Locksmith Laws in Texas: Can We Just Open Your House?

I get asked this a lot. Usually by a tenant who is fighting with their landlord, or an ex-spouse trying to get back into a house.

"I lost my key, just let me in!"

I want to help, but as a licensed locksmith in Texas, I have strict rules I have to follow. We aren't just people with lockpicks; we are security professionals regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Here is the lowdown on what the law actually says about opening doors and copying keys.

1. The "ID Check" Isn't Just Us Being Difficult

If you call me to unlock your house or car, I must verify that you have the right to be there.

It’s not just policy; it’s about liability and safety. Imagine if I unlocked your front door for a stranger just because they "looked honest." You'd be furious (and I'd be sued).

What We Need to See:

• Government ID: Driver’s license or Passport.
• Proof of Residency: The address on the ID needs to match the house.
• Alternative: If you just moved in and your ID isn't updated, I need a lease agreement or a utility bill with your name on it plus your ID.

The Hard Truth: If you can't prove you live there, I can't open the door. Period.

2. "Do Not Duplicate" — Is It a Law?

You see it stamped on keys all the time: "DO NOT DUPLICATE".

People think this is a legally binding command. It’s not.

In Texas, that stamp is essentially a polite suggestion. There is no law that prevents a locksmith (or a kiosk at the grocery store) from copying a standard key with that stamp on it.

The Exception: Restricted Keyways If you want real key control, you don't need a stamp; you need a Restricted Keyway (like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, or Schlage Primus).

• These keys require a specific ID card to be presented before we can cut them.
• The blanks aren't available at hardware stores.
• This is how you actually stop people from copying your keys.

3. Evictions and Landlord Rights

This is a sticky one. Landlords often call us saying, "My tenant hasn't paid rent. Go change the locks."

We cannot do this.

In Texas, locking a tenant out without a proper judicial process is illegal (it's called a "Constructive Eviction").

• We need to see a Writ of Possession served by a Constable or Sheriff.
• Usually, the Constable is present while we change the locks.

If a locksmith changes your locks without this legal backing, they are risking their license.

4. Car Unlocking Laws

Same rules apply. I can't just unlock a BMW because you're standing next to it.

• I need to see the registration or title.
• It must match your ID.

"But it's my mom's car!" Then we need Mom on FaceTime or on the phone, and she needs to send a picture of her ID. We take this seriously because car theft is no joke in Houston.

Summary

We aren't trying to be the "bad guys" when we ask for paperwork. We are protecting you. The laws exist to make sure that when a lock is opened, it's for the rightful owner.