Locksmiths in Ireland now operate in a regulated sector and from the 1st February 2017, any individual providing security services as a locksmith must have a valid licence from the Irish Private Security Authority.

The consumer is advised to see proof from the service provider that their licence is valid as it is an offence to engage the services of an unlicensed operator. 

The following do not require a licence:

• Qualified carpenter who installs a mechanical locking device as part of the installation of a door provided that the door does not proceed access to safes or strong rooms
• Any work on locking mechanisms in doors and windows by a person whose sole or main occupation is the installation of windows and doors, provided the work is undertaken by the person who installed the door or window and is carried out within the manufacturer’s warranty period or warranty period agreed and documented by the customer and the person at the time of the installation, and in the case of a door installation, the door does not provide access to safes or strong rooms
• Any work on locking mechanisms in safes by a safe supplier or installer provided the work is undertaken by a safe supplier or installer who installed the safe and the work is carried out within the manufacturer’s warranty period or the warranty period agreed and documented by the supplier or installer and the customer at the time of the installation.
• A person who solely supplies locking devices whether on its own or as part of a fitting but does not install or open or maintain or repair or service or originate keys or other opening devices for such locking devices. 
• Person who copies keys for locking devices using a machine where the keys are duplicated from an existing key that is not a safe, strong room or otherwise restricted key.
• Person who copies coded keys which do not require a key registration card or similar to obtain a code and which are used for locking post boxes, lockers and other devices.
• Person who is recognised by a motor vehicle manufacturer or distributor as a person authorised to service motor vehicles and their locking mechanisms

Any person employing the services of an unlicensed locksmith after the 1st February 2017 will be breaking the law and may face up to €3,000 fine and/or five year term of imprisonment. A person in this context includes individuals and businesses.