically minimal, but may cost several hundred per year depending on the equipment used and your company’s maintenance needs.

Who is the target market?

Locksmiths serve a wide variety of customers. However, the most profitable customers are typically corporations and governments in need of ongoing service and maintenance. With that said, a 24/7 emergency service can be profitable for some locksmithing businesses since premium prices can be charged for what is essentially “after hours” work.

How does a locksmith business make money?

Locksmith businesses make money by designing and installing lock systems. They also make money by designing keys and performing various services related to locksmithing. This might include letting someone into their car or home if they’ve locked themselves out accidentally. It could also include making duplicate keys or fixing locks or security systems.

How much can you charge customers?

Most locksmiths charge a mobile fee of $35 and $150 if they have to go to the customer for service. For nights or weekends, you can charge between $150 and $250. For basic service, like changing a lock, locksmiths charge anywhere between $40 and $100, plus $5 to $25 per cylinder. If you’re installing new locks, you can charge up to $100 as a minimum fee, plus $20 to $30 per lock.

Copying a key should cost customers between $1.50 and $4 for standard keys. Specialized keys can be sold for up to $20 and “chipped” keys for vehicles may fetch prices between $50 and $175.

How much profit can a locksmith business make?

Locksmithing businesses tend to have a high markup on services. Because it’s a low-overhead business, most of what you charge is profit. A one-person locksmithing business can clean between $40,000 and $60,000 per year. However, if you employ other locksmiths, there’s no reason you can’t make a million dollars or more.

How can you make your business more profitable?

One of the best ways to build profits in the locksmithing business is to offer exceptional service and ask for referral business. However, beyond that, locksmiths who specialize tend to make more than generalists. For example, automobile lockout services tend to charge more than a general locksmith. Locksmith companies who specialize in corporate security also make more than generalists. Keep this in mind when considering whether a locksmithing business is right for you.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your locksmith business is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your locksmith business were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

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FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our How to Start a Business guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best Business Formation Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

State and Local Business Licensing Requirements

  • Many states require a locksmithing business to validate that every locksmith working within that company is licensed due to the locksmith having access to a client’s home. Some states simply require a background check while other states require an approved training course.
  • In many states, an apprenticeship is additionally required to teach a new locksmith the ropes of the business.
  • Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.
  • In addition, certain local licensing or regulatory requirements may apply. For more information:

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Locksmith Business needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Locksmith Business.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a locksmith business

Marketing for locksmithing is not as difficult as it sounds. Most businesses that market to residential customers do so through Google. A local Google search has become, by far, the most reliable way for people to find local locksmiths. This is because Google curates local businesses in its local search.

In addition, locksmith businesses often advertise by putting a sign on their van or truck. They also invest in good signage in front of their office.

How to keep customers coming back

Locksmith businesses that stand out from the crowd tend to do best. Unless you’re the only locksmith in the area, you need to figure out what you can do that others cannot. For example, a locksmithing business might advertise a 99% success rate on opening locks without damaging the lock or door. Alternatively, the business might guarantee availability between certain hours or guarantee to have a technician out to a job site within a certain amount of time.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Locksmithing businesses are started by people who like working with their hands, have a background in mechanical engineering or are mechanically inclined, are creative and curious by nature, love puzzles, and who are night owls.

This business does not sleep. Customers may call at late or unusual hours for lockout services. A locksmith needs to be wide awake and able to think clearly when most people are asleep.

Locksmithing is a challenging business and not for individuals who give up easily. Technology changes at a rapid pace in this industry, so a constant desire to learn and discover new things is important.

Finally, locksmiths are charged with the public trust. Since a locksmithing business makes keys and locks for individuals, businesses, and governments, it holds the “keys to the kingdom.” A high standard of ethics is essential since they inherently put people in vulnerable positions when performing services like lockout, re-keying, and designing custom security locks and systems.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

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What happens during a typical day at a locksmith business?

Locksmiths make locks and keys, so a lot of the day-to-day activities revolve around that. However, a locksmith might also spend a lot of time changing or replacing locks in a building, updating old locks or replacing broken ones. A locksmithing business might be responsible for maintaining and updating security systems for corporations or governments. If you run a 24/7 emergency service, your typical day will likely include lockout services at odd or unusual hours.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful locksmith business?

The locksmithing business is, more or less, a trade profession which still operates under an apprenticeship program. There are also certifications you can get from trade organizations, like the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA).

Certified Registered Locksmith is one of three major certifications that increase a locksmith’s credibility and help educate potential candidates for apprenticeship. The other two certifications are the Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL) and Certified Master Locksmith (CML).

Most companies who hire locksmiths look for these certifications. Likewise, if you want to be taken seriously in the industry, all three are a practical requirement.

Other certifications include Registered Locksmith (RL), Certified Automotive Locksmith (CAL), Certified Professional Safe Tech (CPS), and Certified Master Safe Tech (CMST).

In addition to certifications, you’ll need a license. Some states require you have a certification before getting licensed to do business as a locksmith.

Before you can get licensed, you need to meet additional requirements:

  • Be 18 years old.
  • Complete training or apprenticeship.
  • Pass a certification course and exam.
  • Get a business license.
  • Have a clean criminal history.

The two main governing bodies that offer certifications are the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) and the Safe and Vault Technician’s Association (SAVTVA).

What is the growth potential for a locksmith business?

A locksmithing business is usually a small one. Most locksmiths are part of a family-owned operation or work as an apprentice under the original owner.

However, there is nothing that prevents a locksmithing business from becoming a large chain or franchise. Most locksmithing businesses remain small because of the unique nature of the business. It doesn’t scale well unless you use business systems (like franchise agreements).

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

Most locksmithing businesses are small, family-owned, operations. However, if you want to build a larger business, you’ll need to hire and train talent. It makes sense to hire extra help when you can’t perform all the basic tasks of the business yourself.

For example, some of the first roles you may want to fill include a bookkeeper and a receptionist. If you need additional help, hiring a locksmith will cost you between $22,141 and $56,597 in salary. This does not include benefits and other regulatory requirements.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading