Tennessee Locksmith Licensing and Legal Requirements (2026)

By Mohammad H. Abdelhadi, ALOA-Certified Master Locksmith, mobile automotive locksmith. Reviewed by Ray Obar, Master Locksmith. Updated June 2, 2026.

Tennessee Locksmith Licensing and Legal Requirements have changed significantly since 2021. Tennessee does not require a state-issued locksmith license, making it one of the majority of U.S. states with no occupational locksmith regulation at the state level.

Tennessee Locksmith Licensing and Legal Requirements: License Required or Not Required

Tennessee does not require a state locksmith license. The state’s previous locksmith licensing program — established by the Locksmith Licensing Act of 2006, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA), Title 62, Chapter 11 — was fully repealed effective May 27, 2021. Governor Bill Lee signed Senate Bill 0012 and House Bill 0009 into law on that date, eliminating all state-level locksmith licensing, registration, and apprentice-registration requirements.

Before the repeal, Tennessee was one of roughly fifteen states that mandated a specific occupational locksmith license. The 2006 Act had required individual locksmiths, locksmith apprentices, and locksmith companies to register with the state, pass an examination, submit fingerprints for an FBI background check, carry liability insurance, and complete continuing education. All of those requirements were eliminated when the Act was repealed as part of a broader deregulation effort.

What this means in practice: any person or business may perform locksmithing services for compensation in this jurisdiction without obtaining a locksmith-specific license or permit from the state. There is no state examination, no state-mandated training-hour minimum, and no state-required background check specific to the locksmith trade. Consumers should understand that the absence of a licensing requirement means the state does not vet individual locksmith technicians, so they must rely on other indicators of professionalism — such as voluntary industry certifications, insurance, and reputation.

Current Issuing Authority for Tennessee Locksmith Licensing and Legal Requirements

There is currently no state agency that issues or administers a locksmith license in Tennessee. Before the 2021 repeal, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI), through its Division of Regulatory Boards and specifically its Locksmith Licensing Program, served as the issuing authority. The TDCI’s own website now hosts a notice titled “Repeal of Tennessee Locksmith Licensing Act,” confirming that the department no longer regulates locksmiths, locksmith apprentices, or locksmith companies and no longer has the authority or jurisdiction to discipline anyone for operating without a locksmith license.

Because there is no administering agency, there is no state portal for locksmith license applications, no locksmith license lookup database maintained by the state, and no continuing-education tracking for locksmiths. Consumers who wish to verify a locksmith’s credentials should look for voluntary certifications from industry organizations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), which offers credentials including Certified Registered Locksmith (CRL), Certified Professional Locksmith (CPL), and Certified Master Locksmith (CML).

Tennessee Locksmith Licensing and Legal Requirements: License Classes, Renewal, Bonding, and Insurance

State License Classes

Not applicable. The repealed Act formerly recognized three categories — individual locksmith, locksmith apprentice, and locksmith company — each with its own application process and fee schedule. These categories no longer exist in Tennessee law.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Not applicable. Under the former regime, licenses were renewed every two years and required twelve hours of approved continuing education per cycle. Since the repeal, no renewal obligation exists at the state level.

Bonding

Tennessee does not require locksmiths to carry a surety bond. This was also the case under the prior Act.

Insurance

There is no state statute mandating that locksmiths carry general liability insurance. However, many municipalities condition the issuance of a general business license on proof of adequate liability coverage. Additionally, commercial property owners and general contractors frequently require evidence of insurance before allowing a locksmith to perform work. Professionals such as those at Low Rate Locksmith voluntarily maintain insurance coverage as a standard business practice, even where it is not legally mandated.

Background Checks and Examinations

No state background check or examination is required. The former Act required FBI fingerprint-based background checks and a written examination administered by PSI Exams; both requirements ended on May 27, 2021. Individuals convicted of theft or fraud were previously barred from licensure, but that disqualification is no longer codified in active Tennessee law.

Penalties for Unlicensed Operation Under Tennessee Locksmith Licensing and Legal Requirements

Because Tennessee no longer requires a locksmith license, there are no penalties for performing locksmithing services without one. The former Act (TCA § 62-11-110) had authorized civil penalties and made unlicensed practice a basis for enforcement action by the TDCI. Those provisions were repealed along with the rest of Chapter 11.

That said, locksmiths operating in Tennessee remain subject to several other bodies of law:

• Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCA Title 47, Chapter 18): Deceptive or unfair trade practices — such as bait-and-switch pricing, misrepresenting qualifications, or advertising a false business address — can result in enforcement actions by the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, including injunctions and civil penalties.
• Criminal statutes: Using locksmithing skills to facilitate burglary, theft, or unauthorized entry remains a criminal offense under Tennessee’s general criminal code. Possession of burglary tools with criminal intent is separately punishable.
• Business tax compliance: Operating any business in Tennessee without the required general business tax license can result in penalties administered by the Tennessee Department of Revenue and local clerks. A separate $15 business license registration fee is due to the county or municipal clerk for each new business.

Consumers who believe they have been defrauded by a locksmith service provider can file complaints with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, even though there is no locksmith-specific board to receive such complaints.

City and Local Variations in Tennessee Locksmith Licensing and Legal Requirements

No Tennessee city or county currently imposes a locksmith-specific occupational license. However, local jurisdictions do impose general business licensing and registration requirements that apply to locksmith operations just as they apply to any other trade or service business.

Nashville (Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County)

Locksmiths must obtain a Metro Nashville business license through the Davidson County Clerk. Businesses operating from a fixed location must also comply with Metro Nashville zoning regulations.

Memphis (Shelby County)

The City of Memphis requires a business license for all commercial activity. Locksmiths operating out of a commercial premises must comply with City of Memphis zoning codes and may need a sign permit for storefront signage.

Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Other Municipalities

Similar general business license requirements apply. Locksmith businesses should contact their local city or county clerk’s office to confirm any jurisdiction-specific registration forms, fees, or insurance requirements before beginning operations.

Under the former Locksmith Licensing Act, TCA § 62-11-113 had preempted local governments from imposing their own locksmith-specific licensing requirements, though it allowed local registration of locksmith businesses. Since the entire chapter has been repealed, that preemption clause is also no longer in effect. In theory, a municipality could now enact a local locksmith ordinance, though no Tennessee city has done so as of this writing.

Documentation Consumers Should Expect from a Locksmith Service in Tennessee

Even without a state licensing framework, consumers can and should expect professional documentation when hiring a locksmith. Reputable providers like Low Rate Locksmith follow industry best practices regardless of whether state law mandates them.

Recommended documentation to request or expect includes:

• Photo identification: Under the former Act, locksmiths were required to carry a state-issued photo ID card. While that mandate has expired, a professional locksmith should be willing to provide personal identification and business credentials upon request.
• Written estimate or quote: Before work begins, ask for a written estimate that includes the service fee, parts cost, and any emergency or after-hours surcharges.
• Itemized invoice or work order: A detailed receipt protects both the consumer and the technician. It should list the services performed, parts installed, and total charges.
• Proof of insurance: Although not state-mandated, ask whether the locksmith carries general liability insurance. This protects consumers in case of property damage during service.
• Voluntary certifications: Look for ALOA credentials or other industry certifications. While these are not government-issued, they indicate a technician has passed knowledge and skills assessments.
• Business license: A valid Tennessee business tax license confirms the operator is registered with the county or municipal clerk and is operating legally.

These documentation practices serve as important consumer safeguards in a state where no government agency pre-screens locksmith service providers. Asking for documentation upfront is one of the best ways to distinguish a legitimate locksmith from a potential scam operator.