Mobile Service Hours*: 9am to 7pm weekdays. 11am to 5pm Saturday. Closed Sundays.	Call Us! Local or Toll Free 619-757-5559 888-Let-SDLS (888-538-7357)
(After Hours, Sunday, or Holiday Service is strictly based on Tech Availability - Higher Rates May Apply)*

Licensed vs. Unlicensed Locksmiths... Is there a difference?

Did you know...?

That the state of California REQUIRES all locksmiths, or people doing business using locksmith tools and equipment, to have a Locksmith License?
That state licensing requires nationwide criminal background checks from both the Department of Justice, AND the FBI, as well as fingerprinting, etc.?
That a contractors license does NOT substitute for a locksmith license? (A contractor who intends on performing locksmith work of any kind, even in the course of his/her normal construction job, is required to have a independently obtained and validated locksmith license as well as his/her contractors license.)
That only a licensed locksmith can be a bonded locksmith in California?
That only a licensed locksmith can legally (and enforceably) carry general liability business insurance as a locksmith?
That the above two items are your only recourse in the case of property damage or a "locksmith" hurting themselves on your property to recover?
That it is a crime under California State Business & Professions code, as well as under the penal code, for a consumer to even hire an unlicensed locksmith?

Points to consider when choosing a locksmith:

Does the Locksmith you're considering have a Locksmith License, issued by the state of California (required by law), that is current, valid, and in good standing? Click here to verify the license of any locksmith. If the state site is down, you may also verify by calling: (800) 952-5210 or (916) 322-4000. Licensing includes nationwide criminal background checks, fingerprinting, etc.
Is the Locksmith you're considering locally owned and operated? We are proud to say that San Diego Lock and Safe™ is a locally owned & operated business, NOT an out sourced business.
Does the Locksmith you're considering warranty their work? And are they available nights and/or weekends to cover that warranty?
Is the Locksmith you're considering one who adheres to a strict 5 day/daytime hours work week? Or are they available to work around your schedule?
Does the Locksmith you're considering come out at no charge and research what you actually need for your commercial work, offer suggestions & explanations, and work to keep you within your budget, rather than quoting high to cover all the possibilities?
Is the Locksmith you're considering charging fair and appropriate prices for the work done?
Does the Locksmith you're considering have posted, fixed rates for most service call work?

When calling around for prices, make sure you find a locksmith that is currently licensed in good standing to do your work for you - NOT a contractors license, a locksmith license.  California requires one by law.  A Contractors license, while a good thing to have, and required only as an adjunct to locksmith jobs that bill over $500, it is NOT a replacement for, a locksmith license.

Locksmiths are required by state law to post their locksmith license number on all advertising and invoices, etc.  They are required by law to carry the embossed pocket version of their locksmith license issued by the State of California when performing any locksmith related jobs, and to present it upon demand.  They are also required by law to give you the number if you ask for it over the phone, by mail, or by e-mail.  There is a link on most pages of our website that you can use on your own to verify any state required locksmith license and its current standing.  (*Each instance of the word "license" in this paragraph is also linked to the state verification site. :)

Remember, locksmiths are the ones that you entrust the safety and security of your home, your business, and your vehicles to.  Isn't it best to hire one that has undergone the state requirements for a nationwide criminal background check, fingerprinting against the Department of Justice database and the FBI, and been issued a license only if all of the above came back clear?

San Diego Locksmith, serving the communities of: San Diego, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla, Clairemont, Mission Valley, North Park, Kearney Mesa, Linda Vista, Scripps Ranch, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Coronado, Del Mar, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Rancho San Diego, Encinitas, Escondido, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, Balboa Park, Horton Plaza, Grantville, San Carlos, Serra Mesa, Carmel Valley, Sorrento Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Penasquitos, Sorrento Valley, Otay Mesa, Encanto, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Old Town, and more!
*(Please click here for a complete list of our coverage areas)

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