How Much Should a Locksmith Charge to Change a Lock?

By Michael Anderson, 27 years of experience · November 9, 2026 · 7 min read

Our lock change starts at $85 plus hardware. Call (805) 977-6159 and we’ll come to your property to assess the lock and explain the work before it begins.

Our Starting Prices in San Luis Obispo

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

How Much Should a Locksmith Charge to Change a Lock?

A locksmith’s charge for changing a lock should make clear what the service covers and whether hardware is included. Our lock change starts at $85 plus hardware. Our listed service call is $29, so ask how those charges appear in your estimate rather than assuming the starting price is an all-in total.

The hardware you choose is one factor that changes the final amount. The work can also differ depending on whether you’re replacing one lock, changing more than one, or dealing with a door that does not close or latch correctly. Ask for the hardware cost and the work included before you approve the job.

For a separate view of the services and listed starting prices, see our prices. A clear estimate should identify the lock change, the hardware, and any other charge before the locksmith starts.

Should You Change the Lock or Rekey It?

A full lock change replaces the lock hardware. Rekeying changes which key operates the existing lock, so it may suit you when the lock itself is in good condition and your main concern is who still has a key.

Which Starting Price Fits Your Lock Situation?

When you’ve moved into a home and don’t know who has copies of the keys, a lock change gives you new hardware; that service starts at $85 plus hardware. If the existing lock works and you mainly want old keys disabled, rekeying starts at $55 per lock.

After a key goes missing, first decide whether you’re concerned about access by someone else or whether the lock itself is failing. The first concern may call for rekeying or a lock change; a faulty lock needs an assessment of the hardware and door before you decide.

If you’re locked out but the lock is working, a lockout is a different service from changing the lock. Our house lockout service starts at $55. Tell us whether you need entry, new hardware, or both so the estimate matches the work you’re requesting.

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

What Details Help Price a Lock Change Accurately?

A few clear details help distinguish a straightforward replacement from a job that needs a closer look. Share what you know; you do not need to take the lock apart or try to repair it yourself.

• Why you want the lock changed — Say whether a key is missing, the lock is damaged, or you want to replace the hardware. The reason helps identify whether a change, rekey, or repair should be assessed.
• How many locks are involved — Count the doors and locks you want addressed. Tell us if you want them to use the same key or different keys.
• What the door is doing — Describe any sticking, loose movement, visible damage, or trouble closing the door. These signs can affect what needs inspection beyond the lock itself.
• What you expect from the replacement — Mention whether you want to keep the existing key arrangement or use new keys. That helps make sure the work discussed matches your goal.

What Happens During a Lock Change, Step by Step?

A careful job starts with confirming the problem and ends with testing the lock and door. These steps also give you checkpoints for understanding what is included in the work.

1. Describe the reason for the change — Tell the locksmith whether a key is missing, the lock is damaged, or you want different hardware. Check that the estimate addresses that specific concern.
2. Identify each door and lock — Point out every lock you want changed and note which doors share access. Confirm the count before work begins.
3. Check the lock and door together — The locksmith should assess the lock, latch, strike plate, and door alignment. Ask whether the door itself is contributing to sticking or poor latching.
4. Confirm the proposed option — Review whether the work is a lock change, rekey, or repair. Make sure the choice matches your reason for calling.
5. Review hardware and charges — Confirm the hardware choice, its cost, and the service charge before approving the work. Ask what is included in the quoted starting price.
6. Authorize the work — Proceed only when you understand the requested work and charges. If the assessment changes the plan, ask for the revised details before continuing.
7. Test the lock with the door open — Check that the new key turns and the latch or deadbolt moves smoothly before closing the door. This can reveal a problem while you are still able to access the lock easily.
8. Test the closed door — Close the door and check that it latches and locks without forcing it. Ask the locksmith to address binding or misalignment before the job is considered complete.

What If the New Lock Still Sticks or the Door Won’t Latch?

A new lock does not automatically correct a door that sags, rubs, or fails to line up with the strike plate. If the key turns smoothly with the door open but the lock binds when the door is closed, tell the locksmith; the door alignment may need attention as well.

Do not force a key that catches or keep turning a lock that feels jammed. Stop using the lock if it becomes unreliable, keep the door secure in a safe way that does not damage it, and arrange an assessment. A locksmith can determine whether the issue is the lock, the door, or both.

After service, keep the new keys under your control and make sure everyone who needs access can use the door. Our parts and labor carry a warranty of at least six months; ask for the warranty details for the work completed.

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

How Does a Mobile Lock Change Reach San Luis Obispo?

We are a mobile locksmith, so we come to your property rather than asking you to bring a lock to us. Within San Luis Obispo, our typical arrival time is within 15 minutes. We also serve Central Coast towns within 30 miles; towns farther out get the next free locksmith, not a promised 15-minute arrival.

Tell us the town and the lock problem when you call. That lets us determine whether the job is in our service area and gives us the details needed to assess the right service.

When Should You Call a Locksmith About a Lock Change?

Call when a lock is damaged, you need control over who can use an old key, or you cannot tell whether the problem is the lock or the door. Avoid forcing the lock or attempting work that could damage the door; a damaged latch or misaligned strike plate can turn a simple replacement into a larger repair.

For an on-site assessment, use our lock change service. You can also contact us with the door location and what the lock is doing. The Associated Locksmiths of America is another resource for information about the locksmith trade.

Frequently asked questions