How much does a locksmith cost in Washington, DC? At Mr. Locksmith DC, key duplication starts at $15, lock rekeying at $45, lock installation at $75, house and business lockouts at $145, and car key replacement at $175. Open every day, 6:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Call (202) 630-4979.
Most locksmith websites will not tell you what anything costs. That is not an accident — vague pricing is what makes the bait-and-switch possible, and Washington, DC has a well-documented problem with operators who advertise $19 and charge $300.
So here is our full price list. Every figure is a starting price: what a straightforward job of that type costs. Complexity moves it up, and we tell you the number before we start work, not after the door is open.
Locksmith prices in Washington, DC
| Locksmith service | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Key Duplication | $15+ |
| Lock Rekeying | $45+ |
| Lock Installation | $75+ |
| Residential Locksmith Service | $75+ |
| Lock Repair | $85+ |
| Broken Key Extraction | $85+ |
| Lock Change & Replacement | $95+ |
| Automotive Locksmith Service | $95+ |
| Emergency Locksmith Service | $95+ |
| Master Key Systems | $95+ |
| Car Lockouts | $125+ |
| Commercial Locksmith Service | $125+ |
| House & Business Lockouts | $145+ |
| Car Key Replacement | $175+ |
| High-Security Locks | $185+ |
| Smart Locks & Keyless Entry | $195+ |
| Panic Bars & Exit Devices | $275+ |
| Commercial Door Repair | $350+ |
| Safe Opening & Repair | $350+ |
| Access Control Systems | $750+ |
Hours: every day, 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., including weekends. Average arrival across the District is 20–30 minutes.
What makes the price go up?
A starting price assumes a standard job. The things that legitimately move it:
- Hardware type. A standard Kwikset or Schlage deadbolt is quick. A Medeco or Mul-T-Lock high-security cylinder, or a mortise lock in a historic Georgetown or Capitol Hill door, takes longer and needs specialist tools.
- Number of locks. Rekeying is per lock, so four doors cost more than one — though doing them in a single visit is far cheaper than four separate call-outs.
- Vehicle make, model, and year. This dominates car key pricing. A basic transponder key is a fraction of a push-to-start proximity fob.
- Parts. If hardware needs replacing rather than servicing, the hardware costs what it costs.
- Access. A safe in a basement with a turning staircase is a different job from one in a garage.
What does not move it: the time of day. We do not add an evening or weekend surcharge within our operating hours.
Why so many DC locksmith prices online are fake
If you search for a locksmith while standing outside your own door, you will see ads quoting $15, $19, or $29. Those numbers are not prices. They are the opening move of a well-documented scam that works like this: a call centre confirms the low quote, an unmarked car arrives, the technician announces your lock must be drilled, and the bill lands three to five times higher — cash only.
The genuine price differences between reputable DC locksmiths are modest. A quote dramatically below everyone else is not a bargain; it is a signal.
Four questions protect you, and they take about ninety seconds:
- “What is the total, including the call-out?” You should get a figure and an explanation of what would change it.
- “What is your legal business name?” DC issues no locksmith-specific trade licence, but every business operating in the District must hold a Basic Business License from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. A company that cannot state its own legal identity is a warning.
- “Will the technician arrive in a marked vehicle?”
- “Do you take cards?” Cash-only insistence is the single most reliable red flag.
More detail on this in our guide to choosing a reliable locksmith in Washington, DC.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rekey a lock in Washington, DC?
Rekeying starts at $45 per lock. It changes the pins inside your existing lock so old keys stop working, without replacing the hardware — the cheapest way to secure a place after a move, a tenant change, or lost keys. Several doors can be keyed alike in one visit.
How much is a locksmith for a house lockout in DC?
House and business lockouts start at $145. Car lockouts start at $125. We quote before starting, and we open the large majority of locks without damage, so you are not also buying a replacement lock.
How much does car key replacement cost?
Car key replacement starts at $175, and the final figure depends heavily on the key type — a basic transponder key is much less than a push-to-start proximity fob. Call with your year, make, and model for a firm number. Duplicating a key while you still have a working one is far cheaper than originating one after all keys are lost.
Is it cheaper to rekey or replace a lock?
Rekeying, at $45+ per lock versus $95+ for a lock change and replacement. Replacement makes sense when the hardware is worn, damaged, or you want a security upgrade.
Do you charge extra for evenings or weekends?
No. Our rates are the same across all our operating hours, which are 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., every day including weekends and holidays.
Do you charge a call-out fee?
The starting prices above are what the job costs. You get a clear total before any work begins — no surprise line items after the fact.
Get a firm price
Call (202) 630-4979 and describe the job. We will give you a number over the phone, and we serve every DC quadrant — including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and Navy Yard.
Licensed, bonded, and insured. Open every day, 6:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m.