Are All Locksmiths Licensed in Victoria?

When you need a locksmith, whether it is for a lockout, a security upgrade, or replacing keys, you are trusting someone with access to your home or business. We are sympathetic when our customers ask questions, and a common one is about licensing: Do locksmiths actually need to be licensed in Victoria?

Unlike some other trades, locksmiths in Victoria are not required to hold a single government-issued “locksmith licence”. However, reputable locksmiths still follow important qualifications, professional standards, and industry accreditations.

Understanding how the system works can help you avoid unqualified operators and ensure the person handling your property’s security is properly trained.

Victoria does not issue a trade licence called a “locksmith licence” the way it does for electricians or plumbers. Instead, the work locksmiths do is captured under the state’s private security licensing framework.

Under the Private Security Act 2004, anyone who installs, repairs, services, or maintains security equipment — including safes, vaults, electronic and biometric access control devices, alarm systems, CCTV, and security intrusion detectors — must hold an appropriate private security authority issued by Victoria Police. Because the majority of locksmiths today work across mechanical locks, restricted key systems, safes, and electronic access control, most reputable operators are required to be licensed.

You can verify a locksmith’s credentials at any time by searching Victoria Police’s public Register of Licence, Registration and Permit Holders.

Big Changes from 19 June 2025

If you read older articles on this topic — including an earlier version of this post, you may have seen that Victoria operated a two-tier system with both “licences” and “registrations,” and that security equipment installers (including many locksmiths) only needed to be registered.

That is no longer the case. Under the Private Security and County Court Amendment Act 2024, which came into effect on 19 June 2025, all private security activities are now licensed activities. Key points of the reform include:
The old registration tier has been phased out. Existing registration holders must transition to a licence by 19 June 2026 if they want to keep working in the industry.

From 19 December 2025, independent contractors (sole traders and ABN holders) are required to hold both a Private Security Individual Operator Licence and a Private Security Business Licence.
Probity, suitability and training requirements have been strengthened across the board.

The full list of changes is published on Victoria Police’s Changes to private security licences and registrations page.

Locksmiths may need additional registrations depending on the work they perform.

For example, locksmiths installing or maintaining electronic access control systems, alarms, or CCTV systems may require a Private Security Licence issued by Victoria Police.

These licences apply to security equipment rather than traditional mechanical lockwork, but they add another layer of compliance for locksmith businesses offering modern security solutions.

Because emergency locksmith situations often happen unexpectedly, many people simply contact the first provider they find online.

Unfortunately, this is where problems can arise. Unqualified operators may advertise low call-out prices and then charge excessive fees upon arrival, or they may perform unnecessary work that damages locks.

Our article on the top mistakes to avoid when hiring a locksmith explains some of the warning signs to look out for before allowing someone to work on your property

Choosing a qualified locksmith helps ensure the work is completed correctly and reduces the risk of security issues later.

Locksmithing involves precise mechanical work. Even small errors during the installation or modification of a lock can lead to security vulnerabilities or premature failure.

For example, modern key systems are designed with extremely precise tolerances and coded cutting patterns. Our article on how factories make keys unique explains how these systems work and why professional cutting and installation are important.

A qualified locksmith understands these systems and ensures locks operate correctly while maintaining the intended level of security.

At VicLocks, we follow recognised industry practices and maintain professional standards expected of experienced locksmiths.

We work with homeowners, businesses, and property managers across Kew and greater Melbourne, providing services ranging from lock repairs and rekeying to security upgrades and emergency lockout assistance.

Whether you need help after a lockout, are upgrading your home security, or want advice on the best lock systems for your property, working with an experienced locksmith ensures the job is done correctly and safely.

While Victoria does not issue a specific locksmith licence, reputable locksmiths still complete formal training, industry accreditation, and security compliance checks.

For customers, the safest approach is to look for locksmiths who are properly qualified, transparent about pricing, and experienced with residential and commercial security systems.

If you need assistance with locks, keys, or property security, VicLocks provides professional locksmith services across Kew and Melbourne, helping ensure your home or business remains secure.

Contact VicLocks today to discuss your security needs or request a quote.