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Frequently asked questions
Source: Texas Locksmith Help (texaslocksmithhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
Do locksmiths need a license in Texas?
Yes. The company needs a DPS security services contractor license (Class B, Locksmith) and each locksmith needs an individual locksmith license and must work for a licensed company.
How do I check a locksmith license in Texas?
Search the company or the technician in the DPS TOPS license search, which has a Locksmith category for individuals and businesses.
Can a Texas locksmith let me in without ID?
Not normally. Texas law requires a government issued ID and a signed authorization, except in a case of imminent threat to a person or property.
Does roadside assistance need a locksmith license to unlock my car?
No, if it is an automobile club or similar business that only unlocks the vehicle for its owner or operator and does no other locksmith work.
Can a handyman change my locks in Texas without a license?
Only for narrow cases, such as installing a lockset that comes already keyed when hired directly by you, with no rekeying, and without calling themselves a locksmith.
Does a smart lock installer need a license in Texas?
Often yes. Electronic access control work needs a DPS electronic access control device company license, and rekeying keyed locks is locksmith work.
Does my Texas landlord have to change the locks when I move in?
Yes. Locks operated by a key, card or combination must be rekeyed at the landlord's expense by the seventh day after each tenant turnover date.
Does a Texas rental need a deadbolt?
Each exterior door needs a doorknob lock or keyed dead bolt, plus a keyless bolting device and a door viewer, under Property Code 92.153.
How long does a Texas landlord have to fix a broken lock?
A reasonable time, presumed to be seven days after the request, or 72 hours if there was an unauthorized entry or attempt.
Can I rekey my apartment and deduct it from rent in Texas?
If the landlord fails to rekey after turnover as required, Property Code 92.164 lets you rekey and deduct the reasonable cost from your next rent, following the rules in that subchapter.
Can my Texas landlord lock me out for late rent?
A landlord may change the locks in limited cases under Property Code 92.0081, but must post notice and give you a new key at any hour, even if you do not pay.
Where do I report a bad locksmith in Texas?
Report licensing problems to DPS (online form or form PSP 22) and deceptive practices to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Is unlicensed locksmithing illegal in Texas?
Yes. It can bring a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation and is generally a Class A misdemeanor.
How much is a locksmith license in Texas?
DPS lists $37 for an individual locksmith license and $412 for a Class B company license, plus $28.25 for the FBI fingerprint check.
Do Texas locksmiths need continuing education?
Yes. Every licensed locksmith must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years.
Do I need a city permit to hire a locksmith in Texas?
No city license or permit is needed for licensed locksmith work. Some door replacements may need a city building permit.
Can I cancel a door to door lock sale in Texas?
Often yes, within three business days, if the seller solicited the sale away from its business and it was over $25. Cancel in writing.
Does Houston require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does San Antonio require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does Dallas require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does Austin require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does Fort Worth require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does El Paso require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does Arlington require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does Corpus Christi require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
Does Plano require a city locksmith license?
No. Texas licenses locksmiths through DPS, and Occupations Code 1702.134 says a licensed company does not need a city license, permit or bond for that work.
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 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: Private Security Fee Schedule (PDF, rev. 09/03/2019) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Private Security Statutes and Administrative Rules, 37 TAC Chapter 35 (PDF, 2024 compilation) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Types of Company and School Licenses (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Types of Individual Licenses (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Texas Online Private Security (TOPS) license search (checked November 2, 2026)
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: How to Avoid Home Improvement Scams (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Gate Operators and Garage Door Openers (checked November 2, 2026)
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: Renter's Rights (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Consumer Complaints (checked November 2, 2026)
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Private Security Program: Regulatory Services Division complaint form (checked November 2, 2026)
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: File a Consumer Complaint (checked November 2, 2026)
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: Consumer Rights (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Austin Development Services: Work Exempt from Building Permits (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of San Antonio Development Services: No Permit Required List (checked November 2, 2026)
- City of Corpus Christi Development Services: Homeowner's Guide to Permitting (PDF) (checked November 2, 2026)
- Office of the Texas Attorney General: Door to Door Sales and 3 Day Right of Rescission (checked November 2, 2026)
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