Locksmith License

Any person, partnership or corporate entity that wants to operate a new locksmith business in Miami-Dade County must initially apply in person.

Renewals will be accepted in person, by mail, or online. Follow these instructions to apply online.

Application requirements include:

• Completed New/Renewal Locksmith Business Registration Application
  • Solicitud Para Inscribir Un Negocio De Cerrajero 
• For individual locksmiths, New/Renewal Locksmith License Application
• Locksmith Experience Affidavit Verification of employment, experience or both shall be completed by the individual’s supervisor, or submission of at least three affidavits from persons affiliated with the locksmith industry, attesting to at least one year of locksmith experience of the individual.
  • Solicitud Para Inscribir Un Negocio De Cerrajero
• Copy of current Miami-Dade County local business tax or valid municipal business tax receipt
• Articles of incorporation/fictitious name registration
• Certificate of insurance with a minimum of $25,000 combined liability
• Individual locksmith licenses issued by the Office of Consumer Protection (each locksmith business must employ at least one licensed locksmith – separate Individual locksmith application required.)
• Workers’ Compensation Certificate or affirmation
• Copy of owner's driver's license

If the application process is not completed within 60 days from the date that the application was filed, the application will be considered abandoned and closed and a new application and fee will be required.

Each application for registration, renewal registration and duplicate registration must provide the required documents. Any person or corporation operating a locksmith business in Miami-Dade County whose registration is expiring must renew at least 30 days prior to the expiration of current registration

Change of Ownership
In the event of a change in ownership of a locksmith business, a new application and fee is required. Corporations that have a change of 10 percent or more of its ownership must notify the Office of Consumer Protection of the change no later than 30 days after the date of the change.

Business Changes
Changes in any material aspect of the locksmith business must be in writing along with proof of the change and the required fee, if replacement of the registration is required, within 30 days of the change.

Each application for registration, renewal registration and duplicate registration must provide the required documents. Any person or corporation operating a locksmith business in Miami-Dade County whose registration is expiring must renew at least 30 days prior to the expiration of current registration.

Individuals who do not currently qualify for a locksmith license due to lack of experience may obtain an apprentice locksmith permit. This allows the individual to work for a registered locksmith business, under the supervision of a licensed locksmith (direct supervision is required for the initial 120 days of employment). Fingerprints and a criminal background check will be conducted. Certain criminal backgrounds result in ineligibility for a permit.

Frist-time locksmith applicants must have been an apprentice locksmith for a minimum of one year or must provide documentary proof of being actively engaged as a locksmith or a locksmith supervisor for one year out of the 10 years preceding the application for a locksmith license.

• Locksmith Experience Affidavit

Verification of employment, experience or both, shall be completed by the individual’s supervisor or submission of at least three affidavits from persons affiliated with the locksmith industry, attesting to at least one year of locksmith experience of the individual.

How to Apply
First-time applicants who want to provide locksmith services (or work as an apprentice) in Miami-Dade County must apply in person. Renewal applicants may apply in person, by mail, or online.

• New/Renwal Locksmith License/Apprentice Permit Application

All applicants must complete a criminal background check and have photos taken by the Office of Consumer Protection as part of the application process. Fingerprints and a criminal background check will be conducted.

Upon successful completion of the application process, each locksmith will be issued a Locksmith ID card that must be displayed on the locksmith at all times when performing locksmith work, whether on or off the premises of the individual’s primary place of work.

• Locksmith Business fee: $399
  • Late fee for renewal: $199.50 (in addition to renewal fee)
  • Replacement of registration: $18
• Apprentice Locksmith Permit fee: $31
  • Late fee for renewal: $15.50
  • Replacement of registration: $8
• Certified Locksmith fee: $41
  • Late fee for renewal: $20.50
  • Replacement of registration: $8
• Background check fee: $25

Cash is not accepted. If applying in person, the non-refundable fees can be paid by credit card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express), check, money order, or cashier’s check made payable to Miami-Dade County. If using the online portal, fees may be paid using a major credit card.