Quick answer: in Western Australia a locksmith must hold a WA Police security licence. Ask for the number, expect to see the card when they arrive, and expect them to ask for your ID in return. A legit locksmith gives you the price before starting, explains anything that might damage a lock before touching it, and invoices under a real business name with an ABN.
Locksmithing is a trust job. You’re letting a stranger open your house or make a key to your car, so it’s worth two minutes to check who you’re dealing with. Here’s how it works in WA and what to look for.
The licence
Locksmiths in Western Australia are licensed under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, and the licences are issued and policed by WA Police Licensing Services, not by a trade body. A locksmith running a business holds a security agent licence, and the people doing the work hold the matching licence. Ask for the licence number over the phone. Ours is 43591. When the locksmith arrives, ask to see the card. Anyone genuine is used to being asked.
The “cheap local locksmith” trap
Search for a locksmith and you’ll see ads promising a “local” locksmith “from” a small figure. Many of those are lead-selling call centres, sometimes not even in Australia. They take your call, sell the job to whoever will take it, and the person who turns up is unlicensed, unskilled or both. The small figure becomes a big one once your lock has been drilled unnecessarily, and there’s no business name to complain to.
The tells: no company name in the ad or on the website, a “from” price, no real reviews with names and suburbs, a 1300 or 1800 number with no local mobile, and a phone operator who can’t tell you who is coming or when.
What a genuine locksmith always does
Asks for your ID and something that ties you to the property or the car before opening or keying anything. Gives you the price before starting, including after-hours loading, and tells you if anything changes once they see the job. Tries non-destructive entry first, and if a lock has to be drilled, says so before doing it. In our case, if a barrel has to be drilled we replace it and key it to your existing key at no charge. Leaves you with an invoice that carries the business name and ABN.
Five questions to ask on the phone
What’s your licence number? What’s the business name that’ll be on the invoice? What’s the total price for this job, including call-out and any after-hours charge? Who is coming, and roughly when? Will you need to drill anything, and what happens if you do?
You’ll have your answer from the tone alone.
If you’ve been ripped off
Keep the invoice, note the vehicle and the name given, and report it to Consumer Protection WA. Unlicensed security work is also a matter for WA Police Licensing Services. The more people report the lead-selling outfits, the fewer of them there are.
Common questions
Do locksmiths need a licence in Western Australia?
Yes. Security work, which includes locksmithing, is licensed by WA Police under the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act. An unlicensed operator is breaking the law, not just cutting corners.
Why does the locksmith want to see my ID?
Because a locksmith who opens doors and makes keys without checking who’s asking is a burglar’s best friend. It protects you as much as anyone.
Is a cheaper quote always a scam?
No, but a quote that’s far below everyone else’s, with no business name behind it, usually is. Compare the total price, not the “from” figure.
How do I check a business is real?
Search the business name on the ABN register, look for reviews with real names and suburbs, and see if the website says who runs it. Ours does: see about us.
Need a locksmith you can check up on?
Call 0427 580 823Send an enquiry
More straight answers on our questions people ask us page, and what to expect on a house lockout. Near our base: Duncraig.