I was initially opposed to regulation. Before licensing, anyone could step out of prison and start a locksmith business. Being in this trade gives locksmiths potential access to anything and everything. We must make sure, for the integrity of our trade, that the unscrupulous are kept out. The public has that protection with background checks and an agency (DCJS) that has teeth with its enforcement powers. Just look at northern VA. In a recent news story a reporter was unable to get a scammer to come out to her car. Scammers were readily available in DC and MD. DCJS already has a proven system set up to regulate us and I am for it. If you can't afford the license you should take some basic business courses available many places for free.