Find Locksmiths Near You
Locked out, broken locks, or need better security — find a trustworthy locksmith near you. Compare costs across 44 states and 15,563 zip codes.
Avg Bid
$27.96
Bid Range
$2.2 - $70
Zip Codes
15,563
US Coverage
47%
How Much Do Locksmiths Cost?
Typical cost range: $75–$250 for most services; $200–$600 for lock changes and rekeying. Actual prices vary by location, complexity, and urgency.
When to Hire a Locksmith
You're locked out of your home, car, or business and don't have a spare key
You just moved into a new home and have no idea how many copies of the old keys exist
A key broke off inside a lock and you can't extract it without damaging the mechanism
You want to upgrade from basic knob locks to proper deadbolts or smart locks for better security
After a break-in or attempted break-in, you need all locks changed immediately
You need a master key system for a rental property or commercial building
How to Choose a Good Locksmith
A local, established business with a physical address — not just a call center dispatching random contractors
Upfront pricing quoted over the phone before they arrive, including any emergency or after-hours surcharge
Proper identification and a branded vehicle — a legitimate locksmith will arrive looking professional
The ability to verify their identity and license before you let them work on your locks
Reviews that mention fair pricing and no surprise charges — locksmith scams are unfortunately common
Membership in ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) or similar professional association
Common Locksmith Problems
Lockouts — the most common call, whether it's a house, car, or office
Worn-out lock mechanisms that stick, jam, or won't turn smoothly
Broken keys stuck inside lock cylinders
Deadbolts that won't align with the strike plate due to foundation settling or door frame shifting
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Locksmith
“What is the total cost including the service call, labor, and any parts?”
The single most important question. Scam locksmiths quote a low service call fee then add hundreds in hidden charges. Get the all-in price before they start.
“Are you a local company? What is your business address?”
Many locksmith scams operate through national call centers that dispatch untrained workers. A real local locksmith has a shop you can visit.
“Can I see your locksmith license and photo ID when you arrive?”
In states that require locksmith licensing, a legitimate locksmith will have their credentials ready. If they can't produce identification, don't let them in.
“Will you try to pick or bypass the lock before drilling?”
Drilling destroys the lock and means you pay for a replacement. A skilled locksmith can open most residential locks without drilling. If they jump straight to the drill, they may lack the skills to do the job properly.
Red Flags to Watch For
Answers the phone with a generic 'locksmith services' instead of a company name
Quotes an unrealistically low price ($15–$35) over the phone — the real bill will be much higher
Arrives in an unmarked vehicle with no company branding or identification
Insists on drilling the lock immediately without trying other methods first
Safety Considerations
Beware of 'locksmith' scam operations that quote $15–$35 on the phone then demand $200–$500 when they arrive — this is the most common consumer complaint in the industry
A legitimate locksmith will never drill your lock as a first resort — picking or bypassing should be attempted first, and drilling is a last resort that means you're buying a new lock
Never let a locksmith start work without confirming the price — get the total cost in writing before they touch your locks
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
You can rekey simple Kwikset SmartKey locks yourself with the provided tool, install surface-mounted door reinforcement plates, and replace basic doorknobs. But drilling out locks, picking locks, working on high-security systems, programming automotive transponder keys, and installing commercial access control all require a professional. Botched lock work can leave you less secure than before.
Licensing & Guarantees
Locksmith licensing varies widely. States like California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Texas require locksmith licenses. Many other states have no licensing requirement at all. In unlicensed states, check for business registration, insurance, and ALOA membership as quality indicators.
What to expect: For new lock installations, expect a 90-day to 1-year warranty on labor plus the manufacturer's warranty on hardware (typically 1 year to lifetime depending on the brand). Lockout services don't typically carry warranties, but if they had to replace the lock, that replacement should be warranted. Rekeying should be guaranteed to work correctly.
Seasonal Tip
Locksmith demand is highest on weekends and holidays when people are more likely to be locked out. Cold weather increases lockouts as locks freeze and people rush in and out. If you need non-emergency rekeying or lock upgrades, weekday daytime appointments are cheapest and easiest to schedule.
Cost Distribution
Most Expensive Cities
- 1. Amity, OR$70
- 2. Aumsville, OR$70
- 3. Aurora, OR$70
- 4. Banks, OR$70
- 5. Beavercreek, OR$70
- 6. Beaverton, OR$70
- 7. Boring, OR$70
- 8. Bridal Veil, OR$70
- 9. Brightwood, OR$70
- 10. Buxton, OR$70
Least Expensive Cities
- 1. Crawfordville, FL$2.2
- 2. Havana, FL$2.2
- 3. Lamont, FL$2.2
- 4. Midway, FL$2.2
- 5. Monticello, FL$2.2
- 6. Quincy, FL$2.2
- 7. Saint Marks, FL$2.2
- 8. Tallahassee, FL$2.2
- 9. Ada, OH$6.9
- 10. Addison, MI$6.9
Coverage by State
$57.65 avg
$41.96 avg
$40.96 avg
$40.49 avg
$40.23 avg
$36.38 avg
$36.35 avg
$35.94 avg
$35.07 avg
$34.97 avg
$33.43 avg
$33.37 avg
$32.07 avg
$30.00 avg
$29.94 avg
$29.92 avg
$29.42 avg
$28.60 avg
$28.09 avg
$26.08 avg
$26.06 avg
$26.03 avg
$25.33 avg
$25.16 avg
$24.10 avg
$23.39 avg
$22.54 avg
$21.91 avg
$20.70 avg
$20.70 avg
$20.70 avg
$20.49 avg
$20.18 avg
$19.66 avg
$19.04 avg
$19.00 avg
$18.76 avg
$18.57 avg
$16.56 avg
$16.32 avg
$16.01 avg
$12.54 avg
$12.16 avg
$12.00 avg
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Frequently Asked Questions: Locksmiths
- What is the average cost for Locksmiths?
- The national average bid for Locksmiths is $27.96 per call, with prices ranging from $2.2 to $70 depending on location and market competition.
- How many zip codes have Locksmiths coverage?
- Locksmiths has active provider coverage across 15,563 zip codes in 44 states, representing approximately 47% of US zip codes.
- Which state has the highest Locksmiths costs?
- Oregon has the highest average Locksmiths bid at $57.65 per call across 207 zip codes.
- Which state has the lowest Locksmiths costs?
- Alabama has the lowest average Locksmiths bid at $12.00 per call across 18 zip codes.
- How often is Locksmiths pricing data updated?
- Our Locksmiths market data is refreshed every 12 hours from the eLocal marketplace, ensuring you see current bid prices and coverage information.