Find a Locksmith Service Provider

NCALI provides this directory as a resource for members of the public seeking locksmith services in the National Capital Region. Service providers may offer services in areas including: Commercial • Residential • Automotive • Safe & Vault

Important Disclaimer: The locksmith companies featured in this directory are independent businesses and are not affiliated with Prince George's Community College (PGCC). Participation in this directory does not create an employment, agency, partnership, or other business relationship between a listed service provider and PGCC. Any services arranged with a listed company are provided directly by that company, and any resulting business relationship is solely between the customer and the service provider.

How to Choose a Qualified Locksmith

A locksmith may be entrusted with access to your home, business, vehicle, or security system. Before authorizing work:

  • Confirm the business name. Ask for the locksmith company's complete business name, telephone number, and business address.

  • Verify licensing when required. Maryland and Virginia regulate locksmith services. Verify applicable licenses or credentials directly with the appropriate state agency.

  • Ask for identification. The technician who arrives should be able to identify themselves and the company they represent.

  • Get an estimate before work begins. Ask for the anticipated cost of the service call, labor, parts, hardware, and any emergency or after-hours charges.

  • Ask about significant price changes. If the final price will be substantially different from the estimate, ask why before authorizing additional work.

  • Be cautious of unnecessary drilling or replacement. Many common lockouts can be resolved without destroying the lock. Ask why destructive entry is necessary before authorizing it.

  • Request an itemized receipt. The receipt should identify the company, services performed, hardware supplied, and amount charged.

  • Check insurance when appropriate. For substantial residential, commercial, institutional, or access-control work, ask whether the company carries appropriate business and liability insurance.

  • Protect your security information. Do not unnecessarily disclose key codes, alarm credentials, access-control passwords, combinations, or other sensitive security information.

  • Use established contact information. Be cautious when the business name, telephone number, vehicle identification, invoice information, and advertised company identity do not match.

Verify a Locksmith

  • Maryland — Verify a Locksmith License: Maryland requires locksmith services to be provided by a licensed locksmith business and registered employees. The Maryland Department of Labor says consumers can verify a business or employee through its licensing database or by calling the program.

  • Virginia — Verify a Locksmith Credential: Virginia DCJS provides its External Verification Tool for checking the current credential status of an individual or business.

  • Washington, D.C. - The District of Columbia does not maintain a separate occupational locksmith licensing program comparable to Maryland's locksmith license or Virginia's DCJS locksmith credential. Locksmith businesses operating in the District are nevertheless subject to applicable D.C. business licensing, registration, tax, and other legal requirements.

    Consumers should verify the identity and business information of a locksmith before authorizing work and should request a written estimate and receipt.

Suspected Fraud or Improper Locksmith Practices

Consumers should consider reporting a locksmith when they believe they have encountered deceptive, fraudulent, unlicensed, or otherwise improper business practices.

Before Filing a Complaint

Keep as much documentation as possible:

  • Company and technician names;

  • Telephone numbers and business addresses;

  • Advertisements or website information;

  • Estimates and invoices;

  • Receipts and proof of payment;

  • License or credential information provided by the locksmith;

  • Photographs of work performed or property damage;

  • Emails, text messages, and other correspondence; and

  • A written description of what occurred, including dates and amounts charged.

Where to Report a Problem

  • Maryland: Locksmith-related licensing complaints can be submitted to the Maryland Department of Labor — Locksmith Licensing Program. File a Locksmith Complaint: Maryland's locksmith program specifically handles complaints and recommends supplying contracts, proof of payment, receipts and correspondence.

  • Virginia: File a DCJS Complaint: DCJS accepts written complaints, including anonymous complaints when enough information is supplied to investigate. Licensing or regulatory concerns involving locksmiths can be directed to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services.

  • Washington, D.C.: Report a Consumer Problem: The D.C. Attorney General's Consumer and Tenant Response program accepts complaints involving deceptive or fraudulent business practices and can assist when the consumer is a D.C. resident or the business is located or headquartered in D.C.

  • Federal Trade Commission: Suspected scams and fraudulent business practices can also be reported through the FTC's ReportFraud system.

  • Immediate threats or crimes: If the situation involves an immediate threat to personal safety, theft, forced entry, or another suspected crime requiring immediate assistance, contact the appropriate local law-enforcement agency.

Important NCALI Notice

  • NCALI provides these resources for consumer education and informational purposes.

  • NCALI does not investigate criminal activity or replace state licensing agencies, consumer-protection authorities, or law enforcement.

  • A listing in the NCALI Service Provider Directory should not be presented as a guarantee of a provider's work or conduct.

  • Consumers remain responsible for evaluating and selecting the service provider they choose to hire.