Locksmith FAQ: All Your Questions Answered (2026)

Q: How do I verify a locksmith's license?

Ask the locksmith for their license number when you call. Then search your state's licensing board website. For California use the BSIS lookup tool. For Texas use the DPS website. The ALOA.org directory also lists verified members who meet training standards.

Q: Is it cheaper to rekey or replace a lock?

Rekeying is almost always cheaper -- $65-$115 per lock versus $150-$300 or more for full replacement. Rekeying changes the internal pin configuration so old keys no longer work. Choose replacement only if the lock hardware is damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade the security grade.

Q: What should I do if a locksmith doubles the price after arriving?

This is a known scam tactic. You have the right to decline the work and call a different locksmith. Do not let them proceed if the price is dramatically higher than quoted. File a complaint with your state attorney general and the FTC if you believe you were defrauded.

Q: Can a locksmith duplicate a key marked 'Do Not Duplicate'?

Yes, in most cases. The 'Do Not Duplicate' marking is a request, not a legal restriction. True restricted keys (like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock keys) have patent protection that physically prevents duplication at standard key cutters. If key control matters, use a patented system.

Your Questions Answered

Everything You Need to Know Before Calling a Locksmith

This FAQ covers the questions people search most often about nearby locksmiths -- from licensing and pricing to scam detection and when to use roadside assistance. Jump to a section using the links below.

Licensing Pricing Scams Rekeying Emergency Keys

Licensing

Locksmith Licensing Questions

Do all states require locksmiths to be licensed?

No. As of 2026, approximately 15 states require a specific locksmith license. The others may require a general business or contractor license. States with specific locksmith licensing include California (BSIS), Texas (DPS), Virginia, New Jersey, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Connecticut, Nevada, Maryland, Oregon, and Louisiana. Even in unlicensed states, always ask for proof of insurance and a business license.

How do I verify a locksmith's license?

Ask the locksmith for their license number when you call -- before they arrive. Then search your state's licensing board website. California: BSIS lookup tool at bsis.dca.ca.gov. Texas: DPS lookup at txdps.state.tx.us. Most states have a similar online verification tool. The ALOA.org directory also lists verified members who meet training and background-check standards.

What does ALOA membership mean?

ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) is the primary professional association for locksmiths in the US. Membership requires background checks, training standards, and adherence to a code of ethics. It is voluntary, not a government license, but it is a meaningful credential. Find ALOA members at aloa.org.

Can I hire a locksmith without a license in an unlicensed state?

Technically yes, but it increases your risk. Unlicensed locksmiths have no regulatory accountability. If something goes wrong -- damage, overcharge, or a security breach -- you have limited recourse. In unlicensed states, use ALOA membership or a strong local review record as your minimum standard.

Pricing

Locksmith Pricing Questions

What is the average locksmith cost for a home lockout?

The national average for a residential lockout is $75-$125 during business hours. High-security deadbolts (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock) may be $100-$175 due to the additional skill required. After-hours service typically adds $25-$50.

How much does a car lockout cost?

National average: $95-$155. Check roadside assistance first -- AAA, most auto insurance policies, and some credit cards cover car lockouts for free or low cost. After-hours lockouts add $25-$50.

Why do some locksmiths charge a service call fee on top of the work fee?

A service call fee ($25-$75) covers the cost of dispatch and travel. It is a legitimate charge, but you should know about it before you agree to the service. Ask specifically: "What is the total cost including the service call fee?" when you first call.

Is it cheaper to rekey or replace a lock?

Rekeying is almost always cheaper -- $65-$115 per lock vs $150-$300+ for full replacement. Choose replacement only if the hardware is damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade to a higher security grade (Grade 1 ANSI/BHMA vs a lower-grade lock).

Scam Protection

Locksmith Scam Questions

What should I do if a locksmith doubles the price after arriving?

You have the right to decline the work and call a different locksmith. Do not allow them to start if the price is dramatically higher than quoted. File a complaint with your state attorney general's office and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If they have already started work and are now demanding a much higher price, contact local law enforcement.

How do I know if a Google locksmith listing is fake?

Check for: a generic business name with no physical address, a phone number that rolls over to a national call center (hint: ask "Where are you located exactly?"), photos that look like stock images, reviews that all appeared within a short time period, and no response to negative reviews. The FTC found that many low-cost "locksmith" listings in Google are call centers that subcontract to unscreened technicians.

Why do some locksmiths say they must drill when others don't?

Drilling is a last resort that is legitimate only when the lock is severely damaged, corroded, or is a high-security model that cannot be picked by available tools. If a locksmith arrives and immediately says they must drill a standard residential deadbolt, it is likely a scam to charge for new hardware they "happen to carry." Ask specifically why picking won't work first.

Emergency

Emergency Locksmith Questions

How long does it take a locksmith to arrive?

In urban areas: 20-40 minutes. Suburban: 30-50 minutes. Rural: 40-75 minutes or more. Ask for an estimated arrival time when you call. A professional should give you a clear answer. Vague responses ("we'll be there soon") are a warning sign.

When should I use roadside assistance instead of a locksmith?

Use roadside assistance for car lockouts only -- if you have AAA, auto insurance roadside, or credit card coverage. It is typically free. For home lockouts, rekeying, broken keys, or smart lock issues, call a licensed locksmith directly. Roadside contractors often have limited skills for non-car services.

What is an emergency locksmith and do they charge more?

An emergency locksmith prioritizes your call outside of normal business hours. The base service price is the same as during normal hours -- the additional charge is an after-hours surcharge, typically $25-$50. Any total quote over $300 for a standard lockout (no key cutting or hardware replacement) should be questioned.

Keys and Hardware

Key and Lock Questions

Can a locksmith make a key without the original?

Yes. Locksmiths can decode a lock by feel or by removing the cylinder and cut a key from scratch. For car transponder keys, they use diagnostic programmers. Basic residential key: $20-$65. Transponder key programming: $150-$350 depending on vehicle make and model.

Can a locksmith duplicate a key marked "Do Not Duplicate"?

Yes, in most cases. The marking is a request, not a legal restriction. Truly restricted keys (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, BEST, and similar high-security systems) have patent-protected key blanks that most locksmiths cannot duplicate. If key control matters to you, ask for a patented restricted key system when you next update your locks.

How long does it take a locksmith to pick a lock?

A standard residential pin tumbler lock typically takes 1-5 minutes for an experienced locksmith. High-security locks (Medeco, Abloy) may take 10-30 minutes or require decoding tools. If a locksmith is struggling for more than 15 minutes on a standard residential lock, they may not have the right skill level for the job.

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