Locksmithing Licensing in Quebec

Locksmithing is not a regulated trade in Quebec. No provincial licence is legally required to operate as a locksmith. Unlike Ontario, there is no formal apprenticeship program through the CCQ for locksmiths. Locksmiths may hold voluntary certifications from industry associations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). Reputable locksmiths will voluntarily undergo a criminal background check. Some municipalities may require a business licence.

Ask about their training, certifications (ALOA), and years of experience. A reputable locksmith will have a clean background check.

(1) Quotes an extremely low price over the phone then dramatically increases it on arrival (2) Cannot provide identification or a business card with a verifiable local address (3) Insists on drilling the lock immediately without attempting non-destructive entry first (4) No marked vehicle or professional appearance - many scam locksmiths operate from unmarked cars (5) Demands cash-only payment and cannot provide a receipt

(1) What is the total cost including the service call fee, and will there be any additional charges? (2) Do you attempt non-destructive entry before drilling? (3) Do you carry liability insurance? (4) Can you provide a receipt and warranty on the work? (5) What brand and grade of lock do you recommend for my situation?

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that locksmithings carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for locksmithings in Quebec range from $80-$150/hour. Time of day (emergency and after-hours calls carry surcharges of 1.5-2x standard rates), lock type and security grade (standard vs. high-security brands like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock), number of locks, service call/trip fee ($50-$100 typically included), whether the lock needs to be drilled out (destructive entry adds cost), and location (GTA rates are higher than rural Ontario). Most locksmiths charge a flat rate per job rather than hourly for residential work.