Houston locksmith license and lockout rules
Source: Texas Locksmith Help (texaslocksmithhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Locksmith licensing in Houston
Houston locksmiths are licensed by the state. A licensed company does not need a separate city license, permit or bond for licensed work (Occupations Code 1702.134). (source: Texas Legislature)
A business may not act as a locksmith company in Texas unless it holds a security services contractor license (Occupations Code 1702.102). (source: Texas Legislature)
Each locksmith also needs an individual locksmith license and must be employed by a licensed company (Occupations Code 1702.221). (source: Texas Legislature)
You can look up individual and business licenses, including the Locksmith category, in the DPS TOPS license search. (source: Texas Department of Public Safety)
Lockouts
Before opening a home, car or other property for a customer, a Texas locksmith must see a government issued ID and get a signed statement that the customer owns it or is otherwise entitled to legal access (Occupations Code 1702.2865). (source: Texas Legislature)
The ID and signature rule does not apply when the locksmith is called in a case of imminent threat to a person or property. (source: Texas Legislature)
Renters in Houston
In a Texas rental, the landlord must rekey locks operated by a key, card or combination at the landlord's expense by the seventh day after each tenant turnover date (Property Code 92.156). (source: Texas Legislature)
Complaints
DPS takes written complaints about possible violations of Chapter 1702 by a licensed or unlicensed company or individual. (source: Texas Department of Public Safety)
See who needs a license, how to check one, the lockout ID rule and rekeying rules for renters.
Other cities: Houston · San Antonio · Dallas · Austin · Fort Worth · El Paso · Arlington · Corpus Christi · Plano
On this site: Do Texas locksmiths need a license? · How to check a Texas locksmith license · Why a Texas locksmith asks for your ID during a lockout · Who can unlock my car in Texas? · Who does not need a Texas locksmith license? · Smart locks, keypads and access control: which Texas license? · Texas renters: rekeying after you move in · What locks must a Texas rental have? · How fast must a Texas landlord fix or rekey locks? · What a Texas renter can do if the landlord will not rekey · Can a Texas landlord change my locks? · How to complain about a Texas locksmith · Penalties for unlicensed locksmith work in Texas · What a Texas locksmith license costs · Texas locksmith experience and training rules · Do Texas cities license locksmiths? · Before a Texas locksmith starts work · Cities · FAQ · Sources
Sources
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Occupations Code Chapter 1702: Private Security (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) license search (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Legislature (Texas Constitution and Statutes): Property Code Chapter 92: Residential Tenancies (Subchapter D, Security Devices) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Consumer Complaints (checked November 2, 2026)
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