San Antonio 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 San Antonio
San Antonio 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 San Antonio
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)
Doors and permits in San Antonio
San Antonio's No Permit Required List includes "Replacement of existing doors." In historic, neighborhood conservation or corridor districts there may be design and material limits. (source: City of San Antonio Development Services)
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)
- City of San Antonio Development Services: No Permit Required List (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Consumer Complaints (checked November 2, 2026)
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