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Locksmith License Application Checklist

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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 or NYC Small Business Support 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 DCA-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.
    License Applicants must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted:
    • Visit uenroll.identogo.com
    • Enter:
      • Service Code. Enter 1585FZ
      • Agency ID. Enter numbers only from Record ID Number. Record ID Number is on your receipt or confirmation letter when you apply online. (Example: For Record ID Number 12345-2021-AHIC, enter only 123452021 as Agency ID.)
    • Follow the instructions and pay the required fee(s).
     
    IMPORTANT: Anyone required to be fingerprinted should schedule an appointment as soon as possible to complete this requirement.
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation, if applicable (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

  1. Review requirements and gather all materials before clicking the button below. The online service is available using a laptop or desktop computer only.
  2. If you haven’t registered an account with the City of New York, you will need to register an account before you can proceed to the online application.
  3. After you submit the online application, follow the instructions on the confirmation page. DCWP cannot process incomplete applications.
  4. 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 or NYC Small Business Support Center

DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004

By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday, Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.		 NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435

By Appointment Only Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

 
By Email: LicensingAppointments@dca.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@dca.nyc.gov.

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, please email DCWP’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at humancapital@dca.nyc.gov or visit our Accommodations page.

Additional Resources for Locksmiths

  • For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.
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