California · Penal Code

PEN §466.8: (a) Any person who knowingly and willfully makes a key capable of opening any door or other means of entrance to any residence or commercial establishment for another by any method involving an onsite

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

A person who makes a key for a residence or business entrance by inspecting the lock must record the requester's name, address, phone, birth date, and ID number on a work order and keep copies for two years. Violation is a misdemeanor.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Any person who knowingly and willfully makes a key capable of opening any door or other means of entrance to any residence or commercial establishment for another by any method involving an onsite inspection of such door or entrance, whether or not for compensation, shall obtain, together with the date the key was made, the street address of the residence or commercial establishment, and the signature of the person for whom the key was made, on a work order form, the following information regarding the person requesting or purchasing the key: (1) Name. (2) Address. (3) Telephone number, if any. (4) Date of birth. (5) Driver’s license number or identification number, if any. A copy of each such work order shall be retained for two years and shall be open to inspection by any peace officer or by the Bureau of Collection and Investigative Services during business hours or submitted to the bureau upon request. Any person who violates any provision of this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the duplication of any key for a residence or commercial establishment from another such key. (c) Locksmiths licensed by the Bureau of Collection and Investigative Services are subject to the provisions set forth in Chapter 8.5 (commencing with Section 6980) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. (d) The provisions of this section shall include, but are not limited to, the making of a key from key codes or impressions.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.