Proof of Ownership & Service Authorization Policy
A locksmith can open almost anything, so we have to be sure we're helping the right person. Before we open, rekey, repair or make keys for any vehicle, home, business or safe, the person requesting service must show that they own it or are authorized to access it. This protects you, your property and your neighbors.
What to have ready
- Vehicles: a government-issued photo ID plus the vehicle registration, title or insurance card in the same name. For a rental or company vehicle, the rental agreement or a letter from the company. For All Keys Lost, the ID and ownership documents are required before we cut or program a key.
- Homes and apartments: a photo ID showing the service address, or a photo ID plus a lease, utility bill, closing documents or property tax record with your name and the address.
- Businesses: a photo ID plus business documentation, or written authorization from the owner or property manager.
- Property managers and landlords: a management agreement or written authorization from the owner. Tenants may need the landlord's permission to rekey, as required by the lease.
- Evictions, foreclosures and REO properties: a writ of possession, court order, bank or asset-manager work order, or other written proof of the legal right to change the locks.
- Lock changes for unpaid rent: written confirmation from the landlord that the lease allows the change and that the notice required by Texas Property Code § 92.0081 was given. The landlord must provide the tenant a new key as the law requires. We will not change locks while a tenant or occupant is inside.
- Real estate agents: your photo ID plus the seller's written authorization or the listing agreement.
- Estates: letters testamentary, letters of administration or a similar court document, plus a photo ID.
- Safes: proof that you own the safe or the property where it is located.
If your documents are locked inside
That happens a lot. We will open the vehicle or door, and you will show your documents right away, before you take anything else or drive away. Until authorization is verified, the property stays secured and we may wait on-site or contact law enforcement.
Who can authorize service
The person authorizing service must be at least 18 years old and present when we arrive, unless we have agreed in writing to other arrangements (for example, a property manager authorizing a scheduled rekey and sending an authorized contact to meet us).
Disputes between people
If there is a dispute about who may access a vehicle or property (for example, between spouses, roommates, co-owners, business partners or a landlord and tenant), we may decline service until the dispute is resolved or a court order is provided.
Signed authorization and records
We ask you to sign a short service authorization on your phone or ours before work starts, and a completion receipt when we finish. They confirm that you have the right to request the work and that you approve the price. We record the type of document you showed and the name on it. When a job needs extra documentation (for example, All Keys Lost, evictions or REO properties), we may keep a photo of the document, stored securely and used only to document authorization. See our Privacy Policy.
When we will not proceed
- If authorization cannot be verified, we will not do the work, and the $25 dispatch fee applies.
- If a request appears unlawful or something doesn't add up, we may refuse service and contact law enforcement.
- We never help anyone enter property they do not have the right to access.
Questions before we arrive? Call (281) 640-4745 and we will tell you exactly what to have ready.