Rekeying a lock costs between $50 and $225 per visit depending on who you ask, and replacing it costs $315 to $400.1,3,4 The sources disagree more than most cost guides, mostly because some price per lock and others price the whole service call.1,3,4 Prices below are national averages* for 2026.
*National averages, not local quotes. Your price depends on how many locks you have, your locksmith’s trip fee, time of day, and whether you are locked out.
$50 – $100
rekey, per Angi
$95
typical rekey quote (Yelp, $35 – $165)
$191 – $225
rekey, per Thumbtack
$10 – $25
DIY rekey kit (Angi)
What each source says
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey a lock | $50 – $100 | Angi |
| Professional rekey | $40 – $160, plus $15 – $40 per extra lock | Angi |
| Rekey, typical quote | $35 – $165 (typical $95) | Yelp |
| Rekey, average stated in text | $140 | Yelp |
| Rekey a lock | $191 – $225 | Thumbtack |
| Rekey, per keyhole | $18 (up to $25 for deadbolts or electronic) | Thumbtack |
| Rekey, hourly plus trip fee | $75 per hour, trip fee up to $150 | Forbes |
Yelp’s own page gives a $95 typical quote and a $140 average, so even one source has two figures. Thumbtack runs highest at $191 to $225 per job, though it also lists $18 per keyhole. If you have several doors, ask your locksmith whether the quote is per lock or per visit.1,3
Rekey or replace
| Option | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey | $50 – $100 | Angi |
| Replace with new lock | $315 average | Angi |
| Replace, new lock and labor | $400 average | Yelp |
| Change locks, overall | $50 – $300 | Forbes |
Rekeying changes the internal pins so a new key works, and the old keys stop working. Yelp notes it gives the same security as replacing the lock for less money.1,2 Replace the lock instead if it is damaged or you want an upgrade to a smart lock.
Locksmith rates and extras
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate, business hours | $50 – $100 | Yelp / Forbes |
| Hourly rate, after hours | $150 – $250 | Yelp |
| Hourly rate | $57 – $87 | Thumbtack |
| Trip fee | $30 – $150 (average $75) | Thumbtack / Yelp |
| Lockout service | $125 – $200 | Yelp |
| Lockout service | $166 – $192 | Thumbtack |
| Emergency surcharge | about $95 extra | Yelp |
| Copy a key | $1 – $4 regular, $3 – $20 special | Thumbtack |
DIY or hire
Angi says rekeying is a DIY job in a pinch, but you need the exact rekey kit for your lock’s brand, and buying the wrong one is the usual mistake.4 Kits cost $10 to $25 each. If you have many locks, a kit set is cheaper than a locksmith’s per-lock fee, and a locksmith is faster if you are locked out. Home Depot’s door lock category lists locks by brand so you can check which kit fits yours. Renters should ask the landlord before rekeying.1
Related guides
Locksmith Cost
Deadbolt Installation Cost
Smart Lock Installation Cost
Door Installation Cost
All cost guides
Sources
1. Yelp — How Much Does Rekeying Cost?
2. Forbes Home — How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?
3. Thumbtack — Locksmith Cost
4. Angi — Rekeying vs. Changing Locks