How much does it cost to change a lock?
For a single standard exterior lock, expect roughly $50 to $200 for the locksmith's labor, plus the cost of the new lock hardware. Basic keyed-entry knobs and deadbolts often run $15 to $60 each at the consumer level, while higher-security or brand-name deadbolts can run $80 to $250 or more. Add those together and a straightforward one-lock change commonly totals about $80 to $300.
Many locksmiths also charge a service-call or trip fee to come out, which is frequently in the $25 to $100 range and may be separate from the per-lock labor. Some shops fold the trip fee into the first lock when you book multiple changes, so it pays to ask how the fee is structured before work begins.
All of the numbers on this page are typical industry estimate ranges meant for planning, not firm quotes. The only way to know your real cost is to describe your door, lock type, and how many locks you need to a local locksmith and ask for a written estimate.
Lock change cost by type of lock
Price varies a lot by what you're installing. The categories below cover the most common residential and light-commercial jobs, with the hardware and labor estimate folded into a per-lock range. Higher-security and electronic options cost more because the hardware itself is more expensive and installation can take longer.
- Standard keyed knob or lever (entry handle): about $50 to $150 per lock installed for basic hardware.
- Single-cylinder deadbolt (key outside, thumbturn inside): about $80 to $250 per lock installed, the most common exterior upgrade.
- Double-cylinder deadbolt (key on both sides): about $120 to $300 installed; note these can raise egress concerns and are restricted by some local fire codes.
- High-security deadbolt with a restricted or patented keyway: about $150 to $400+ installed because the cylinders and keys cost more.
- Mortise lock (common on older or commercial doors): about $150 to $500+ installed, since the lock body sits inside a pocket cut into the door.
- Keyless / electronic keypad deadbolt: about $150 to $400 installed depending on the model.
- Smart lock (app, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, often Z-Wave or Matter compatible): about $150 to $450+ installed, with the device itself frequently the biggest line item.
Should you rekey instead of change the lock?
Rekeying and replacing solve different problems, and rekeying is usually the cheaper of the two. When a locksmith rekeys a lock, they adjust the internal cylinder so old keys no longer work and a new key does. You keep the same hardware on the door, so you're paying mostly for labor plus inexpensive parts.
Rekeying an existing lock commonly costs about $15 to $50 per lock in labor once the locksmith is on site, plus any trip fee. That makes it a strong choice after moving into a home, losing a key, a roommate or tenant moving out, or a contractor having had access, as long as the lock itself is in good working condition.
Changing the lock (full replacement) makes more sense when the existing hardware is worn, damaged, outdated, or you want a higher security grade, a different finish, or keyless and smart features. If the lock body is failing or you want to upgrade protection, paying for new hardware is the better value even though it costs more than a rekey.
- Rekey when: the hardware is fine and you only need to retire the old keys (moving in, lost key, tenant turnover).
- Replace when: the lock is damaged or low-grade, or you want a security upgrade, new finish, or keyless/smart entry.
- Rough rule of thumb: rekeying several existing locks to one new key is typically cheaper than replacing them all.
What drives your final lock change price?
Two homes can get very different quotes for what sounds like the same job. The biggest swing factors are how many locks you're doing, the grade and brand of hardware you choose, and whether the existing door needs any prep. Understanding these helps you compare estimates fairly instead of just chasing the lowest number.
- Number of locks: per-lock labor often drops when you change several at once, since the trip is shared across the job.
- Hardware grade and brand: residential-grade is cheapest; commercial Grade 1 and high-security cylinders cost more but are built to take more abuse.
- Door type and condition: a clean, pre-bored steel or wood door installs fast; doors needing new bore holes, latch mortising, or repair add labor.
- Keying preference: matching multiple new locks to a single key (keyed-alike) is convenient and usually a small add-on, not a big surcharge.
- Service-call / trip fee: a flat fee to dispatch a locksmith, sometimes waived or credited when you book a larger job.
- Time and access: after-hours work, hard-to-reach hardware, or commercial doors with closers and panic bars can raise the labor estimate.
- Your location: labor rates differ by region and local cost of living, so ranges here are national-average estimates.
What's included when a locksmith changes your locks
A typical lock-change visit is more than swapping parts. A professional should confirm the door is bored and prepped correctly, install the new hardware so the latch or deadbolt throws cleanly into the strike, and test that the lock operates smoothly from both sides before they leave. Good installation matters as much as the lock itself, because a quality deadbolt mounted in a weak frame won't protect you as designed.
If you're changing exterior locks for security reasons, it's reasonable to ask the locksmith to check the strike plate and screws while they're there. Longer mounting screws into the door frame's stud are a common, low-cost reinforcement. A reputable locksmith will explain options without pressure and give you the new keys and any programming details for electronic models.
When you book through Locksmith Near Me, you're connected with local locksmith help for exactly this kind of work. Because pricing depends on your specific doors and chosen hardware, the next step is a free quote rather than a number sight-unseen.
How to get an accurate lock change quote
The fastest way to a reliable price is to give the locksmith the details that actually move the estimate. Have this ready when you request a free quote, and ask for the fee breakdown in writing so there are no surprises on site.
Sharing photos of your door and existing lock, if you can, helps a locksmith spot anything unusual, like a non-standard bore, a mortise body, or a commercial door, that would change the labor before they arrive.
- How many locks you want changed, and whether they should all use the same key.
- The lock types you have now and what you'd like installed (deadbolt, lever, smart lock, etc.).
- Whether you prefer to change/replace the locks or just rekey the existing ones.
- Your door material (wood, steel, fiberglass) and whether it's residential or commercial.
- Whether you need standard or after-hours service, since timing can affect the rate.
- Ask specifically whether a trip/service-call fee applies and if it's credited toward the work.
