Lock Change FAQ

Change or rekey your locks after moving into a new home or apartment, after losing a key, after a break-in or attempted entry, when ending a tenancy, or when someone with a key is no longer authorized (a former roommate, housekeeper, or family member). You do not necessarily need new hardware each time; rekeying the existing cylinder is often sufficient.

Rekeying reconfigures the internal pins of the existing cylinder so new keys work and old keys do not. The lock hardware stays in place. Replacing the lock removes the entire mechanism and installs new hardware. Rekeying costs $25–$55 per cylinder; full replacement costs $120–$220 or more per lock. For most situations, rekeying is sufficient and more cost-effective.

Rekeying a residential lock costs $25–$55 per cylinder, or $85–$175 for a full home visit covering 3–5 locks. Full lock replacement (hardware + labor) runs $120–$280 per lock depending on grade and brand. Emergency or after-hours service adds $50–$100 to standard rates. Always request a written quote covering parts and labor before authorizing work.

Rekeying a single residential lock takes 10–20 minutes. A full home rekey covering 3–5 locks typically takes 30–60 minutes. Full lock replacement with new deadbolt hardware takes 20–45 minutes per door. Smart lock installation may take 45–90 minutes depending on whether new boring is required.

Yes, in most cases. A licensed locksmith will require proof of authorization before performing any work. For a residential property, this means a government-issued photo ID matching the address, a lease agreement, or a utility bill. You will also need to be present to receive the new keys or test the lock after the work is completed.

Verify that the locksmith holds an active state license (in California, this is a BSIS license from the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services). Ask for the full business name and license number. Request a written estimate that covers both parts and labor before work begins. Be cautious of unusually low advertised rates, which often indicate pricing that may not reflect the final cost tactics.

Yes, for practical purposes. Rekeying changes which key operates the lock just as effectively as a full replacement, assuming the existing hardware is in good condition and of adequate grade. If the lock is old, worn, or a low-security grade, replacement is the better choice. For most functioning residential deadbolts, rekeying provides the same security outcome at a lower cost.

Yes. Rekeying all locks to a common key is called keying alike. A locksmith reconfigures each cylinder to match the same key cut. This is common when moving into a home with multiple locks that use different keys, and costs the same as standard rekeying per cylinder since the extra work is minimal.