Key takeaways
- Minnesota has no state license or bond requirement for locksmiths, per the Attorney General's Office.
- Some Minnesota cities have their own certification rules.
- Out-of-state scam outfits have made false licensing and bonding claims.
- Check the business registration, a real name and location, a written estimate and insurance.
In this article
Many states make locksmiths get a state license. Minnesota is not one of them. That surprises people, and it matters when you are deciding who to let into your home or car.
The short answer
According to the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, Minnesota law has no license or bond requirement for locksmiths. Its consumer brochure on locksmiths, Out-of-State Companies Posing as Local Locksmiths, says so directly, and adds that some municipalities require a locksmith to be certified before doing business in their community.
Bills that would have created a state locksmith license were introduced in the Legislature, including HF 2298 in 2019, but as of this writing there is no statewide license in effect.
Why licensing claims can be a red flag
The Attorney General's Office notes that some out-of-state companies have made false claims about licensing and bonding. Since there is no state license to hold, a Minnesota locksmith who leads with a state license claim either means a city certification, a general business permit, or nothing at all. Ask which.
What to check instead
Without a state license to look up, these checks tell you much more:
1. Is it a real, registered business?
Search the company on the Minnesota Secretary of State business search. You will see its legal name, whether it is active, and where its registered office is. For example, our company, S.O.S Locksmith Solution LLC, is listed there as an active Minnesota LLC based in Crystal (file number 1564305400028).
2. Do they give a name and a location?
The Attorney General's Office says not to use a company that refuses to give its business name or location, and to be wary of anyone who answers the phone with just "locksmith".
3. Do they give a detailed estimate up front?
For cars, a quote based on year, make and model. For homes, a quote based on your lock, including any parts. A company that will not quote until they arrive is a warning sign.
4. Are they insured?
The Attorney General's brochure suggests confirming the locksmith is insured to cover damage that might result from the work. Ask.
5. Does the person who shows up match?
Ask for ID when the locksmith arrives and check that the name matches the business on the bill or the vehicle. Get an itemized receipt, and never sign a blank work order.
What about city rules?
Because certification rules are set city by city, the simplest move is to ask your city if it requires one, or check its website. If a locksmith works in your city regularly, they should know the answer.
The bottom line
In Minnesota, there is no state license to check, so check the business itself: a registered name, a real location, a clear price, ID on arrival and a proper receipt. Read how to avoid a locksmith scam for the full list of red flags.
SOS Locksmith Solutions answers with our name, tells you the price on the phone, and is a registered Minnesota company you can look up. Call 763-600-3529 or read about us.
Questions people ask
Is a locksmith in Minnesota required to be bonded?
No. The Minnesota Attorney General's Office states that Minnesota law has no license or bond requirement for locksmiths.
Did Minnesota ever try to create a locksmith license?
Bills to create one were introduced in the Minnesota Legislature in 2017 and 2019, but as of this writing there is no statewide locksmith license in effect.
How can I check if a locksmith business is real?
Search the Minnesota Secretary of State business database for the company name, ask for the business name and location on the phone, and check that the technician's ID and receipt match.
Written by the SOS Locksmith Solutions teamFamily-owned 24/7 locksmith based in Crystal, MN. Updated .
