Locksmith License Application Checklist
Who Must Have a Locksmith License?
You must have a Locksmith license to repair, service, install, inspect, and open and close locks by mechanical means.
This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Locksmith license.
Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Locksmith License
See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCWP can only consider complete applications for license issuance.
- Basic Individual License Application
- Photo Identification of License Applicant
- One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant
- Proof of Locksmith Qualifications
- Fingerprints and Processing Fee
- Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable)
- License Fee
Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.
Requirements
DCWP will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:
- Photo Identification (ID) of License Applicant
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- U.S.-issued driver’s license or non-driver’s license identification
- License or permit issued by a government agency
- Passport
- Alien card/green card
- City, State, or Federal employee ID card
- Municipal ID card
- One Current Color Passport-size Photograph of License Applicant.
In Person: DCWP will photograph license applicants at no cost in the DCWP Licensing Center. Applicants can also submit a current color passport-size photograph.
Online: License applicants can upload an image file of digital passport photo quality. A digital camera with a resolution of 1 mega-pixel is adequate.
- Proof of Locksmith Qualifications
Submit ONE of the following combinations as proof of qualifications to be a locksmith:
- Two (2) Certificates Recommending an Applicant for a Locksmith License (download) signed by DCWP-licensed locksmiths OR
- A letter from Local Union No. 74 Service Employees International Union indicating successful completion of a locksmithing course at a school and one (1) Certificate Recommending an Applicant for a Locksmith License (download) OR
- A certificate from a school indicating successful completion of a locksmithing course OR
- Professional certification from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) OR
- Proof of licensure as a locksmith from another jurisdiction within the United States
- Fingerprints and Processing Fee.
You must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted:
- Visit uenroll.identogo.com
- Enter:
- Service Code. Enter 1585FZ
- Agency ID. Enter numbers only from Application Number. Application Number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online. Example: For Application Number 1234567-2023-AHIC, enter only 12345672023 as Agency ID.
- Follow the instructions and pay the required fee(s).
- Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download Affirmation).
Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application.
Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.
- License Fee.
License Period: 2 years | Expiration Date: May 31, Odd Years.
If You File Your Application Between These Dates: |
License Fee Option 1 |
License Fee Option 2 |
From June 1 in an odd year to November 30 in an odd year |
Pay $100 for a license expiring May 31 of the next odd year. (Valid for at most 24 months.) |
N/A |
From December 1 in an odd year to May 31 in an even year |
Pay $75 for a license expiring May 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most 18 months.) |
N/A |
From June 1 in an even year to November 30 in an even year |
Pay $50 for a license expiring May 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most 12 months.) |
N/A |
From December 1 in an even year to May 31 in an odd year |
Pay $25 for a license expiring May 31 of the soonest odd year. (Valid for at most 6 months.) |
Pay $125 for a license expiring May 31 of the next odd year. (Valid for at most 30 months.) |
Pay by:
○ Check or money order payable to DCWP. (In person)
○ Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only). You will be charged a nonrefundable Convenience Fee. (In person or online)
Application Filing Process
File Online
- Review requirements and gather all materials.
- Click the Apply Online button below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCWP License page to read requirements and proceed to the next online application.
OR
File In Person
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center:
DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.
By Email: LicensingAppointments@dcwp.nyc.gov
By Phone*: Call (212) 436-0441. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
*This number is to schedule an appointment for in-person service only. For general questions, email onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov.
Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.
Additional Resources for Locksmiths
- For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.
Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.