Yes, you must have a license to operate as a locksmith in North Carolina
A Reddit post warns people to double-check a locksmith’s credentials before booking an appointment. A Reddit post has urged users to double-check locksmith's credentials before booking an appointment due to a bad experience. The user also claimed that locksmiths must be licensed to operate in North Carolina, but this is true. According to North Carolina law, a locksmith can maintain their state license to protect public health, safety and welfare. The North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board lists every available licensed locksmith in a public database. If an unlicensed locksmith attempts to cross into North Carolina from South Carolina, it should raise a red flag.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Meilin Tompkins in
A Reddit post warns people to double-check a locksmith’s credentials before booking an appointment.
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If you’re ever locked out of your house, who’s the first person you’re going to call? Probably a locksmith, but are all locksmiths created equal?
Before you make that call, it can be tough to vet a locksmith's credentials, but that's exactly what one person is doing after a terrible experience. Their post on Reddit is encouraging people to take a few moments to double-check a locksmith's background and certifications. The user also claims locksmiths must be licensed to operate in North Carolina, but is that true?
According to North Carolina law, a locksmith in North Carolina does have to have the appropriate licensing because locksmiths "have the knowledge and tools to bypass or neutralize security devices in vehicles, homes and businesses."
The Tar Heel State requires them to maintain their state license to protect public health, safety and welfare. Naama Ben Shabat, the owner of AKM Locksmith, says it's a good requirement for both the state and customers needing assistance getting into a locked property.
"You need to know who they are, what they are, what's the background," Shabat said. "Do they have felonies, misdemeanors? You need to know a little bit more about the person before you let them gain access to your life."
When looking for a locksmith in your area, the North Carolina Locksmith Licensing Board has a public database that will list every available licensed locksmith. The data base will show their license number, expiration status, date and any disciplinary actions taken against them.
South Carolina is a different story. The Palmetto State does not require a license to operate, but all locksmiths must register with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
If you're looking for a trustworthy locksmith, there are various associations, including the South Carolina Locksmith Association, that can help. Shabat said if an unlicensed locksmith attempts to travel from South Carolina into North Carolina, it should raise a red flag.
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