To become a licensed locksmith in Illinois you apply through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), pass the state locksmith examination administered by Continental Testing Services, clear a fingerprint background check, and carry $1,000,000 of liability insurance. Here is the complete requirements checklist.
Requirements at a Glance
| Regulator | Illinois Dept. of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
|---|---|
| Exam administered by | Continental Testing Services (CTS) |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
| Exam sections | Mandatory, Code, and Electricity |
| Passing score | 70% on each section |
| Application fee | $174, paid to Continental Testing Services |
| Exam fee | $50, paid to Continental Testing Services |
| Background check | Fingerprinting (ISP + FBI), taken within 60 days of applying |
| Insurance | $1,000,000 commercial general liability (after passing) |
| Score validity | A passing exam score is good for 3 years |
| Renewal | License expires May 31, renewed every 3 years |
Source: IDFPR Locksmith application packet (DPR-LOC) and Reference Sheet. Fees are nonrefundable and set by the state; verify current figures and exam dates with IDFPR and CTS before you apply.
The Requirements Checklist
- Be at least 18. You must be 18 or older to apply, with a Social Security number or ITIN.
- Complete the IDFPR application. Fill out the four-page Application for Licensure and/or Examination, profession code 191, Examination method.
- Get fingerprinted. Use a licensed Illinois live-scan vendor. Prints must be taken within 60 days of submitting your application, and the fingerprint receipt goes in with your application.
- Pay the fees and register with Continental Testing. Submit your application to Continental Testing Services with the $174 application fee and the $50 exam fee. Apply and pay online at Continental Testing, or mail it with a certified check or money order.
- Pass the exam. Pass the Mandatory, Code, and Electricity sections with at least 70% on each. A passing score stays valid for 3 years.
- Get your $1,000,000 insurance in place. After you pass, submit proof of $1,000,000 commercial general liability coverage to IDFPR on Supporting Document DE-INS.
The Exam, in Detail
The Illinois locksmith licensure examination is administered by Continental Testing Services and covers three sections: Mandatory, Code, and Electricity. You need 70% on each section to pass. A candidate study guide is available on the IDFPR website, and exam dates, test centers, and filing deadlines are published by CTS. Filing deadlines are strictly enforced, so register early.
Insurance & Background Check
Insurance: before your license is issued, you must carry a comprehensive commercial general liability policy with at least $1,000,000 in coverage, in the name of the individual licensee, and submit proof on form DE-INS. Background check: licenses are not issued until your fingerprint-based criminal background check clears through the Illinois State Police and FBI. Prints must be taken within 60 days of applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to get a locksmith license in Illinois?
At least 18 years old, with a Social Security number or ITIN.
What does it cost?
The application fee is $174 and the exam fee is $50, both paid to Continental Testing Services. All fees are nonrefundable.
What is on the locksmith exam?
Three sections: Mandatory, Code, and Electricity. You need 70% on each to pass.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. You must carry $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance and submit proof on form DE-INS before the license is issued.
How often do I renew?
The Illinois locksmith license renews on a three-year cycle, expiring May 31.
The Bottom Line
An Illinois locksmith license comes down to a short checklist: be 18, apply through IDFPR, get fingerprinted, pass the three-section exam at 70% each, carry $1,000,000 in insurance, and pay the fees. The exam is the hardest part, and that is exactly what we prepare you for.
Related: Illinois locksmith license overview and the locksmith exam guide.
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