Do I Need To Be DBS Checked To Be A Locksmith?
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Updated October 2025
Why Should you be a DBS Checked Locksmith?
Holding a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) as a Locksmith demonstrates your trustworthiness to customers and subcontractors alike. Although it is not a legal requirement, many subcontractors such as Keytek® Locksmiths require their locksmiths to hold a valid DBS to work with them.
Find out on our advice pages what else you’ll need to do to become a Locksmith.
What is a DBS Check?
There are four kinds of DBS checks: the basic, standard, enhanced and enhanced with barred list checks. Depending on the type of business and job involved will determine the level of DBS check you need. The Gov website describes the different levels of detail that these checks show:
- A basic check: shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions
- A standard check: shows spent and unspent convictions and cautions
- An enhanced check: shows the same as a standard check plus any information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role
- An enhanced check with barred lists: shows the same as an enhanced check plus whether the applicant is on the list of people barred from doing the role
Is a DBS Check Legally Required for Locksmiths?
No, being DBS checked is not a legal requirement for locksmiths in the UK. The industry itself is not regulated, which means anyone could call themselves a locksmith. This can cause many a problem for homeowners if they hire someone who isn’t as skilled as they say they are. At Keytek® we require all our locksmiths to be accredited or qualified to ensure they have the training for the job as well as a valid DBS check to ensure their trustworthiness and ability to work with vulnerable clients.
Why Should I Be DBS Checked as a Locksmith?
1. Build Customers Trust
Being DBS checked is a good trust signal to have so that people know that you are a respectable and trustworthy Locksmith, especially as people are trusting you with their home security.
2. Work For a Locksmith Network / Professional Bodies
If you want to work for a Locksmith network, they will most likely ask for a valid DBS check. This is to ensure that all parties are protected from potential threats or damage to the business, as well as protecting the customers and ensuring they are only sending safe Locksmiths to their homes.
If you’re thinking of joining a Locksmith course to start your Locksmithing career, you will also probably need to have a valid DBS certificate to go on the course due to the sensitive course content.
3. To Work with Vulnerable People
As a Locksmith, there will be vulnerable people that you’ll work for including parents with children, people with disabilities and elderly people. Being DBS checked helps to ensure that you’ll be able to work in a variety of different locations especially when vulnerable people are involved.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Be a Locksmith UK?
Although legally there are no qualifications or checks to be a Locksmith, it’s best practice and increases trustworthiness if you have the skills to be able to do the job and the credentials to show it.
- Locksmith Accreditation/Qualification
We offer both a level 4 accreditation and a level 3 qualification at Keytek® Academy.
- Insurance
Public liability insurance is essential as a locksmith which covers accidental damage or injury.
- Licences
Including waste carrier license.
- DBS Check
How To Apply for A DBS Check
To apply for a Basic DBS Check is a very simple online form that you’ll need to fill out, and you’ll get your DBS certificate within 14 days. As an individual you cannot apply for the standard or either of the enhanced DBS checks, only certain organisations and companies are able to do this.
FAQs
- Does having a criminal record disqualify me from being a locksmith?
Not always, it depends on the conviction itself. If you are unsure and want to train/subcontract with us just give us a call and one of our friendly team can help!
- How long does a DBS check take?
It usually takes around 14 days for you to receive your DBS check.
- How do I gain trust from clients?
Keeping a record to show clients your qualifications, previous experience, DBS check, locksmith ID and insurances and licenses to clients will help build their trust.
