How to Check if a Locksmith Is Licensed in North Carolina

Every locksmith in North Carolina needs a state license. The rule comes from the Locksmith Licensing Act, Chapter 74F of the North Carolina General Statutes. So the quickest check is simple. Ask for the locksmith’s name and license number, then look them up with the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board. It takes about 5 minutes. We checked every fact below against the statute and the board’s website on October 20, 2026.

What Does North Carolina Law Say?

Under G.S. 74F-3, no one may do locksmith work in North Carolina, or even offer to, without a license. You can read the full text in Chapter 74F on the North Carolina General Assembly website. Three parts of the law matter most to a homeowner:

• The license. The person doing the work needs a license from the board. Helpers may work under a licensed locksmith’s direct supervision, and apprentices carry a colored badge card from the board.
• The photo ID card. The board gives each licensed locksmith a photo ID card. Under G.S. 74F-11, the locksmith must have it on hand for you to see while doing the work.
• The ad. Under G.S. 74F-12, every ad for locksmith services must show a valid license number from the board.

A license means the state knows who this person is. It also means there is a board you can go to if something goes wrong. It does not promise great service.

How Do You Look Up a Locksmith’s License?

The board runs a free lookup on its website. Follow these 5 steps:

1. When you call, ask for the full name of the locksmith who will come out, plus the license number.
2. Open the Verify License page of the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board.
3. Type only the locksmith’s name, or part of it. The board’s page says to leave the “Credential” box blank.
4. Make sure the name on the list matches the name you were given.
5. When the locksmith arrives, ask to see the photo ID card. Match the face and the name to what you looked up.

The board also posts a PDF list of every licensed locksmith. On October 20, 2026, the copy on its site was dated September 15, 2026. The search works by name only, and you cannot sort it by county. The PDF is handy when the online search is slow, because you can open it on your phone and search the page for the name you were given.

What Should You Ask Before Work Starts?

A short phone call tells you a lot about a company. Ask these questions before you agree to anything:

• What is your license number, and who will be coming out?
• Will that person carry a photo ID card from the board?
• Can you tell me what the job involves before you begin?
• Are you insured?

Vague answers are a reason to keep calling. A company that answers clearly on the phone tends to work the same way at your door.

Who Can Open a Lock Without a License?

The law lists some exceptions in G.S. 74F-16. Tow companies, car repair shops, car dealers and motor clubs can open a car as part of their work, as long as they do not present themselves as locksmiths. Hardware stores can copy keys if they meet the conditions in the law. Property owners can work on the locks on their own property, again only if they do not claim to be locksmiths. Police and firefighters can act within their jobs.

So a tow driver who opens your car door is not breaking the law. But any business that advertises locksmith services in North Carolina needs a license number in that ad. Landlords who hire help for tenant turnovers should run the same check. Our landlord checklist for rekeying between tenants covers the rest of that job.

Red Flags to Watch For

Watch for these warning signs:

• A website or ad with no license number anywhere on it.
• A person on the phone who will not give a company name.
• A worker who cannot show a photo ID card when you ask.
• Pressure to drill or replace a lock before anyone tries to open it.

If a locksmith shows up without a card and cannot give you a name you can look up, you have every right to say no and call someone else. If something feels wrong, stop the job. Then check the Complaints section of the board’s website.

How All In Locksmith Shows Its License

All In Locksmith carries insurance and holds NC Locksmith License #2554. That number appears on our website. Ask us for it when you call, and look us up on the board’s site before we arrive. We are happy when customers check.

Need a licensed locksmith for your home? We come to you 24/7 for lockouts, rekeys, lock repairs and smart lock installs. See our full list of residential locksmith services, or call (919) 901-3231 any time.