California requires locksmiths to be licensed through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS), yet plenty of unlicensed operators still advertise online. Here's why the license actually matters, not just as a formality.
Licensing Means Background Checks
Licensed locksmiths undergo fingerprinting and background checks before they're allowed to work, given they have literal access to your locks, this isn't a small detail.
It Means Accountability
A licensed locksmith operates under a real business entity you can hold accountable, verify, and report issues against. Unlicensed operators, often the source of the inflated quote-then-upcharge scams we cover in our locksmith scam guide, offer none of that.
How to Verify a Locksmith
- Ask for their license number and look it up on the BSIS website
- Check that their vehicle is marked with a business name, not unmarked
- Get a quote before work begins, in writing if possible
Our License
Abe's Lock & Key is licensed, bonded, and insured (CSLB #1135686), serving the greater Los Angeles area since 1924.
Working with a licensed locksmith isn't just about following the rules, it's about who you're trusting with access to your home or business. Call 818-249-5128.