Does DC license locksmiths?

What DC requires

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection issues Basic Business Licenses. Lock work falls under the General Business category, which costs $49 for six months, $99 for two years or $198 for four years and requires tax registration, a Clean Hands certificate and a certificate of occupancy or home occupation permit. None of that tests lock skills. It does tell you the business exists and is on file with the District.

You can look up a DC business license on SCOUT, the District's license search.

Next door is different

• Maryland licenses locksmith businesses and registers every employee who does locksmith work, through the Maryland Department of Labor's locksmith licensing program.
• Virginia regulates locksmiths as a private security service through the Department of Criminal Justice Services, with compulsory training and fingerprinting.

Many locksmiths who work in DC also work in Montgomery, Prince George's, Arlington or Alexandria. If one tells you it is licensed, ask which state, and the number. A real Maryland or Virginia license is a fair signal, even though DC doesn't require it.

What to ask on the phone

1. The legal business name. Not "locksmith service."
2. Its DC Basic Business License, and any Maryland or Virginia license number.
3. One total for the job, travel included.
4. What ID or proof they need from you. A careful locksmith asks.