Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in NRS 655.020 to 655.060, inclusive, have the meanings ascribed to them in such sections.
LOCKSMITHS AND SAFE MECHANICS
Nev. Rev. Stat. 655
in effectNev. Rev. Stat. § 655.020 Key defined.
Key means a mechanical device used for operating a lock and includes, but is not limited to:
1. A change key or a key designed to operate a specific lock.
2. A manipulation key or a key designed so that when variously positioned in the keyways of locks will operate the locks.
3. A master key or a key designed to operate a series of locks which are individually operated by change keys.
4. A tryout key or a key that will operate a series of locks in a larger series of locks.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.030 Lock defined.
Lock means a mechanical device furnished with a spring and a bolt or with a similar contrivance used for fastening a door, strong box or other object and opened by means of a key or combination.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.040 Locksmith defined.
Locksmith means a person whose occupation consists, in whole or in part, of:
1. Making, repairing or adjusting locks; or
2. Operating locks by mechanical means other than those intended by the manufacturers of the locks.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.050 Permit defined.
Permit means a permit to operate as a locksmith or safe mechanic.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.060 Safe mechanic defined.
Safe mechanic means a person whose occupation consists in whole or in part of repairing, operating, adjusting or changing combinations on safes or vaults.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.070 Permit: Requirement; investigation; issuance; expiration and renewal; possession by holder; report of change of address.
1. Every person who wishes to operate as a locksmith or safe mechanic must obtain a permit from the sheriff of the county in which the persons principal place of business is located.
2. The sheriff of a county shall investigate each applicant and shall issue a permit to each applicant who qualifies under any ordinance adopted by the board of county commissioners of the county which regulates the occupation of locksmiths and who is found by the board of county commissioners to be suitable. An ordinance adopted by the board of county commissioners must specify fees for the issuance and renewal of a permit.
3. A permit expires 5 years after the date it was obtained and may be renewed.
4. The holder of a permit shall have the permit in his or her possession at all times.
5. The holder of a permit shall report any change of address of his or her principal place of business to the sheriff of the county in which the permit was obtained within 10 days after the change occurs.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.075 Payment of child support: Submission of certain information by applicant; grounds for denial of permit; duty of sheriff. [Effective until the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]
1. In addition to any other requirements set forth in this chapter:
(a) An applicant for the issuance of a permit shall include the social security number of the applicant in the application submitted to the sheriff of the county in which the principal place of business of the applicant is located.
(b) An applicant for the issuance or renewal of a permit shall submit to the sheriff of the county in which the principal place of business of the applicant is located the statement prescribed by the Division of Social Services of the Department of Human Services pursuant to NRS 425.520 . The statement must be completed and signed by the applicant.
2. The sheriff of a county shall include the statement required pursuant to subsection 1 in:
(a) The application or any other forms that must be submitted for the issuance or renewal of the permit; or
(b) A separate form prescribed by the sheriff.
3. A permit may not be issued or renewed by the sheriff of a county if the applicant:
(a) Fails to submit the statement required pursuant to subsection 1; or
(b) Indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order.
4. If an applicant indicates on the statement submitted pursuant to subsection 1 that the applicant is subject to a court order for the support of a child and is not in compliance with the order or a plan approved by the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order for the repayment of the amount owed pursuant to the order, the sheriff shall advise the applicant to contact the district attorney or other public agency enforcing the order to determine the actions that the applicant may take to satisfy the arrearage.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.078 Suspension of permit for failure to pay child support or comply with certain subpoenas or warrants; reinstatement of permit. [Effective until 2 years after the date of the repeal of 42 U.S.C. § 666, the federal law requiring each state to establish procedures for withholding, suspending and restricting the professional, occupational and recreational licenses for child support arrearages and for noncompliance with certain processes relating to paternity or child support proceedings.]
1. If the sheriff of a county receives a copy of a court order issued pursuant to NRS 425.540 that provides for the suspension of all professional, occupational and recreational licenses, certificates and permits issued to a person who is the holder of a permit issued by the sheriff, the sheriff shall deem the permit issued to that person to be suspended at the end of the 30th day after the date on which the court order was issued unless the sheriff receives a letter issued to the holder of the permit by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 stating that the holder of the permit has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560 .
2. A sheriff shall reinstate a permit issued by the sheriff that has been suspended by a district court pursuant to NRS 425.540 if the sheriff receives a letter issued by the district attorney or other public agency pursuant to NRS 425.550 to the person whose permit was suspended stating that the person whose permit was suspended has complied with the subpoena or warrant or has satisfied the arrearage pursuant to NRS 425.560 .
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 655.080 Penalties.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500, and may be further punished by the revocation of his or her permit.
Source: NV Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-655.htmlFetched: 10/4/2026