Locksmiths: lockouts, BSP licences, scheduling

In short

Locksmithing is a private security activity: the business and each agent need a BSP licence.
Assignment can require a "locksmith agent licence" skill on each service.
Lockouts and door hardware projects share one calendar, with no overlaps.
Master key and access control quotes are drafted by an AI agent, then reviewed.

Is locksmithing regulated in Quebec?

Yes. The Private Security Act expressly covers locksmithing; the business needs an agency licence and the person doing the work needs an agent licence, both issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée.

The Private Security Act applies to activities carried on in the practice of locksmithing, including keying, installing, maintaining and repairing mechanical or electronic locking devices, work on safes and vaults, designing and managing master key systems, making keys other than by duplicating an existing key, and unlocking a door other than with its key ^[1].

Anyone operating a business that offers a private security activity must hold an agency licence of the relevant class (section 4), and the person carrying on the activity, along with their immediate supervisor, must hold an agent licence of the matching class (section 16) ^[1]. The licence must be displayed in plain view at each establishment (section 13) ^[1].

For a locksmith agent licence, the training regulation requires a diploma of vocational studies in locksmithing or a recognized equivalent ^[2]. The Bureau de la sécurité privée adds that you must be at least 18, and that individual entrepreneurs are subject to the Act both as an agency and as an agent ^[3].

Licences required for locksmithing
Who	Licence	Source
The business	Locksmith agency licence	Private Security Act, ss. 4 and 5 ^[1]
The locksmith and immediate supervisor	Locksmith agent licence	Act, ss. 16 and 17 ^[1]
Agent training	DVS in locksmithing or recognized equivalent	Regulation S-3.5, r. 2 ^[2]
Self-employed locksmith	Both agent and agency licences	BSP ^[3]
Display	Licence visible at each establishment	Act, s. 13 ^[1]

When do locksmith calls overflow?

Lockouts come in evenings, overnight and on weekends. Deep cold adds frozen locks and stiff cylinders. Moving season around July 1 brings cylinder and lock changes in units changing tenants.

Commercial work runs on a different rhythm: access control upgrades, master keying a new building, hardware on fire doors. These are planned projects, often done in the evening so occupants aren't disturbed, and they shouldn't be sacrificed to every emergency.

How does Pilotiko handle emergencies and projects?

You create separate services: lockout, cylinder change, lock install, master key system, access control. Each has its duration. Emergencies go into real gaps in the calendar; projects are booked ahead. One person never has two overlapping jobs.

On each service, you can require the "locksmith agent licence" skill. Assignment then only suggests people who hold it, unless a manager explicitly overrides, along with their free hours and workload after the job. Checking the licence itself remains your responsibility.

The customer file keeps the essentials: proof of occupancy to request before a lockout, authorized manager for a building, master key codes kept outside Pilotiko. The booking link is for planned installs.

Example: what capacity for 3 locksmiths?

What do the AI agents prepare for a locksmith?

The quotes agent drafts a master key or hardware proposal from your prices; you review and send it. The dispatch agent can prepare tomorrow's job list and customers to call back. AI agents don't unlock anything or send anything without a person.

Which objections come up?

"Why do you need proof I live here?" Because you're opening a door that isn't yours; post the rule on your website.
"That's expensive for five minutes." Night travel and know-how are in the price: show it on the service.
"Are you really a locksmith?" Your BSP licence, displayed as the law requires, answers that.

What doesn't Pilotiko do yet?

Which trades send you customers?

Moves bring lock changes, commercial cleaning brings access requests for cleaners, and renovation brings door replacements.

See also: Law 25 for service businesses for customer information, and the role of dispatch between emergencies and projects.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a licence to be a locksmith in Quebec?

Yes. The Private Security Act covers locksmithing. The business needs a locksmith agency licence and the person doing the work a locksmith agent licence, both issued by the Bureau de la sécurité privée.

What training is required for a locksmith agent licence?

The training regulation requires a diploma of vocational studies in locksmithing or its equivalent recognized by the Minister of Education.

Does a self-employed locksmith need two licences?

Yes. The BSP explains that individual entrepreneurs are subject to the Act both as an agency and as an agent, so they hold both licences.

Does the licence have to be displayed?

Yes. The Act requires the holder to display the licence or a copy, legibly, in plain view at each of its establishments.

Can Pilotiko stop an apprentice from doing a lockout alone?

If you require the locksmith agent licence skill on the service, assignment only suggests people who hold it, unless a manager overrides.

Sources

LégisQuébec, Private Security Act (chapter S-3.5) (accessed on October 15, 2026).
LégisQuébec, Regulation respecting the training required to obtain an agent licence to carry on a private security activity (S-3.5, r. 2) (accessed on October 15, 2026).
Bureau de la sécurité privée, Regular licence (accessed on October 15, 2026).

Pilotiko for locksmiths