# Business Regulation (GBR)

## Title 12.5. Locksmiths

### Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions

#### Section 12.5-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Business" means a commercial entity that provides locksmith services.

(c) "Employee" means an individual employed by a licensed locksmith to provide locksmith services on behalf of the licensed locksmith.

(d) "Fixed business address" means a single physical location where a licensee conducts business and at which the licensee or an employee of the licensee is available:

  (1) during normal business hours; or

  (2) other hours as provided in the application for the license.

(e) "License" means a license issued by the Secretary to provide locksmith services.

(f) "Licensed locksmith" means, unless the context requires otherwise, a business that is licensed by the Secretary to provide locksmith services.

(g) "Local law enforcement unit" means the Department of State Police, a police department in the State, or sheriff in the State:

  (1) designated by the county or municipal governing body for a licensee with an in-State fixed business address; or

  (2) designated by the Secretary for a licensee with an out-of-state fixed business address.

(h) "Provide locksmith services" means to engage professionally and for compensation in:

  (1) repairing, rebuilding, rekeying, repinning, recombinating, adjusting, or installing mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical locking devices, safes, vaults, or safe deposit boxes; or

  (2) operating a mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical locking device or opening safes, vaults, or safe deposit boxes by a means other than that intended by the manufacturer of such locking devices.

#### Section 12.5-102

The purpose of this title is to safeguard the life, health, and property of the residents of Maryland to promote their welfare by regulating persons that provide locksmith services.

#### Section 12.5-103

The provisions of this title may not be construed to prohibit the following:

(1) bona fide sales demonstrations to locksmiths or locksmith suppliers by sales representatives who are not licensed;

(2) emergency opening services by members of police departments, fire departments, or other government agencies in their official line of duty in order to protect against loss of life or property;

(3) the acquisition, making, or use of any key duplication or key blanks;

(4) the replacing of a removable or interchangeable core or recombinating a cylinder in a lock that was specifically designed by the manufacturer to be changed by the end user by use of a key;

(5) the installation, repair, replacement, or rebuilding of a lock by the manufacturer of the lock;

(6) the installation, repair, replacement, or rebuilding of an automotive lock by an automotive repair and service facility, the lock manufacturer, or the manufacturer's agent;

(7) the installation of locks by building trades personnel on projects that require a building permit;

(8) the installation or replacement of locks by a retailer or the retailer's agent:

  (i) on the premises of the retailer; or

  (ii) off the premises of the retailer if the installation or replacement of locks is incidental to the retailer's normal course of business;

(9) the installation or replacement of locks by a security systems technician who is licensed under Title 18 of the Business Occupations and Professions Article; and

(10) the installation, repair, replacement, rekeying, or adjusting of locks or lock components for property by an employee or agent of the property owner or a management company.

#### Section 12.5-104

The Secretary may adopt and enforce regulations to carry out this title.

#### Section 12.5-105

The Secretary shall pay all money collected under this title into the General Fund of the State.

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Md. Code Ann., Bus. Reg. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)