Rekeying a deadbolt usually costs $50-$100 for one lock, with additional locks often adding $15-$35 each. The total depends on the locksmith’s service-call fee, lock design, location, and whether the lock can be rekeyed or needs replacement.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One deadbolt rekey | $50 | $75 | $150 | Includes typical visit and service |
| Additional deadbolt | $15 | $25 | $45 | Same visit, standard lock |
| Rekey three deadbolts | $80 | $125 | $220 | Price varies with trip fee and lock type |
| Replacement deadbolt | $80 | $170 | $400+ | Lock and installation, depending on grade |
What a standard deadbolt rekey costs
A locksmith typically charges $50-$100 to rekey one ordinary residential deadbolt during regular business hours. A common bill is about $75-$90 when the trip charge is included. If the locksmith is already at the property, each additional compatible deadbolt may cost $15-$35.
Rekeying changes the pins inside the cylinder so the old key no longer works and a new key does. It does not replace the deadbolt hardware. Assumptions: standard single-cylinder deadbolt, accessible door, weekday service, and ordinary U.S. metro-area pricing. For one standard lock, budgeting $75-$100 is a practical starting point.
How service calls, labor, and parts shape the bill
Quotes may combine a minimum service charge with per-lock labor. A low advertised rekey rate may not include travel, after-hours work, or the minimum charge for a home visit, so the total quote matters more than the listed rate alone.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it covers | When it rises |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service call or trip | $30-$75 | Travel and initial visit | Long distance or urgent dispatch |
| First-lock labor | $20-$50 | Remove, re-pin, and test one cylinder | Stuck or difficult-to-access lock |
| Each extra deadbolt | $15-$35 | Additional cylinder rekeying | Different or restricted lock design |
| Replacement pins or keys | $2-$10 per key | New keys and small consumables | Extra keys or specialty blanks |
| After-hours surcharge | $50-$150 | Evening, weekend, or emergency service | Late-night or immediate dispatch |
Labor is often estimated by the visit rather than a transparent hourly rate. When charged by time, residential locksmith labor may run roughly $50-$100 per hour, with minimum charges still applying. Ask whether the quoted total includes the trip, labor, keys, and any minimum fee.
Why lock brand, keyway, and door condition change the quote
Most standard Schlage- or Kwikset-style deadbolts can be rekeyed by a locksmith with compatible pins and tools. High-security cylinders, restricted keyways, and some electronic or smart deadbolts may require special parts, authorization, or a manufacturer-specific service; these can add $20-$75 or make replacement more practical.
Condition also matters. A cylinder that turns smoothly is usually quicker to remove and service than one with a damaged tailpiece, seized screws, or a misaligned door. A locksmith may charge $20-$60 extra for difficult disassembly or minor adjustment. If the lock is worn, broken, or incompatible, a new deadbolt may be needed instead of a rekey.
Confirm the lock brand and model before booking, especially for smart or high-security hardware.
When several deadbolts share one key
Keying multiple locks alike can reduce the per-lock price if they use compatible cylinders and the locksmith handles them on the same visit. Two standard deadbolts may total about $70-$135, while three may cost $80-$170 before unusual hardware, additional keys, or service surcharges.
Locks from different brands are not always compatible with one key. A locksmith may need to replace cylinders or hardware to create a matching-key setup, which can bring the project into the $150-$350 range for several doors. Provide the number of locks and brands when requesting an estimate, and ask whether the quoted price includes matching keys.
What locksmith rates look like across U.S. markets
Local labor and travel affect the final bill. In lower-cost rural markets, a routine visit may land near $50-$85 for one lock; large metro areas often run $75-$130. High-cost cities and areas with limited locksmith availability may reach $100-$175, particularly when parking, building access, or travel adds time.
These are broad planning ranges rather than fixed regional tariffs. Quotes can differ by 15%-30% between nearby service areas, and emergency pricing may exceed the routine range anywhere. Compare two or three itemized estimates using the same service timing and lock count.
How long rekeying takes and when urgent service adds cost
A straightforward deadbolt rekey often takes 15-30 minutes at the door, plus travel and dispatch time. Three standard locks at one property may take about 45-90 minutes, depending on access and whether the cylinders are alike. A lost-key situation can still be rekeyed, but the locksmith may need to pick or drill a lock that cannot be opened, adding roughly $50-$150.
Evening, weekend, and emergency calls commonly add $50-$150, while some providers quote a higher minimum instead. Scheduling during regular business hours can avoid a surcharge when the lock is secure enough to wait.
Rekeying versus buying a replacement deadbolt
Rekeying is usually less expensive when the existing lock works and only key access needs to change. A basic replacement deadbolt may cost $25-$80 for hardware, with installation adding roughly $50-$120. Mid-grade or smart locks can push the installed total to $150-$400 or more, excluding extensive door modifications.
Replacement makes more sense when the cylinder is damaged, the lock is outdated, or the owner wants a different security feature. Rekeying is generally sufficient after moving into a home or giving up access to an old key, provided the hardware remains in good condition. Compare the complete installed replacement quote with the rekey total, not just the lock’s shelf price.
Ways to lower the deadbolt rekey price
Bundle all doors into one appointment and have the number of locks, brands, and keying preferences ready before requesting a quote. Ask for the full price including travel, minimum labor, keys, and taxes where applicable; unusually low advertised rates may exclude the most important charges.
Choose a standard appointment instead of urgent dispatch, and avoid replacing functioning hardware solely to change the key. If several locks are involved, confirm that they can be keyed alike before the locksmith starts, since incompatible cylinders may change the plan and price. Clear scope and an itemized, written estimate are the simplest ways to prevent surprise charges.