To become a licensed locksmith in Canada, you must pass a mandatory criminal background check. A federal Record Suspension removes your past convictions from the RCMP’s CPIC system, allowing you to legally apply for licensing under provincial acts. The federal processing fee is currently $50 CAD.
Working as a locksmith is a highly trusted profession. Because you have the skills to bypass locks, create master keys, and access secure buildings, provincial governments heavily regulate this industry. If you reside in Edmonton, Vancouver, or Montreal, you cannot simply print business cards and start picking locks.
You must obtain a provincial security licence. For example, in Alberta, you must comply with the Security Services and Investigators Act. If you have a criminal record, passing the mandatory background check is practically impossible. Fortunately, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) offers a legal pathway to seal your past. Generally, securing a federal Record Suspension is the most effective way to start your new career. 🔒
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Clearing your criminal record is a federal process. Once your file is sealed in Ottawa, you can then apply to your specific provincial regulatory body for your locksmith licence. Here is how most applicants navigate the system.
Step 1: Confirm Your Wait Period is Over
Before applying to the PBC, all fines, restitution, and probation sentences must be entirely completed. Afterward, you must wait a mandated period to prove your rehabilitation: 5 years for a summary conviction, and 10 years for an indictable offence. ⌛
Step 2: Start the RCMP Fingerprint Process
Your journey begins at an accredited fingerprinting agency. They will submit your digital prints to the RCMP to generate your official Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) document. This document proves exactly what is on your criminal record.
Step 3: Collect Local and Court Documents
You must reach out to the specific courthouses where your charges were processed to get certified court records. Furthermore, you will need a Local Police Records Check from every local police detachment in the cities you have lived in for the last five years.
Step 4: File the PBC Application
Assemble your application, ensuring you include a strong written statement explaining how obtaining a locksmith licence will improve your life. Mail the package to the Parole Board of Canada. If approved, they will order the RCMP to segregate your record from public CPIC databases.
Step 5: Apply for Provincial Security Clearance
With a clear record, you can submit your application to your provincial regulator. You will undergo standard processing, take any required locksmith training courses, and pass the final provincial exam without the burden of your past holding you back.
Provincial Locksmith Licensing Bodies
| Province | Governing Act / Regulatory Body |
|---|---|
| Alberta | Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA). |
| British Columbia | Security Services Act / Registrar of Security Services. |
| Ontario | Skilled Trades Ontario (though regulations vary heavily by municipality). |
| Quebec | Bureau de la sécurité privée (BSP). |
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Becoming a licensed locksmith with a past record requires paying both federal and provincial fees. As of May 2026, the financial breakdown includes:
- Record Suspension Application: The Parole Board of Canada charges a flat fee of $50 CAD.
- Fingerprints & Court Files: Gathering all required legal documents usually costs between $100 CAD and $200 CAD.
- Law Firm Assistance: Retaining a lawyer to meticulously prepare your federal paperwork generally costs $800 CAD to $2,000 CAD.
- Provincial Locksmith Licence: Licensing fees vary by province but typically range from $100 CAD to $250 CAD for a standard two-year term.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Do not expect to start your locksmithing business overnight. Collecting the necessary documents for your Record Suspension takes about 2 to 4 months. Once submitted, the Parole Board has up to 6 months to process summary convictions and 12 months for indictable offences. Finally, the provincial security licensing process takes another 4 to 8 weeks. ⌛
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the provincial security registrar see my sealed record?
No. Once the Parole Board grants a Record Suspension, your criminal record is sealed on CPIC. When the provincial regulator runs a standard background check, it will come back clean, allowing your licence to be approved.
What offences disqualify me from becoming a locksmith?
Before a Record Suspension, almost any property-related crime, such as Break and Enter, theft, or possession of break-in instruments, will instantly disqualify you from obtaining a provincial security licence.
Does a Record Suspension erase my fingerprints?
No, it does not permanently destroy them. Your fingerprints and criminal history are simply removed from the active CPIC database and kept in a secure, segregated file that cannot be accessed for basic employment checks.
Can I run my own locksmith business after a pardon?
Absolutely. With a clean CPIC record and a valid provincial licence, you can choose to work for an established security company or register your own business to operate independently.
A past mistake should not permanently lock you out of a rewarding career in the security trades. If you are prepared to move forward and seek a Record Suspension, we encourage you to use our directory to find a knowledgeable Canadian law firm to guide you through the process.
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