How do locksmiths verify ownership?

How locksmiths verify ownership

To verify ownership, locksmiths will ask for a valid form of identification or official documents that show proof of property ownership. A locksmith will need to verify ownership of a property for proof of residence before carrying out locksmith work.

Common methods locksmiths use to verify ownership include:

• Valid Photo ID: Photo ID and Documents like a driving license or passport that show your name and your address.
• Utility Bills: Recent bills with your name and the property address can serve as proof of ownership or residency.
• Letters: Letters addressed to you at the property.
• Title Deeds: While less common in emergency situations, property title deeds can be used to verify ownership.

What Happens If You Don't Have ID?

We understand you won't always have access to photo identification in emergencies and this is especially true for those times when you're locked out unexpectedly. Imagine you're getting into bed and remember you forgot to take the bins out. You rush downstairs and make your way out of the door when it shuts behind you and locks you out of the house. You don't have your keys and you don't have your ID. The locksmith will need proof from you that you live at the residence before they go ahead and let you back in, but how can you prove it without ID?

Luckily, there are ways you can help to prove your identity without photographic ID in your pocket. In emergencies, when standard identification isn't available, alternative methods like landlord confirmation or neighbour identification may be used to verify ownership.

Alternative Methods To Verify Ownership

If you can’t provide traditional identification, here are some alternatives:

• Landlord Assistance: If you rent your house or flat, it's likely that your landlord can help to verify your identity. They may even be able to let you back in themselves with a spare key. Contact your landlord and explain that you’ve locked yourself out, they can help to prove your identity and verify ownership to the locksmith.
• Family Help: If you have family nearby, it's possible they have documents, bills or ID to prove you're the resident of the property. Perhaps they have a spare key that you can use to let yourself back in.
• Neighbour Support: Depending on the circumstance, it's possible that your locksmith may ask a neighbour to identify you. If you know your neighbours well, ask them to help prove your identity to the locksmith by confirming whether you are the tenant or the property owner. After the locksmith has unlocked your door, they will ask to see ID verification to confirm that you are the resident you say you are.

Why Do Locksmiths Verify Ownership?

Locksmiths verify ownership as a standard practice to ensure the security and integrity of their services. Verifying ownership is important to ensure an authorised resident or individual is requesting the locksmith work. Verifying property ownership ensures that locksmith services are provided only to individuals who own the property and not those who might be attempting to gain unauthorised access. By verifying ownership, locksmiths help to protect property owners from theft or misuse of their services. Verifying ownership is a crucial part of the locksmithing profession.

Summary

Locksmiths verify ownership by requiring identification, usually in the form of a driving licence or utility bill. In emergencies, alternative verification methods, like landlord or neighbour assistance, can be used to help prove your identity and ownership.

If you don't have any identification to prove your ownership or residency, it's likely the service will be refused. If the locksmith has doubt, they may refuse to provide the service.