What Makes a Locksmith Legit — 5 Things to Check

1. NASTF VSP certification

Required for restricted-brand programming. Verify on NASTF.org. Sketchy locksmiths can’t pass the background check or pay the annual fees. Our NASTF ID is publicly listed.

2. Physical address

Legit locksmith has a real shop or registered office. Scam dispatch services have residential addresses or PO boxes. Google the address — if it’s a residence on Google Street View, that’s a red flag.

3. Firm phone quote

A real shop quotes a firm price before dispatching. Bait-and-switch operators say “we’ll check on arrival” and triple the price when you commit.

4. Verifiable Google reviews

Real shops have 50+ Google reviews accumulated over years with consistent 4.5+ stars. Fake operations have 5-10 brand-new 5-star reviews or no Google Business Profile at all.

5. Bonded + insured

Ask for proof of insurance and bonding. Real shops produce it. Fake ones change the subject.

Red flags

• Charges more than they quoted
• Drills your lock when alternatives exist
• Demands cash only
• Won’t provide an invoice with business name
• “On the way now” but takes 3 hours