Find a locksmith near you
A locksmith opens locked doors and cars, changes and installs locks, and makes keys. People call one after a lockout, after moving into a new home, after losing keys, or to make a home or business more secure. A good locksmith gives a clear price on the phone and asks for proof that you live there before opening a door.
Find locksmiths by city
- New York, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Phoenix, AZ
- Philadelphia, PA
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Dallas, TX
- San Jose, CA
- Austin, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Fort Worth, TX
- Columbus, OH
- Charlotte, NC
- Indianapolis, IN
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Denver, CO
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Nashville, TN
- El Paso, TX
- Washington, DC
- Boston, MA
- Las Vegas, NV
- Portland, OR
- Detroit, MI
- Memphis, TN
- Louisville, KY
- Baltimore, MD
- Milwaukee, WI
- Albuquerque, NM
- Fresno, CA
- Tucson, AZ
- Sacramento, CA
- Kansas City, MO
- Mesa, AZ
- Atlanta, GA
- Omaha, NE
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Raleigh, NC
- Long Beach, CA
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Miami, FL
- Oakland, CA
- Minneapolis, MN
- Tulsa, OK
- Bakersfield, CA
- Wichita, KS
- Arlington, TX
What do locksmiths do?
- Lockouts (home, car, office)
- Rekeying locks after a move
- Lock replacement and installation
- Deadbolt and smart lock installs
- Car key and key fob replacement
- Key cutting and duplication
- Broken key extraction
- Safe opening and combination changes
- Master key systems for businesses
- Door hardware and panic bar repair
How do you choose a good locksmith?
- Ask for the company's legal name and a local address. Search both online before the locksmith arrives.
- Get a total price on the phone, including the service call, labor and any parts.
- Ask whether they need to drill. A skilled locksmith can open most standard locks without drilling.
- Check for a license number where one is required, and look it up.
- Expect them to ask for ID or proof of address before opening a home. That is a good sign.
- Find a locksmith before you need one and save the number.
Many states and cities license locksmiths; ask for a license number where one is required.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What is the total price, including the trip fee?
- What is your company's legal name and address?
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Will you need to drill or replace the lock?
- How long until you arrive?
- Will I get an itemized receipt with your company name on it?
Red flags to watch for
- A low phone quote that jumps once the locksmith arrives.
- Answering the phone with a generic phrase like 'locksmith service' instead of a business name.
- Going straight to drilling or replacing a lock on a simple lockout.
- An unmarked vehicle and no business card, invoice or ID.
- Asking for cash only.
What changes the price?
- Time of day, with after-hours and holiday calls costing more
- Type of lock or key, such as high-security locks or transponder keys
- Number of locks to rekey or replace
- Travel distance
- Whether new hardware is needed
- Car make and model for key and fob work
Questions people ask
Should I rekey or replace my locks after moving?
If the locks work well, rekeying is usually enough. It changes the key without changing the hardware. Replace the locks if they are worn, weak or you want a different style.
Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Often, yes. Many locksmiths can cut and program keys from the vehicle identification number. You will need to prove you own the car.
How do I avoid locksmith scams?
Get a total price in writing or by text before they come. Check the business name and address. Do not let them drill unless they explain why it is needed.