Do You Need to Change Your Locks Today?

Change your locks within 24 hours if you lost keys in a public place or cannot account for all copies. If the keys were lost in your immediate neighborhood, call a locksmith the same day — the risk window is shorter. If you genuinely know where the keys are (dropped at home, found in a jacket pocket), the urgency is lower but still worth addressing within a week.

Yes. Rekeying changes the internal pin tumblers so old keys no longer operate the lock. The security level is identical to a full replacement because the mechanism that blocks unauthorized entry is the pins, not the exterior hardware. Choose full replacement only if the lock is damaged, visibly forced, very old, or you want to upgrade to a higher-security grade.

Standard rekeying runs $50-$150 per lock during business hours. Emergency or same-day service adds a dispatch fee of $30-$80 depending on the provider and region. A full property rekey (3-4 exterior locks) typically costs $150-$400 same-day. Avoid companies that advertise $15-$35 jobs — these are bait-and-switch operations that inflate the bill on arrival.

Yes, if the other person had a key or knew your access code. Change all exterior deadbolts and doorknob locks, reset garage opener codes, change smart lock PINs, and update any gate or building access codes. This applies even if the separation is amicable — key control is a safety measure, not a statement about trust.

Change all exterior entry points: front door, back door, garage entry door (if keyed), side doors, and any secondary units on the property. Interior door locks rarely need changing unless there's a specific concern about an indoor access point. A locksmith can rekey multiple locks in a single visit — ask for a whole-home service quote.

Call 3 locksmiths and get a verbal quote before committing to anyone. A legitimate locksmith will quote based on lock brand and type — not a suspiciously low flat rate. Check for a physical business address and real online reviews. ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) has a licensed locksmith finder at aloa.org if you want a verified professional.

You can replace a lock yourself if you buy the same bore-size hardware and are comfortable with basic tools. However, rekeying requires a specialized kit and practice — mistakes can leave you locked out or with a non-functioning lock. For an urgent security situation, hiring a professional is faster and eliminates the risk of an error at a stressful moment. DIY makes more sense for a planned upgrade than an emergency rekey.

This site focuses on emergency and time-sensitive lock change decisions: when to act, how fast, what it costs, and how to find help the same day. We cover five urgent scenarios (lost keys, stolen wallet, break-in, divorce/breakup, and moving in) plus supporting guides for each. We do not represent or refer any locksmith company — all information is research-based and editorially independent.