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Are You Licensed to Practice as a Locksmith in New York City?

Any individual that wishes to repair, service, install, inspect, and open, or close locks by mechanical means in New York City is statutorily required to obtain a Locksmith License from the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) before doing so. Providing locksmith services without being appropriately licensed by this agency is considered unlawful, and violators can receive fines of $100 for each day that they do this.

The DCWP only issues locksmith licenses to applicants that meet its eligibility requirements, which include:

• Completing a Basic Individual License Application Form
• Providing a government-issued photo ID
• Submitting a current color passport-size photograph
• Providing proof of their locksmith qualifications, in the form of one of the following:
• Two Certificate Recommending an Applicant for a Locksmith License forms that have been signed by DCWP-licensed locksmiths
• A letter from SEIU Local 74 indicating that the applicant has successfully completed a locksmithing course at an approved school along with one properly signed Certificate Recommending an Applicant for a Locksmith License form
• A certificate from an approved school indicating that the applicant has successfully completed a locksmithing course
• Proof of professional certification from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA)
• Proof of valid locksmith licensure from another jurisdiction within the United States
• Processing and submitting their fingerprints via approved vendors
• Submitting a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation form, where applicable
• Paying all stipulated licensing fees

Eligible parties can either apply to the DCWP online or submit all required documentation to the department in person through any of the following locations:

Applicants who choose the online option will have to create a user account on the portal before initiating the application process, while those who choose the in-person option will have to schedule an appointment via email or by calling (212) 436-0441 before visiting the submission centers.

Note that the DCWP issues a separate Locksmith Apprentice License to individuals that are employed by and learning the locksmithing trade under the supervision of a licensed locksmith. Bear in mind that this apprenticeship period cannot exceed 36 months, after which the apprentice must apply for a Locksmith License if they wish to continue providing locksmith services.

You can contact the DCWP at 311, or (212) 639-9675 for callers outside NYC, to get more information on its licensing process and requirements for locksmiths that wish to operate in New York City. You can also confirm that the locksmith you intend to hire has been properly licensed by this department by utilizing the Check a License portal that it provides for this purpose.

Do You Hold Any Certification as a Locksmith?

Professional certification is an important aspect to consider when searching for locksmiths in NYC, and you should always look out for this in addition to city-mandated licensing. This is because:

• Certified locksmiths are typically better trained and more competent than their counterparts
• Certified locksmiths have access to state-of-the-art equipment and tools
• Certified locksmiths are more likely to be insured
• Certified locksmiths are regularly updated on the latest technological developments and advancements in locks and security systems
• Certified locksmiths are held to high professional standards, which generally makes them more respected and dependable than their uncertified counterparts

Professional locksmiths in NYC typically obtain certifications from the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), as well as other recognized organizations like the Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL) and the New York Master Locksmiths Association. Some of the certification programs offered by these organizations include:

• Fundamental Locksmith Certification
• Registered Locksmith Certification
• Certified Professional Locksmith Certification
• Certified Master Locksmith Certification
• Certified Automotive Locksmith Certification
• Certified Professional Safe Tech Certification
• Certified Master Safe Tech Certification
• Certified Forensic Locksmith Certification
• Institutional Certified Professional Locksmith Certification
• Certified Electronic Locksmith Certification
• Certified Institutional Lockshop Manager Certification

Note that you should always request proof of certification from your intended locksmith before reaching any hiring agreements with them and authenticate this proof with the appropriate certifying organization.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Locksmiths in the City?

Hiring a locksmith in NYC typically costs anywhere from $100 to $250 or more. Manhattan locksmith service costs up to $300 in an emergency, while Brooklyn locksmith service and Staten Island locksmith service may cost $30 to $50 less. You may find cheaper locksmith services in Queens and Bronx. Nonetheless, the actual fee that you will have to pay your locksmith for their services will be dependent on factors like:

• The exact nature of your required service
• The type of lock involved
• The urgency of the job
• The time of day
• Your location within the city
• Trip fees
• The complexity of the job

It is always a good idea to contact and get rates for your required service from at least three different locksmiths in the city before selecting one for the job, to avoid being overcharged by dishonest locksmiths. Be wary of locksmiths with rates that are considerably lower than the rest, as some dishonest locksmiths also use this tactic to get clients, only to grossly inflate their charges once the job commences.

What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?

Skilled locksmiths in NYC generally offer a wide range of lock re-opening, installation, and repair services to potential clients in the city. These include:

• High-security lock installations
• Security lock upgrades
• Key cutting and copying
• Key replacement
• Re-keying
• Door and window lock repair
• Building lockout service
• Car lockout services
• Electronic access installation
• Safe selection and installation
• Safe unlocking and repair
• Emergency services

Regardless of this, you should always confirm that the locksmith you plan to hire has the necessary skill set and tools required to satisfactorily provide your required services before signing any contracts with them. Also, make sure that you find out and agree on the cost of these services before the locksmith begins any work, and make sure that this fee, as well as any other guarantees or promises made by the locksmith, are included in your service contract. This goes a long way in preventing avoidable arguments and misunderstandings down the line.

Listed below are average price ranges for commonly requested locksmith services in NYC:

Estimates for home/building locksmith services based on the type of service:

Estimates for locksmith services based on the type of lock being installed/replaced (materials only):

Estimates for locksmith services based on the locksmith's expertise/level of experience

Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in New York City?

Every year, more than 20 million people in the United State lose their car and house keys. In situations where you find yourself locked out of your vehicle, it may be necessary to seek the services of an auto locksmith to help you regain access to your vehicle as quickly as possible. Note that, if the affected vehicle is a motorcycle, you should confirm that the automotive locksmith company you contact has experienced and well-equipped motorcycle locksmiths on staff. This is because motorcycle keys typically use a different type of manufacturer coding than other keys, and specialized tools are often required to cut new ones, regardless of if you still have the original key or not.

Also, always verify that the auto locksmith or motorcycle locksmith you plan to hire specializes in the make and model of your vehicle, and find out if they offer only in-shop services or if they provide mobile service options as well.

Listed below are services commonly provided by car locksmiths and motorcycle locksmiths in NYC, as well as cost estimates for these services:

Do You Provide Emergency Locksmith Services?

Certain unforeseen situations may require you to search for local NYC locksmiths that can render their services immediately or as soon as possible. Examples of these emergencies include:

• You locked your keys in your home or car
• Your home was burgled
• You are locked out of your home or car
• You have misplaced your keys
• Your keys were stolen
• You are moving into a new home
• You suspect that someone has gained access to your private space
• Your key gets broken inside the lock
• Your access control system is malfunctioning
• You have forgotten your safe combination

When faced with these situations, it is important to ensure that the locksmith you hire is not only licensed and experienced but also available and close enough to your location to attend to the situation right away. To this end, you can find qualified emergency locksmiths nearby via online directories provided by reputable organizations like the Associated Locksmiths of America and the Better Business Bureau. Bear in mind that you will typically be required to pay additional fees for these emergency locksmith services.

You can also consider utilizing the services of a mobile locksmith when faced with emergency key-related situations. These types of locksmiths typically work out of mobile workshops, and this offers you certain advantages in emergency situations, such as:

• Faster response times
• 24/7 availability
• Better accessibility to your location
• No towing for car-related emergencies
• More efficiency and experience due to the high volume of jobs typically received

Alternatively, you can turn to local and national 24/7 locksmith services like KeyMe, MinuteKey, and Mr Locks, to handle your emergency situation. Some of these companies also provide options that allow you to create and store digital copies of your keys online and make duplicates of these keys by yourself at available self-service kiosks. You will find these firms' kiosk in popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, and the Staten Island. Note that there are some downsides to using these types of services, which include:

• You risk providing strangers with access to digital copies of your key
• There may be no available self-service kiosks near the location of your emergency
• The self-service kiosk may be unable to duplicate your key type immediately. This is usually the case for high-security keys

Thus, if you are not comfortable with these alternative 24/7 locksmith options, it is advisable to retain the contact details of one or two trusted emergency locksmiths that you can call on if the need arises.

Finally, you can also minimize the need or occurrence of lockouts and other emergencies by taking the following actions:

• Get spare keys
• Use lockboxes to avoid lockouts
• Keep proper track of all your keys
• Install smart locks
• Get locks that fit your lifestyle and familiarize yourself with their features
• Properly maintain your locks

Do You Provide Smart Lock Services?

Smart locks do not use the traditional locking mechanism, therefore a different set of tools and knowledge are required to open these locks. As a matter of fact, your locksmith must possess advanced IT and programming skills to deal with your smart lock in case you are locked out or hacked. Generally, smart locks are either Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled devices that require an app, fingerprint, or a voice prompt for access.

Though more homeowners in New York City are swapping their traditional locks for smart ones due to the convenience and superior technology, these devices also have some disadvantages. As of 2021, over 11 million households across the nation have installed a smart lock.

If you find yourself in a situation where your smart lock has been hacked or damaged, or you have been locked out due to a battery drain, ensure to verify the proficiency of your locksmith to handle the job appropriately. The locksmith must have the right equipment and experience to do the job and be conversant with the technology used by the manufacturer of the lock. Common technologies manufacturers use include:

• A mobile app as a digital key to unlock a door wirelessly
• A fingerprint sensor with biometrics for authorization to unlock the door
• A programmable numeric keypad with PIN code to unlock a door

Some manufacturers use a combination of these technologies to allow for multiple means to unlock your door. Leading smart lock manufacturers in the US include:

• August
• Schlage
• Lockly
• Yale
• Kwikset
• Ultraloq
• Level
• Wyze

Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?

Professional locksmith companies typically conduct several types of background checks on their potential employees, including:

• Criminal record checks: this is an important type of background check for locksmiths and their employees, and it involves contacting local, state, and federal agencies to find out if the party being checked has any past criminal convictions or pending/ongoing court cases
• Civil court checks: this involves checking local and federal court systems for any non-criminal suits, claims, or judgments involving the potential employee
• Credit checks: this involves checking the potential employee's full credit history, and it typically covers payment histories, bankruptcies, unpaid bills in collections, civil judgments, tax liens, and recent credit inquiries
• Driving record checks: this is typically conducted for employees that will be operating company vehicles for business purposes. It generally involves confirming that the potential employee has a valid driver's license and accessing their driving histories for DUIs/DWIs, license suspensions, and moving violations, if any.
• Drug screening: this involves testing the potential employee for drug use. Many professional locksmith companies in the city typically continue these drug screenings at regular intervals even after the employee has been hired.
• Education and employment verification: this involves validating the potential employee's education, employment history, and on-the-job experience
• International background checks: this involves conducting criminal checks and validating education and employment experiences for potential employees that have previously lived, studied, or worked outside the United States

Note that locksmiths in NYC are typically required to undergo background checks before being licensed by the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). However, it is always a good idea to not only personally vet any locksmiths that you intend to hire in the city but also confirm that these locksmiths have equally vetted their employees, especially ones that will be directly involved in the task at hand. By doing this, you ensure that only trustworthy and reputable individuals have access to your personal space and belongings, and also reduce the possibility of crimes like theft and robbery from occurring.

To this end, when you contact a locksmith company in NYC, always get confirmation that the locksmiths being sent to your home have been properly vetted and verified. Request the name and description of these locksmiths, and always ask for IDs that verify this information before letting them enter your home or vehicle.

You can also conduct personal background checks on your preferred locksmiths and locksmith companies via the following methods:

• Searching local police court and correctional facility records, and other available public records
• Utilizing reliable background check websites and services
• Asking the locksmiths for references of past clients that can vouch for the quality of their services and checking these references
• Looking the locksmiths up online via websites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Review, and other similar third-party review websites and social network platforms

Do You Provide a Warranty for Your Locksmith Services?

Warranties are an important part of any service as they provide you with an assurance that the work in question was done professionally, with proper materials, and will function as expected. Even though these warranties can be spoken, written, or implied, it is always a good idea to hire locksmiths that provide written warranties. This way, you have a clear idea of the warranty's terms, conditions, and scope of coverage.

Professional locksmiths in NYC typically offer two types of warranties for their services, namely:

• Manufacturer's Warranties: these warranties cover the locks and any other materials used for the job, and they are typically valid for one year. Note that you may have to contact the product manufacturer directly if there are any issues with a lock that is under warranty. However, hiring a reputable and experienced locksmith greatly reduces the chances of this happening, as they typically utilize quality products for their services.
• Workmanship Warranties: these warranties cover the actual work done by the locksmith and guarantee that your locks were installed or replaced professionally and per the requirements of the product manufacturer. Similar to manufacturer's warranties, workmanship warranties are also valid for a specified timeframe, which is determined by the locksmith in question.

Note that while the specific terms and conditions of locksmith warranties primarily depend on the locksmith you hire as well as the type of products used for the job, these warranties are generally voided under certain conditions, like:

• The product was not installed per the manufacturer's requirements
• The product was damaged due to negligence, misuse, or vandalism
• The product was damaged as a result of natural disasters
• The product is worked on by a locksmith or locksmith company different from the one that handled the initial lock installation or replacement.

To this end, you should always take the time to read any warranties that you are given to ensure that you fully understand its terms and scope of coverage.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Locksmiths in New York City?

Every occupation has work-related perils, and locksmiths are not exempted from this. Professionals in this industry typically face dangers like:

• Cuts, tears, abrasions, and lacerations from hand and power tools
• Electrocutions and electric shocks
• Injuries from metal shavings and splinters
• Noise pollution from repeated exposure to key-making machines and other similar loud equipment
• Exposure to lead, metal dust, and other harmful substances

As such, it is always in your best interest to hire locksmiths that are properly insured. This protects you from financial and legal liabilities if they sustain any injuries while installing, replacing, or repairing your locks and also ensures that you do not have to make out-of-pocket payments if any property damage occurs during the execution of the job. Note that, per state law, all NYC locksmiths must carry workers' compensation insurance and employee disability coverage, or get authorized exemptions to these where applicable. In addition to this, you should ensure that your intended locksmith also carries the following types of insurance:

• General liability insurance: this provides coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
• Professional liability insurance: this provides coverage for defects in the provided service that are caused by negligence, errors, or improper service delivery

Always request and verify proof of insurance from locksmiths before you finalize hiring arrangements with them. You can do this by asking for a copy of their insurance certificate and contacting their insurance provider to authenticate this document. You should also confirm that the locksmith's general liability insurance policy covers third-party injuries and property damage and that its minimum limits will be adequate for the scope of the task at hand.