Home › Who does not need a Texas locksmith license?
Who does not need a Texas locksmith license?
Source: Texas Locksmith Help (texaslocksmithhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.
- A store that sells locks and deadbolts, if it does not service them for the public away from its premises and does not claim to be a locksmith.
- Store staff working on locks inside the store, limited to products the store sold or duplicating keys.
- A person hired directly by the customer to install a lockset that comes already keyed, with no rekeying or other internal work on the lock.
- Hotels, for the locksmith definitions in the law.
- Real estate licensees and multiple listing services working on lockboxes used to access property.
(source: Texas Legislature) (source: Texas Department of Public Safety)
The lockset installer must not be employed by or under contract with the store that sold the lockset. (source: Texas Department of Public Safety)
These rule exemptions end if the person uses the term "locksmith" or otherwise gives the impression of being a licensed locksmith (37 TAC 35.172). (source: Texas Department of Public Safety)
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: Private Security Statutes and Administrative Rules, 37 TAC Chapter 35 (PDF, 2024 compilation) (checked November 2, 2026)
Last updated: