How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a Lock? (Price Guide)

Rekeying changes the internal pins of a lock so it works with a new key and the old keys stop working. The lock hardware stays on the door. It is the usual fix after moving into a home, losing a key, or ending a tenancy, and it costs less than replacing the locks. Most of the price comes from two things: a service fee for the visit and a charge for each cylinder, meaning each keyhole that gets changed.

The figures below come from ThePricer, a cost guide that compiles contractor quotes, and from This Old House. They carry a check date of Oct 13, 2026.

Locksmiths price this job in a few ways. Some charge a flat amount for a set number of doors. Others charge a visit fee plus a per-cylinder rate. The table shows common scenarios.

Because the visit fee is spread over every lock you rekey in one trip, the cost per lock falls as the count rises. One cylinder is the most expensive way to buy the service. A whole house is the cheapest per lock.

Before you request a quote, count the keyholes. One exterior door may have a keyed knob and a keyed deadbolt, which makes two cylinders. A double-cylinder deadbolt has two keyholes. Add garage entry doors, side doors, and any padlocks or mailbox locks you want on the same key. A locksmith will ask for this number, and a quote built on a wrong count gets revised on arrival.

Rekeying makes sense when your locks work well and you only need to cancel old keys. This Old House says rekeying is often quicker and cheaper than replacing locks while giving the same peace of mind. The tradeoff is that new locks come with a warranty and rekeying does not.

Replacement fits when the hardware is worn, damaged, or low quality, or when you want a stronger lock or a keypad. Prices for replacing a lockset and related locksmith work are below.

Rekeying also fits the situation where you want every door on one key. A locksmith can match the cylinders so a single key opens them all.

• Number of locks. More cylinders in one visit lowers the cost per lock.
• Service call or trip fee. Mobile locksmiths bill for travel, and the amount varies by company and distance.
• Lock type. Smart and high-security cylinders cost more to rekey than standard pin-tumbler locks.
• Time of day. Evenings, weekends, and holidays usually cost more.
• Mobile or in-shop. If you remove the lock and bring it in, the price can drop. Mobile service adds convenience and a visit fee.
• Missing keys. If no working key is available, the job may take more time.
• Location. Local labor and travel costs differ across the country.

Rekey kits are sold for specific lock brands. If you own matching locks and are comfortable with small parts, a kit is the cheapest path. Compatibility is the limit, since a kit built for one brand will not fit another.

Kits do not suit every lock. Smart locks, high-security cylinders, and locks that protect a business or a safe are better left to a locksmith. A mistake can leave a door that will not lock or a key that works only part of the time. If you are unsure, call a licensed locksmith.

A single national range hides a lot. Some guides price a standard house with three locks. Others price per cylinder and add a visit fee on top. Local examples may also include after-hours rates or higher-security hardware.

Compare quotes on the same terms: number of cylinders, visit fee, number of keys included, and any charge for hardware that cannot be rekeyed normally.

Locksmith scams exist, mostly among companies that advertise a low price and add fees at the door. A few habits protect you:

• Ask for a total estimate by phone, including the visit fee and the per-lock charge.
• Check that the company has a local address and a name that matches the van and the invoice.
• Ask whether they are licensed where your state requires it, and request a written invoice.
• Be careful with ads that show a very low price, since the final bill can end up much higher.

• What is the total for my number of cylinders, including the visit fee?
• How many new keys come with the job, and what do extra keys cost?
• Is there a surcharge for evenings or weekends?
• Do you guarantee the work?
• Can the cylinders be keyed alike?