Lock Change & Replacement Washington DC

Need a lock changed in Washington, DC? Mr. Locksmith DC removes worn, damaged or outdated locks and fits new deadbolts, knob and lever sets, mortise cylinders and high-security locks on site. Lock change and replacement starts at $95. Open every day, 6:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Call (202) 630-4979.

Some locks need new keys. Others need to go. A deadbolt that sticks every evening, a latch that was forced during a break-in, or a builder-grade knob on a street-facing door are all cases where new hardware is the right answer.

Mr. Locksmith DC changes and replaces door locks for homes, apartments and businesses across Washington, DC. We bring common hardware with us, so most replacements are finished in one visit.

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When to replace a lock instead of rekeying it

Rekeying changes which key works. It does not make a tired lock any stronger. Replace the lock when:

The key sticks, the bolt drags or the lock has to be jiggled to work.
The lock was damaged in a break-in or an attempted one.
The finish is corroded or parts are loose after years of weather.
The lock is a low security grade and guards an exterior door.
You want a different kind of lock, such as a deadbolt where there is only a knob.

If the hardware is sound and the only concern is old keys, a lock rekey costs less and does the job.

Door lock replacement: what we fit

Deadbolt replacement

The deadbolt does most of the work on an exterior door. We swap worn or low-grade deadbolts for new ones, reusing the existing holes so the door stays tidy. If the door has no deadbolt yet, that is a different job: see deadbolt installation.

Knob, lever and handleset replacement

We swap entry knobs, lever handles and full front-door handlesets, and match the new hardware to the existing holes wherever possible so the door is not left with visible patches.

Mortise locks on older DC doors

Many rowhouses in Capitol Hill, Georgetown and Shaw still have mortise locks set into the edge of the door. Often the body is fine and only the cylinder needs replacing, which keeps the original look. We check that first.

High-security lock upgrades

For doors that need more, we fit high-security locks that resist picking, bumping and drilling and use keys that cannot be copied at a kiosk. Our guide to high-security locks explains when they are worth the money.

Mailbox lock replacement

Lost the mailbox key, moved into a unit with no key, or have a lock that no longer turns? We replace mailbox locks on apartment, condo and house mailboxes and hand you new keys on the spot.

One thing to check first: if your box belongs to the building or to you, a locksmith can change the lock. If it is a Postal Service-owned cluster box, the lock has to be replaced through USPS. Not sure which you have? Call us and we will help you work it out.

Lock change after a break-in or a move

After a break-in, the lock, the strike and the frame should all be checked, not just the cylinder. We replace what was damaged and secure the door the same day where parts allow. If you need help right now, call our emergency locksmith line.

After a move, most people only need a rekey. A full lock change makes sense if the existing locks are cheap, mismatched or near the end of their life.

Lock replacement for offices and rentals

Commercial doors take heavier-duty hardware than a house, and the lock has to suit the door type and the way the building is used. We replace office and storefront locks and can key new hardware into an existing key system.

Landlords: we replace locks between tenancies and can key a building so management has one key for every unit. See commercial locksmith services for more.

What a lock change costs in DC

Lock change and replacement starts at $95. The final price depends on the hardware you choose and on whether the door needs new drilling or the frame needs repair.

You can supply your own lock or choose from what we carry. Either way you get the price before we start. Starting prices for every service are on our locksmith price list.

Lock change and replacement FAQs

How long does it take to change a lock?

A like-for-like replacement usually takes 20 to 30 minutes per lock. Fitting a deadbolt on a door that never had one takes longer because the door and frame have to be drilled.

Can you install a lock I bought myself?

Yes, as long as it fits your door’s thickness and existing holes. Tell us the brand and model when you call and we will confirm.

Do I need a new lock after a break-in?

Often, yes. Forced entry can bend the bolt or crack the lock body even when the key still turns. We inspect the lock, strike and frame and replace what is compromised.

Can new locks all use the same key?

Yes. We can key new locks alike so one key opens every door, provided the locks share a keyway.

Can a renter in DC change the locks?

Check your lease first. Many require the landlord’s consent and a copy of the new key. In a lockout or after a break-in, call us and we will walk you through the options.

Do you change locks on historic doors?

Yes. On older doors we prefer to keep the original mortise body and replace the cylinder. Our Georgetown lock change page shows how that works on a period door.

Can you replace a mailbox lock if I lost the key?

Yes, for mailboxes owned by you or your building. We remove the old lock, fit a new one and give you new keys. Locks on Postal Service-owned cluster boxes are replaced through USPS.

Book a lock change in DC

Mr. Locksmith DC changes and replaces locks across Washington, DC every day from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Call for a firm price, or book a visit online.