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Locked out of your house? Lost your car keys? Or perhaps you've moved home and want to change the locks?

A locksmith is the person to call for help with locks, keys and certain security systems. But not every locksmith offers the same services, so it's worth checking you're contacting the right person for the job.

This guide explains what a locksmith does, the qualifications and experience to look for, and how to avoid unexpected charges when hiring one.

What is a locksmith?

A locksmith is a tradesperson who fits, repairs, replaces and opens locks. Many also cut keys and help improve the security of your property.

Locksmiths generally work with two main types of locks:

• Property locks – Including front doors, back doors, windows, garages and commercial premises

• Vehicle locks – Including car doors, ignitions and vehicle keys

Some locksmiths offer both services, while others concentrate on one.

Many operate as mobile locksmiths, travelling to homes, businesses or vehicles to carry out the work.

What does a locksmith do?

There's more to locksmithing than helping someone who's locked themselves out.

Common locksmith services include:

• Opening locked doors

• Repairing or replacing faulty locks

• Changing locks after moving house

• Replacing locks following lost or stolen keys

• Cutting replacement or spare keys

• Repairing or replacing locks after a break-in

• Fitting upgraded door and window locks

• Cutting and programming vehicle keys

• Installing certain access control systems

• Advising on suitable locks for your property

Not every locksmith offers all these services, particularly when it comes to vehicle keys, safes and electronic security systems.

If you're unsure whether your job falls within their experience, describe the problem when you first make contact.

Need reassurance? All tradespeople pass up to 12 checks before joining, and we keep checking after.

What type of locksmith do you need?

The right locksmith depends on what needs fixing, replacing or opening.

Domestic locksmith

A domestic locksmith works with locks around the home.

They can help with everyday problems such as faulty door locks, broken door handles, lost keys, lock replacements and home security upgrades.

Many also offer emergency call-outs.

Emergency locksmith

If you're locked out or need a lock secured urgently following a break-in, look for a locksmith offering emergency call-outs.

Not every locksmith works evenings, weekends or overnight, so check availability and charges before booking.

Auto locksmith

An auto locksmith works with vehicle locks and keys.

They may be able to help if you've locked your keys inside your car, lost a vehicle key or need a replacement key programmed.

Modern car keys can require specialist equipment, so check that the locksmith works with your vehicle's make and model.

Commercial locksmith

Commercial locksmiths work with locks and security systems in business premises.

Some also install or maintain access control systems and other commercial locking equipment.

Depending on the job, you can find a locksmith near you, an emergency locksmith, an auto locksmith or a key cutting service. Save the number of a checked local locksmith in your phone before you need one. It's much easier to choose well when you're not locked out in the rain.

What should you look for when hiring a locksmith?

Whether you're booking a routine lock replacement or need someone urgently, it's worth checking a few things before agreeing to the work.

Look for:

• Experience with the type of lock or security system you have

• Relevant training or professional accreditation

• Recent customer reviews

• Appropriate insurance

• Clear information about call-out charges

• An explanation of how the work will be priced

• A written quote or confirmation of charges

• Details of any guarantee or warranty offered

If you're hiring someone to work on a particular type of lock, ask whether they've dealt with similar problems before.

For example, someone who regularly replaces standard door cylinders might not have the equipment needed to program a modern vehicle key.

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What qualifications should a locksmith have?

There's no general legal requirement for locksmiths to hold a specific qualification or licence to carry out ordinary locksmith work in the UK.

That makes relevant training, experience and professional accreditation useful things to check.

One organisation you may come across is the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA). Here's what to know about MLA approval:

• MLA-approved locksmith companies undergo checks and inspections, while locksmiths must meet the scheme's relevant training and examination requirements

• If a business claims to be MLA-approved, you can check its status through the MLA

• However, MLA approval isn't compulsory, and not having it doesn't automatically mean someone is unsuitable for the job

Look at the wider picture, including experience, reviews, insurance and how clearly the locksmith explains the work.

How much does it cost to hire a locksmith?

Locksmith prices depend on the work needed, the type of lock, your location and whether you're booking during normal working hours or need an emergency call-out.

A routine lock replacement may be priced differently from rekeying locks or an urgent late-night visit, for example.

As a guide:

• A locksmith's standard daytime rate is typically around £65 per hour

• Emergency call-out fees are normally between £50 and £150

• Replacing a uPVC door lock costs around £125 on average

For current UK prices, including hourly rates, emergency call-out fees and common lock replacement jobs, see our locksmith prices guide.

Locksmith prices in the UK in 2026

Whether you get locked out of the house or you just want to upgrade your door locks, a locksmith can help. Here, we'll break down the average locksmith prices in the UK and the common jobs you might need them for.

Learn more

What should you check about emergency locksmith charges?

If you need a locksmith urgently, ask about the price before they travel to you.

In particular, check:

• Whether there's a call-out fee

• Whether the call-out fee includes any labour

• The hourly rate, if applicable

• Whether out-of-hours charges apply

• The likely cost of replacement parts

• Whether VAT is included

• What happens if additional work is needed

It isn't always possible to give an exact price before seeing a faulty lock. However, the locksmith should be able to explain how charges work and what might affect the final bill.

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How do you compare locksmiths?

If the work isn't urgent, try to compare a few locksmiths before making a decision.

Look at:

• Experience with the work you need

• Recent customer reviews

• Relevant training or accreditation

• Availability

• Call-out charges

• Labour and materials costs

• Guarantees or warranties

• Whether the quote covers the same work

Give each locksmith the same information so you're comparing like for like.

For example, if you're replacing a lock, tell them what type of door you have and whether you're looking for a straightforward replacement or a security upgrade.

If one quote is noticeably cheaper, check what's included before assuming it's better value.

What if you need a locksmith immediately?

When you're standing outside your home without your keys, spending an hour comparing quotes probably isn't realistic.

But it's still worth taking a moment to check the business details, read a few reviews and confirm the call-out charges.

A locksmith should be able to explain what they're charging for before starting the work.

Need proof of work? Over 6 million reviews from real people.

What are the warning signs when hiring a locksmith?

Unfortunately, people who need urgent locksmith services can be particularly vulnerable to misleading prices or unnecessary work.

Be cautious if someone:

• Advertises an unusually low price but won't explain what it includes

• Refuses to give clear information about call-out charges

• Pressures you into agreeing to expensive replacement parts

• Claims that a lock must be drilled without explaining why

• Can't provide clear business or contact details

• Makes accreditation claims you can't verify

• Won't provide a written record of the work and charges

• Changes the agreed price without explaining the reason

A locksmith may genuinely need to drill or replace a lock in some circumstances.

However, where non-destructive entry is possible and appropriate, an experienced locksmith will generally consider it before resorting to drilling.

If someone immediately insists that your lock must be destroyed, ask why.

And if unexpected work is recommended, make sure you understand the reason and cost before agreeing.

Questions to ask a locksmith before hiring

You don't need to ask every question for a straightforward job, but a few sensible checks can help you avoid surprises.

About their experience

• How long have you been carrying out this type of locksmith work?

• Have you worked with this type of lock before?

• Do you have any relevant training or accreditation?

• Is your business MLA-approved?

• Do you have appropriate insurance?

• Can I see recent customer reviews?

About the job

• What do you think the problem might be?

• Can the existing lock be repaired, or will it need replacing?

• Will you try to open the lock without damaging it where possible?

• What type of replacement lock would you recommend?

• Will the replacement meet any relevant insurance requirements?

• How long should the work take?

• What guarantee or warranty do you offer?

About the price

• Is there a call-out charge?

• Is labour included?

• Are there additional charges for evenings or weekends?

• Are replacement parts included?

• Is VAT included?

• Will you confirm any additional costs before carrying out extra work?

What should you have ready before a locksmith arrives?

A locksmith may need to check that you're authorised to access the property or vehicle before carrying out certain work.

Be prepared to provide suitable identification and evidence that you live at, own or are authorised to access the property.

If you're locked out and your identification is inside, explain this when booking. The locksmith can tell you what alternative checks they may accept.

For other jobs, it helps to have:

• Details of the lock or door

• Photos of the problem, where useful

• Information about any previous repairs

• Details of the vehicle make and model, for auto locksmith work

The more the locksmith knows about the problem before arriving, the better prepared they can be.

Common mistakes to avoid when hiring a locksmith

Choosing based on the advertised price alone

A very low headline price may not include labour, parts or the full cost of attending your property.

Ask what the quoted price covers.

Not checking emergency call-out charges

Evening, weekend and overnight visits can cost more.

Confirm the charges before the locksmith sets off, rather than waiting until they arrive.

Assuming every locksmith offers the same services

A domestic locksmith may not be equipped to programme car keys or work with electronic access systems.

Check their experience with your particular job.

Agreeing to unnecessary replacement work

Not every faulty lock needs replacing.

Ask whether repair is possible and why a replacement is being recommended.

Not checking the replacement lock

If you're having a lock changed, ask what type is being fitted and whether it meets any relevant insurance requirements.

Not getting a record of the work

Keep your invoice, details of replacement locks and any guarantee or warranty paperwork.

It can be useful if something goes wrong later.

Checklist: hiring a locksmith

Before you hire a locksmith:

• Check they have experience with the work you need

• Read recent customer reviews

• Look for relevant training or accreditation

• Confirm insurance

• Ask about call-out charges

• Check whether labour and parts are included

• Confirm any out-of-hours charges

• Ask whether the existing lock can be repaired

• Check the specification of any replacement lock

• Agree how additional work will be priced

• Ask what guarantee or warranty you'll receive

Find checked and reviewed locksmiths near you

Whether you need a new front-door lock, help getting back into your home or someone to replace a lost car key, finding the right locksmith starts with checking they have experience with your particular job.

When you use Checkatrade, you can compare tradespeople who are:

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million verified reviews from real jobs have been published on Checkatrade, covering everything from communication and timekeeping to tidiness and quality of work

• Guaranteed - When you book through Checkatrade, your job is covered by our guarantee, up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

Search Checkatrade, compare verified reviews and request quotes from checked locksmiths working in your area.

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