LOCKSMITH LICENSING IN TEXAS 

If you are Locksmith as defined by law and work on any "Mechanical Security Device" for the public you are required by law to become registered under the Texas Board of Public Security. You have to maintain liability insurance and have a background check conducted. Also, if you install "Electronic Access Control" you have to be licensed. Since September 1, 2004 there have been fines and criminal penalties for non-compliance. The Texas Board of Public Security (DPS/ TCPS) will not accept employee applications (for pocket cards) at this time. They will only register the company, owner, or manager. Once your company receives the license number then you will be able to submit the employee applications. 

TLA IS PROACTIVE 

The Texas Locksmiths Association has been asked to be first point of contact and liaison between the locksmiths in Texas and the Texas Board of Public Security. If you have a complaint about an unlicensed person or company you can download a complaint form from the Department of Public Safety website and submit it to the Texas Locksmiths Association. We also have the complaint form in a Word format that you may download and complete and fax to the Department of Public Safety. You do not have to use your name.

Requests for information, licensing packets and unlicensed locksmith complaint forms may be made by calling the Texas Locksmiths Association (877) 852-4636 weekdays between 8AM and 5PM or you can download the forms on this page or go directly to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

LEGISLATIVE FUND 

TLA monitors legislation, licensing, and regulation to look after the interests of locksmiths in Texas. A portion of the membership dues helps maintain this program, but additional contributions are needed. Those wishing to support this effort with a donation or donate items for the auction to be held at the annual conference in March, please contact a member of the board or call 1-877-TLA-INFO, (877) 852-4636 weekdays between 8AM and 5PM.

DOWNLOADS 

You must have Adobe® Acrobat® Reader™ (Free) to view and print PDF files

Licensing Application Package with Instructions and Forms (PDF) Word format

Electronic Access Control Test with NO Answers PDF

Access Control Study Guide PDF

LINKS

Texas Commission on Private Security 

TCPS Rules 

Texas Occupations Code / Chapter 1702 / Private Security Act 

SB1252 - Bill affecting Occupations Code

This page was updated September 20, 2007