Get Quotes from Top Locksmiths in Oklahoma City, OK
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lock Smith or Pop a Lock in Oklahoma City
Every year, more than 20 million people lose their car or house keys in the United States, and over 20,000 burglary incidents are recorded in Oklahoma City. If you find yourself in any of these dire situations or where you have forgotten the key combination to your safe or damaged a lock, do not just rush to hire anyone who claims to be a locksmith in the city. Confirm the professional is licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Labor, properly insured, and can answer the following questions satisfactorily:
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Locksmith in Oklahoma City?
- Do You Hold Any Certification as a Locksmith?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Locksmiths in the City?
- What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?
- Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Oklahoma City?
- Do You Provide Emergency Locksmith Services?
- Do You Provide Smart Lock Services?
- Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?
- Do You Provide a Warranty for Your Locksmith Services?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Locksmiths in the City?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Locksmith in Oklahoma City
Are You Licensed to Practice as a Locksmith in Oklahoma City?
Per section 380:75-3-7 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code provides that any person who provides services related to locks, including creating, repairing, modifying, and installing locks in Oklahoma City, must be licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Labor. If a person provides locksmith services without a valid license from the state Department of Labor, it is a violation that attracts the payment of a fine of $200.
The Oklahoma Department of Labor issues four types of locksmith licenses to interested individuals, including:
- Company managers license: These are issued to individuals responsible for activities conducted within the locksmith business in the city. To be eligible for this license, interested individuals must do the following:
- Provide verification of their experience as a locksmith technician in the locksmith business.
- Pass an examination prescribed by the commissioner.
- Provide a security background verification
- Technician license: This license allows individuals to work for a locksmith business under the supervision of a licensed locksmith company manager. To be eligible for this license, the interested individual must do the following:
- Pass an examination prescribed by the commissioner.
- Provide a security background verification.
- Technician trainee license: This license allows technician trainees to work under the direct supervision of a licensed locksmith company manager or a locksmith technician. To be eligible for this license, the applicants must provide a security background verification.
- Salesperson license: This license allows individuals to work for an Oklahoma locksmith company under the supervision of a locksmith company manager. Individuals applying for this license must provide a security background verification.
Individuals who are interested in applying for any of the locksmith licenses can fill out and submit a relevant company manager, technician, technician trainee, and salesperson license application forms to:
Oklahoma Department of Labor409 North East 28th Street
3rd Floor
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
It is important to note that a technician trainee must submit a trainee application to the Department of Labor within fifteen business days of being hired by a locksmith company. In addition to the application form, any locksmith applying for any of the department's license must provide the following:
- Required application fee
- Certificate of completion from an approved examination entity
- Affidavit of Lawful Presence
- A valid and state-issued ID card
- Two completed fingerprint cards
- Certificate of Applicant's Experience if applying for a company manager license
All licensed locksmith company managers who own a company must obtain a company license. The company manager will be required to complete and submit a company license application form and an application fee to the mail address provided above. In addition, the company must provide a list of employees holding a valid license issued by the Oklahoma Department of Labor.
If you are interested in learning more about the licensing requirements for Oklahoma City-based locksmith professionals, you can contact the state's Department of Labor at (405) 521-6100 or (888) 269-5353. You can also check the status of the license of your preferred locksmith and their company via the Verify an Individual License and the Verify a Company License platforms, respectively provided and maintained by the Oklahoma Department of Labor.
Do You Hold Any Certification as a Locksmith?
When choosing a licensed locksmith, it is important to check for additional credentials, such as membership in a professional body. Certified locksmiths have various advantages over those who are not certified. Some of the advantages include the following:
- Access to better training and educational resources
- Access to state-of-the-art tools and equipment
- Possess high professional standards
- Higher chances of being insured and also access to better insurance affordable rates options
- Regular updates on the latest industry regulations and technological advancements, and developments
Although the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) is one of the most prominent organizations in Oklahoma City that issues locksmith certifications, other organizations also provide professional training and certification programs. Some of these include the Oklahoma Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (OKBFAA) and the Society of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL). The following are some popular certification options that these organizations offer include:
- Fundamental Locksmith Certification
- Registered Locksmith Certification
- Certified Master Locksmith Certification
- Certified Master Safe Tech Certification
- Certified Forensic Locksmith Certification
- Certified Electronic Locksmith Certification
- Certified Automotive Locksmith Certification
- Certified Professional Safe Tech Certification
- Certified Professional Locksmith Certification
- Certified Institutional Lockshop Manager Certification
- Institutional Certified Professional Locksmith Certification
Before hiring a locksmith, you should ensure that the claims about their credentials are verified with the issuing organization.
How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Locksmiths in the City?
When hiring a locksmith, you must agree on the terms of the contract, especially how much their services will cost. This will help avoid disputes and disagreements once the work is done. Although most locksmiths in the city charge around $70 to $150 for their services, the actual cost will vary depending on factors such as:
- Trip fees
- The time of day
- The type of lock
- The job's complexity
- Your locality within the city
- The urgency of the required services
- The type of locksmith services required
Before you hire a locksmith, it is essential that you get and compare multiple quotes from different locksmiths. Doing so will allow you to avoid getting ripped off by an unscrupulous locksmith. Also, be wary of locksmiths that offer lower rates than others. These fraudsters use this scam tactic to trick their clients into thinking they have a better deal
What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?
Oklahoma City-based locksmith professionals can offer their clients a wide range of services. These professionals are well-equipped to offer various types of lock repairs and installations to commercial and residential, such as:
- High-security lock installations
- Safe selection and installation
- Safe unlocking and repair
- Door and window lock repair
- Electronic access installation
- Auto and motorcycle lock services
- Emergency locksmith services
- Mobile locksmith services
- Building lockout service
- Car lockout services
- Security lock upgrades
- Smart lock installations
- Access control system installation
- Key cutting and copying
- Key replacement
- Re-keying
As such, before you hire a locksmith, make sure that you get confirmation that they have the necessary equipment and experience to carry out the work that you need. Also, discuss the costs of the services they will perform before they start working. In addition to these, ensure that the contract includes any guarantees or promises the locksmiths to make regarding the work. This helps guarantee that you and the locksmith have a good working relationship. It will also help minimize the chances of misunderstandings between them at the end of the day.
Listed below are average price ranges for commonly requested locksmith services in Oklahoma City:
Estimates for locksmith services based on the type of service:
Estimates for locksmith services based on the type of lock being installed/replaced (materials only):
Estimates for locksmith services based on the locksmith's expertise/level of experience
Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Oklahoma City?
In Oklahoma City, over 3,400 vehicles are stolen each year. The National Insurance Crime Bureau states that most of these incidents happen because the owners forget their car keys in the vehicle. If you are not able to get into your vehicle because you lost your key issue, you should immediately contact a local locksmith to help you unlock and gain entry into it.
If you lose the keys to a motorcycle, damage your lock, or get locked out, you need a motorcycle locksmith. However, it would help if you ensured that the locksmith you choose is skilled and experienced. This is because, unlike other types of keys, motorcycle keys use unique coding methods and require special equipment to cut. Even if you have the original key, specialized equipment is required to get the job done.
Before hiring a motorcycle or auto locksmith, ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to work on your vehicle's make and model. Also, inquire if they have in-shop locksmith services in addition to their mobile service option.
Listed below are the services that car and motorcycle pop-a-lock in Oklahoma City provide, as well as cost estimates for these services:
Do You Provide Emergency Locksmith Services?
In Oklahoma City, you may need to look for a local locksmith that can get to your location quickly or immediately in certain emergencies such as:
- You are locked out of your home or car
- You forgot the combination to your safe
- You locked your keys in your home or car
- Your home has been burglarized
- You have lost your keys
- Your keys have been stolen
- Your key broke inside the lock
- You just moved into a new home and need to get the locks changed
- Your home or office access control system has broken down or malfunctioned
- You suspect that someone has tried to break into your home or that they have gained access to your private space
When dealing with emergencies such as these, it is important to ensure that the locksmith you choose is licensed and qualified. Also, they should be able to respond quickly to your call and be close enough to the site of the issue. To find a reputable locksmith, you can use online directories operated by organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and Associated Locksmiths of America. When hiring a locksmith for emergency services, you should also consider the additional fees they will charge you.
Another type of emergency service that you can get in Oklahoma City is mobile locksmith services. These are usually operated out of mobile workshops, and they can provide you with a variety of benefits, such as:
- Efficiency and experience
- Quicker response times
- 24/7 availability
- Better access to remote and hard-to-reach locations
- Affordable towing fees for auto emergencies
You can also try using the services of a national or local 24-hour locksmith company, such as KeyMe and MinuteKey, which allow consumers to make duplicate keys at various self-service kiosks in the city. However, before using this service, you must have a digital copy of your key. Some of the disadvantages of these types of companies include the following:
- Many self-service kiosks in Oklahoma City are unable to duplicate some type of security key immediately, especially if you own a high-security key.
- Risk of data breaches because unauthorized individuals can easily access digital copies of your key.
- There is no guarantee that a self-service kiosk is accessible or close to the location of your emergency.
If you are not comfortable using self-service kiosks for your key duplication needs, you should consider contacting a reputable and personally-trusted locksmith near you. Doing this can help you reduce the stress levels that you might experience when dealing with issues related to your keys. Other precautionary steps can also help decrease the likelihood of getting into a locksmith emergency.
- Get the locks that are right for your lifestyle and preferences. Ensure you familiarize yourself with the features of the key
- Get spare keys
- Use lockboxes to avoid lockouts.
- Keep proper track of your keys.
- Install smart locks
- Make sure that your locks are well maintained.
Do You Provide Smart Lock Services?
Smart locks are Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled devices that allow homeowners to lock their doors and homes using their fingerprint, voice activation, or remotely. These types of locks do not work the same as traditional ones. As such, you should hire a skilled and experienced locksmith to handle any smart lock-related issues. You may also consider if this professional has programming and IT skills.
If you are experiencing issues with your smart lock, such as being damaged, hacked, or battery drained, it is important to hire a reputable locksmith to help you resolve the issue. Aside from having the necessary skills to fix the issue, the professional should also be knowledgeable about the various operating technologies of smart locks. Many smart lock manufacturers combine various operating technologies into their products, and some of them include:
- Mobile apps with digital keys for wireless door locking and locking
- Fingerprint sensors with biometric recognition and authorization for door locking and unlocking
- Programmable numeric keypads with PIN codes for door locking and unlocking
It is estimated that over sixty percent of property and home buyers in Oklahoma City want smart alarms and locks in their homes due to their superior technology, convenience, and enhanced security options. Despite the advantages of these devices, they have their downsides:
Pros of having a smart lock | Cons of having a smart lock |
Ease of entry | Heavy reliance on phones and networks |
Convenience due to remote locking and unlocking | Reliance on batteries that need constant recharging or regular replacing |
Enhanced security and safety | Susceptible to hacking |
Protection from lock picking | High cost of installation and repair |
Connectivity with the rest of your home and other smart devices | The technology may fail |
Some of the leading manufacturers of smart lock products preferred by residents of Oklahoma City include:
- August
- Schlage
- Luckily
- Yale
- Kwikset
- Ultraloq
- Level
- Wyze
- Nest
Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?
To be licensed as a locksmith in Oklahoma City, the professional must conduct a security background verification. In addition to having the proper licenses, it is also important that you confirm that the employees of any locksmith company you are working with within Oklahoma City are regularly vetted. Oklahoma City-based locksmith companies typically carry out the following types of background checks on their staff and potential employees:
- Criminal record checks: This is one of the most common background checks typically carried out on locksmiths. It involves contacting agencies such as the FBI and state and local law enforcers to check for past criminal convictions if any.
- Civil court checks: This process also involves checking the country's court systems for non-criminal claims or judgments against the locksmith.
- Credit checks: This process usually involves checking the applicant's credit history. It usually covers past dues, unpaid debts, civil judgments, and tax liens.
- Driving record checks: This process usually involves checking the validity of the driver's license and checking the records of any DUIs/DWIs, moving violations, or license suspensions. This check is usually done for employees operating company vehicles for business purposes.
- Drug screening: This process involves conducting drug screenings on the locksmiths. These screenings are usually carried out without any prior announcement.
- Education and employment verification: This process involves checking the professional's educational background, experience, and employment history.
- International background checks: This process is carried out for locksmith professionals who have previously worked or lived outside the United States. It also involves checking their criminal records and verifying their education and employment experiences.
Make sure that the locksmith company you are considering hiring for your locksmith services regularly vets the employees handling your needs. Also, ask them to provide you with their IDs before you allow any locksmith to enter your home or vehicle so that you can confirm that they are legitimate. This ensures that only trustworthy and reputable locksmith services can access your home. Doing so can help prevent unauthorized access and other crimes like theft.
You can also conduct a personal background check on your preferred locksmith company by doing the following:
- Using reliable and reputable background check websites and services
- Requesting for references from past clients that can verify the quality of their services
- Checking available local police, court, correctional facility, and other similar public records
- Looking up the locksmith company on online review websites platforms like Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Review
Do You Provide a Warranty for Your Locksmith Services?
A good warranty is essential for any service as it assures you that the work was done properly and that the products and services will perform as expected. While these can be written or implied, hiring a professional who offers written warranty coverage is always a good idea. This ensures that you have a good understanding of the coverage options and terms of the warranty.
Professional Oklahoma City-based locksmiths usually offer residents two types of warranties:
- Manufacturer's warranties: This type of warranty is usually for a year and covers the products and services used for the job. This coverage usually includes the issues related to the lock itself and other components. However, it is essential to note that you will need to contact the product manufacturer for any issues you are experiencing. Having a skilled and reliable locksmith on your side can minimize this likelihood.
- Workmanship warranties: These types of warranties cover the errors or defects that might occur due to the work that the locksmith did. The validity of these types of warranties depends on the locksmith.
Although the terms and conditions of these types of warranties vary depending on the manufacturer and the service provider, they can usually be voided in certain situations, like when:
- The lock product is not correctly installed according to the manufacturer's specifications
- The lock product is damaged by a natural disaster or vandalism
- The lock product is damaged as a result of your misuse or negligence
- The lock product is worked on by an unauthorized and unlicensed locksmith
Make sure that you thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the warranty that you are offered. This will help you avoid situations where the warranty can be voided.
Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Locksmiths in the City?
Work-related risks are common in every occupation, and locksmiths professionals are not exempted from these types of dangers, like
- Cuts, tears, abrasions, and lacerations from hand and power tools
- Electrocutions and electric shocks
- Injuries from metal shavings and splinters
In Oklahoma City, locksmith companies are required to provide their employees with workers' compensation insurance coverage. Failure to do so could result in up to $1,000 in fines per day. Regardless of the scope or nature of your locksmith project, it is very important to make sure that the locksmith that you hire has professional and general liability insurance. This type of insurance will help minimize the risk of being held liable for damages caused by the negligence of the locksmith. It also provides coverage for the various defects caused by the service delivery of the locksmith.
As such, before you hire a locksmith in Oklahoma City, make sure that you request all the necessary insurance documents, such as proof of workers' insurance, liability, and professional liability insurance certificates. You should contact the appropriate issuing organization for authentication. Also, ensure that the company's liability insurance is adequate to cover the scope of your project and any third-party property damage and bodily injury.
For more information about workers' compensation insurance requirements, you can contact the Oklahoma Workers' Compensation Commission at:
1915 North Stiles AvenueOklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: (405) 522-3222
How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Locksmith in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma City, residents can file complaints against bad locksmith services with the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.
Oklahoma City residents are often victims of fraud by unauthorized and fraudulent locksmith services. In May 2018, a resident of Oklahoma hired a locksmith who quoted a low price before the work started, only to turn around to increase the price. After filing a complaint, the resident found out the locksmith was unlicensed, and many times customers said they would quote one price over the phone and then charge another once they got there. These fraudulent locksmiths use various schemes and approaches to trick their clients, like:
- Demanding advance payments o full payments in cash before starting any work
- Providing shoddy services or leaving the work midway without proper installation or replacement of the lock
- Using inferior products for the job despite quoting rates for high-quality locks
- Stealing valuables and private information from customers
- Advertising low prices and creating official-looking bogus websites to entice customers
- Employing high-pressure sales tactics, and sometimes intimidation or threats, to persuade customers to pay for unwanted services
The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office receives thousands of complaints annually about various consumer issues, especially home improvement fraud. When it comes to choosing a local locksmith in Oklahoma City, it is important to avoid situations that can lead to unsatisfactory services by using the following tips:
- Avoid getting ripped off by a locksmith by asking friends and relatives for referrals to reputable locksmiths in the city. You can also get referrals to locksmiths through organizations like the Better Business Bureau and the Associated Locksmiths of America.
- Be wary of locksmiths that use generic terms and sound vague when talking about their services.
- Check with your insurance company for a list of recommended providers.
- Get and compare estimates from multiple locksmiths before settling for the one that most suits your needs.
- Be wary of hiring a locksmith who asks for an upfront payment.
- Make sure that the person you are hiring has a valid license. You can check this via the Oklahoma Department of Labor's Verify an Individual License and the Verify a Company License platforms.
- Make sure you get a receipt that includes all of the service's details, such as the company name, address, and the full fee.
- Never hire a locksmith who would insist on drilling into your lock. Most skilled and professional technicians have the necessary equipment and expertise to open doors without damaging them.
Oklahoma City residents can file complaints against fraudulent and unsatisfactory locksmith services with the Consumer Protection Unit of the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office by submitting a Consumer Complaint Form to:
Oklahoma Attorney General's OfficeConsumer Protection Unit
313 NE 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
This form can also be submitted to the consumer protection unit by email. Make sure to include the subject line "Complaint." You can also contact the office's consumer protection unit at (405) 521-2029 or toll-free number 1-833-681-1895 to get more information about its submission and resolution process. The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office refunds thousands of dollars annually to customers who have been victims of unfair or misleading practices. However, the office cannot guarantee that you will get a refund after resolving your complaint. If you are still dissatisfied with the outcome, you can file a lawsuit against the contractor before an appropriate division of the Oklahoma County District Court. Before you start a lawsuit against a company, make sure that you get the proper legal advice from a qualified lawyer. You can find a qualified lawyer in Oklahoma City through Oklahoma Bar Association's Find a Lawyer platform.
Table of Contents
- Are You Licensed to Practice as a Locksmith in Oklahoma City?
- Do You Hold Any Certification as a Locksmith?
- How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Locksmiths in the City?
- What Kind of Locksmith Services Do You Offer?
- Do You Provide Auto Locksmith Services in Oklahoma City?
- Do You Provide Emergency Locksmith Services?
- Do You Provide Smart Lock Services?
- Do You Conduct Background Checks on Your Employees?
- Do You Provide a Warranty for Your Locksmith Services?
- Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Locksmiths in the City?
- How to File a Complaint Against a Bad Locksmith in Oklahoma City