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If you enjoy working with your hands, are mechanically inclined, and want a career that enables you to start your own business becoming a locksmith may be the perfect career path for you. Compared to other career options, there are fewer requirements needed to start a locksmith business. However, you should understand the basics of how to become a locksmith in Arizona before you open for business.

If you want to become a locksmith in Arizona, you should know what they do and how to become one. This information will help you decide if being a locksmith is the right career choice for you. In addition, you’ll learn what you need to do to start your own locksmith business.

What Is a Locksmith?

You may think that a locksmith just opens the door when a person is locked out of their car or home.  Locksmiths do much more than just pick locks. They also install, repair, and replace locks and lock parts on doors and windows of cars, homes, and businesses. Most locksmiths also extend their services to include the installation, repair, and replacement of safes and safe locks. Some locksmiths also have started installing security systems.

How to Become a Locksmith in Arizona

Here’s a look at several things you should know if you want to become a locksmith in Arizona.

License

Some states do require locksmiths to obtain a professional license to work in the state legally. Arizona, however, is not one of these states. There are no licensing requirements to be a locksmith in Arizona. There is no guarantee that this requirement will not change sometime in the future. It is vital that you stay up-to-date on the latest changes to the law.

You should check with your local authorities to make sure that you do not need a permit to work as a locksmith in your specific area. In addition, you can choose to give your customers peace of mind knowing that they are working with a legitimate locksmith by joining a professional association, such as the Associated Locksmiths of America.

Background Check

Since you do not need a license to become a locksmith; you do not have to undergo a background check. If, however, you choose to join a professional group, they likely will perform a background check. A past criminal record or poor credit rating could affect your ability to obtain business insurance or your insurance rates.

Training

There are no training prerequisites to become a locksmith in Arizona. Although, some professional locksmith organizations may have their own set of training and experience requirements. Despite there being no training requirements, you must know how to perform the duties of a locksmith if you hope to operate a successful business.

There are many training courses you can take, and apprenticeship program you can enter to learn the skills you need. More and more home and business owners are switching to remote lock and key-less lock systems. If you have experience installing and repairing standard locks but have not worked with modern-day locking systems, you should obtain additional training in these locking systems. This extra training will ensure you can serve all your customers.

Skill Development

Though there are no training prerequisites to become a locksmith in Arizona, you still need to know what you’re doing. The simplest way to get started is by picking up a starter lockpick set, a practice lock set, and learning how to use them. Picking open a lock is the only skill that you need to know at the start that is unique to locksmiths. That doesn’t mean it’s the only unique skill you will ever need, but it is the one you will need to get going. The rest you can learn on the job.

Online Locksmith Training Course

One of the easiest ways to get the skills required to become a locksmith is to sign up to an online locksmith training course. Our basic locksmith course is good, but what I’m really talking about is an in-depth online course that will walk you through all of the step-by-step requirements for becoming a locksmith — even if your state doesn’t require training. The job itself requires specialized knowledge that has traditionally been passed down from locksmith to locksmith. That’s what this online course does, it just does it in the comfort of your own home, at your own learning speed. Take your time, learn locksmithing online, and when you’re ready, go out and launch your own locksmithing business.

Certification

You do not need any certification or degree to be a locksmith in Arizona. Although, completing a training program and earning a certificate or degree can give you an extra boost with customers. You can promote your skills and training on your website or social media to entice customers to select your business.

Tax ID Number

If you plan to run your locksmith business as a sole proprietorship, you will not need to file for a separate EIN (Employer Identification Number). As your business grows, you should consider obtaining a business EIN number from the IRS (Internal Revenue System). If you hire employees to work for your company, you must file for an EIN number to pay payroll taxes.

Business Insurance

You need to purchase business insurance, such as business auto and liability insurance. This insurance coverage can protect your business and personal assets in the case of an accident, lawsuit, or mistake. No matter how careful you are – accidents are bound to happen. You don’t want to lose your entire business just because of one mistake. That’s what makes purchasing business insurance so important.

Bonding

You should go one step further from purchasing business insurance and have your business bonded as well. Bonding coverage helps to protect your customers. A bond provides a legal guarantee that you will complete the professional work you were hired to do. Typically, a bond agency will perform a background and credit check and check your professional skills and experience.

Becoming a locksmith in Arizona can be a great career option. In addition, it lets you be your own boss. It’s important that you gather the necessary skills through a training course or apprenticeship. You also must purchase the right insurance and bonding coverage to protect both you and your customer. Knowing how to become a locksmith in Arizona is only the first step. The next step, however, is starting your locksmithing business.

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