Locksmith Apprentice License

You need a Locksmith Apprentice License to learn the trade of locksmithing. You must work under a licensed locksmith. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gives this license. You must be employed by a DCWP-licensed locksmith to apply.

NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
Licensing Center
42 Broadway
New York, NY 10004

Website:
http://www.nyc.gov/dcwp

Email:
onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

Phone:
For more help, call 311 and ask for Locksmith Apprentice License

• Complete the Basic Individual License Application:
  Download the application.

• Submit photo identification (ID):
  Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • US-issued driver's license or non-driver's license ID
  • License or permit from a government agency
  • Passport
  • Green card (alien card)
  • City, State or federal employee ID card
  • Municipal ID card

• Submit a current color passport-size photo of yourself:
  Note: You can be photographed at the DCWP Licensing Center at no cost or upload your photo online.

• Submit a letter from your employer confirming your job and the employer's DCWP Locksmith License number.

• Complete the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation if someone else will file the application for you:
  Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF)

• Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to be fingerprinted:
  Visit uenroll.identogo.com. Enter Service Code 1585FZ and Agency ID (numbers only from your Application Number).
  Example: For Application Number 1234567-2023-AHIC, enter 12345672023 as Agency ID. Follow the instructions and pay the required fees.

• List of fees:
  Fees depend on when you apply.

  • $20: License fee for new applications from June 1 of odd-numbered years to November 30 of odd-numbered years

  • $15: License fee for new applications from December 1 of odd-numbered years to May 31 of even-numbered years

  • $10: License fee for new applications from June 1 of even-numbered years to November 30 of even-numbered years

  • $5: License fee for new applications from December 1 of even-numbered years to May 31 of odd-numbered years

  • Fingerprint processing fee

  • Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for paying with a credit card

• List of accepted payment methods:

  • Check (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person applications)

  • Money order (payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, accepted only for in-person applications)

  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover card)

• Notification by mail: You will get a letter about your license application status within two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all needed materials.

  • If your application is approved: DCWP will send you your license.
  • If your application needs more information: DCWP will send you a letter with instructions. You must send the needed materials to DCWP within 10 days of getting this letter. If you do not, your application will be denied.
  • If your application is denied: DCWP will explain why and tell you how to reapply.

• License validity: The license is good for up to two years. It expires on May 31 of odd-numbered years. The training period should not be more than 36 months. After 36 months, you must apply for a Locksmith License to keep working.

• Report information changes: If any information in your approved application changes, you must tell the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). You can call 311 or visit the DCWP Licensing Cente. It is best to call 311 to check if you need to visit a center. You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.

• Compliance: You must follow all laws and rules of New York City. This includes the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can find them on the Public Access Portal.