Texas Licensing Laws

[Kayvon]

I've done some work trying to figure out the locksmithing laws for Texas and how to obtain a license. Here is the official page I turned up:

http://www.tded.state.tx.us/guide/bt-l.htm

Texas does not require a state license to be a locksmith, but getting certified is still recommended. In posting this, I'm hoping it will be useful in the future for those that use the "search" function. (Newbies, please do not post another topic like "NEED HELP!! PLZ!" at least put some description in it!)

[Romstar]

What the DEVIL was that about?

I don't know where you got that website, but you want to go here:

viewtopic.php?t=7328

and read this post I made and check out the links in there.

Not only is Texas regulated, but licensing is madetory now.

Romstar

[Kayvon]

What the DEVIL was that about?
I don't know where you got that website...

Before you're too quick to critisize, you might want to note that the website I gave is the same one linked to in the thread you gave. It's the official Texas State website.

The thread you gave refers to the Texas Occupations Code section 1702.110, which contains the following subsection:

Code: Select all

§ 1702.1056.  LOCKSMITH COMPANY.  A person acts as a
locksmith company for the purposes of this chapter if the person
sells, installs, or maintains mechanical security devices,
including deadbolts and locks, and:
        (1)  advertises services offered by the company using the term "locksmith";  or
        (2)  includes the term "locksmith" in the company's name.


So, yes, if you start up a company strictly on locksmithing (and it has "locksmith" in the name) you would need a company license. Otherwise if you're, say, a locksmith for a repo company you would not.

[Romstar]

You might want to continue reading the entire thing.

It requires that you be a license holder if you are even doing the work.

SECTION 8. Subchapter J, Chapter 1702, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 1702.2225 to read as follows:
Sec. 1702.2225. LOCKSMITH COMPANY REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
Unless the person is registered as a locksmith company, a person may
not:
(1) act as a locksmith company;
(2) offer to perform the services of a locksmith
company; or
(3) engage in business activity for which registration
is required under this chapter.

What this basically means is pretty simple. Either you register as a locksmith company, or you can't trade even as an individual locksmith. If you are trading, even under your own name, you must register as a company.

It would help you greatly to contact the Dept. of Public Safety, or to download the application package from their website.

The rules in Texas have changed, and there are reams of locksmiths that will be very happy to turn you in and have you fined for not registering.

In any case, good luck,
Romstar

[Romstar]

Before you're too quick to critisize, you might want to note that the website I gave is the same one linked to in the thread you gave. It's the official Texas State website.

No, that was the web site for Texas Economic Development. While they are a branch of the Texas government, they are not a licensing division. Therefore the information provided on their website could be outdated.

At any rate, I think there is more than enough information at the Dept. of Public Safety to cover this issue. Bear in mind that a lot of independent locksmiths are very upset about this mess.

Romstar

[Kayvon]

I stand corrected. I should have read more of that code before I posted. Thanks for clearing that up, Romstar.

Now I'm going to have to read through the whole thing and see what I would need to do to get a license there. Thanks!

[David_Parker]

, I'm in Dallas and I'm going to have a hell of a time getting registered because ALOA costs so much.


-Dave.

[Elijah]

After being a locksmith for a while you will realize just how inexpensive ALOA is. I'm not talking from experience, but I've already begun purchasing tools - some of which could singlehandedly destroy the ALOA sign-up fee. This is an expensive hobby.

[thertel]

I've looked into the licensing in Texas quite a bit, and as it stands the best thing you can do is do a "locksmithing school" like FB and then go to work for one of the driller killer companies (pop a lock) or if you can find a local lockie to take you on that is the best paying way. If memory serves at that point the Locksmith Company gets you a "pocket card" which sets that back about 30 bucks. Then after having traded for awhile then you can go out on your own. The whole system is now over regulated because of the alarm companies. The licensing fees are outrageous especially since a business must have a locksmith business license and the manager must also have a license, both of which if memory serves are 300 bucks, per year.

Which reminds me, there is now an organization in texas for anti smoking called "Californians for a Smoke Free Texas"................................................................................. What does one say to that. I'm voting for hte other guys next time.

Thomas