When dealing with an emergency like getting locked out of your home, you simply don't have time to search for the best locksmith. While I've used this argument for building a team of contractors so you're prepared for emergencies, my list has never included a locksmith. After reading Top Tips to Avoid Locksmith Scams, I knew it was important to share these tips on finding a locksmith you can trust. That's because home security is a key element of home safety,
PS Thought it was fun showing a door with an old fashion, skeleton key lock.
Finding a Locksmith Tip #1: Timing
Your home is your castle and you want to protect it. A good time to find a locksmith is right after you buy your home. Changing your locks is the only way you know that others don't have keys to your home. You're already researching other contractors for your home management team, so add a locksmith to your list.
Alternatively, you might switch to one of the new smart locks, that lets you track everyone entering your home. Before you buy your smart lock, consider all the other smart products you'll be buying. You want smart products that work together, or connect through a common Internet hub.
Finding a Locksmith Tip #2: Verify the Business
Once you've found a locksmith, research the business online. Confirm they're using a local address (Google maps will show you what it looks like). Check their online reviews. Call them outside normal working hours to insure they've got phone coverage for emergencies.
When talking to the office, ask questions about their process. How does their pricing work? Will they give you a rough estimates over the phone? Are their locksmiths licensed? Will they give you the name of the locksmith being sent to your home?
Finding a Locksmith Tip #3: Ask for Identification
When the locksmith arrives at your home, the most important thing to do is check their identification. All licensed locksmiths have a Master Security License Number. This number should be displayed on their vehicle and their photo identity card. If they say they're licensed but don't have their card, I'd suggest sending them on their way.
Master Lock Tulip Entry Door Knob (Antique Brass)
Honeywell Wave Entry Door Lever (Satin Nickel)Schlage Camelot Keypad Lever Door Lock (Satin Nickel)
Finding a Locksmith Tip #4: Get a Written Estimate
After the locksmith has reviewed the situation, they should be able to give you a written estimate. That's how my handyman business worked. First we'd build a list of projects over the phone. Then we'd estimate how much time everything would take, which allowed us to give a rough estimate. After our handyman technicians reviewed the work, they'd confirm or adjust the estimate.
- Service fees including transportation and additional charges for emergency service outside normal business hours. My handyman business charged a flat “trip fee” that covered our time to drive to/from the job site.
- Hardware fees if a lock has to be replaced (lock and strike plate) or re-keyed. According to Improvement.com “If a locksmith tells you the locking mechanism needs to be replaced, you may want to get a second opinion.”
Make sure you have an opportunity to review, approve and sign-off on the estimate before work starts. This will help avoid questions at the end of the job.
Finding a Locksmith Tip #5: Pay via Credit Card
All legitimate businesses today take credit cards. It's the safest way to pay because you're protected against fraud. Never pay cash as there's no way to trace it, and no recourse. And with today's smart phones, there are lots of devices like the “Square” that enable payments through the phone (shown above).
Not Sure Finding a Locksmith is Important?
Still wondering how important finding a locksmith before you need one? ABC News did a video report showing several examples of locksmith scams. You can do your research now without spending a dime. Then you'll know you're prepared when you've got an emergency.
Want to do some more research? Here are additional resources to help you:
- Review the Federal Trade Commission webpage, Finding a Locksmith.
- Visit the Associated Locksmiths of American (ALOA) website to learn about their training and certification offerings.
- Use the ALOA directory to find certified locksmiths.
Have you used a locksmith?
Are you going to find one for when you need them?
Shayla Cademis says
May 29, 2019 at 9:41 amThanks for the tip about finding a good locksmith right after buying a home. My husband and I are about to move into our first home, and we’ve discussed replacing the locks so we know for sure that strangers don’t have access into our home with old keys. The process of changing locks seems a little complicated, so we’ll have to find a locksmith in our area. It will be nice to have one in our contacts anyway in case we ever get locked out!
Dean Phillips says
April 4, 2019 at 6:38 pmI thought it was great how you recommended finding a reliable locksmith right after you buy your home. A few weeks ago, my wife locked herself out of our apartment and had to wait almost three hours for me to get home and let her in. If we had found a locksmith when we first moved in, then she would have been able to get back into our apartment quicker.
Ellie Davis says
January 23, 2019 at 10:39 pmI really appreciate these tips of finding a locksmith. I’m needing a locksmith. Hopefully, I can do some research and find the best one in my area.
evajack says
January 11, 2019 at 1:47 amI appreciate you making the point of looking for a local locksmith if you get in a broken or lost the key, or locked out the situation. Like you mentioned, they are in a nearby place that could offer some quality services. I’m grateful that we have locksmiths and all that they do for us.
Commercial Locksmith Tampa
Nancy Tom says
December 12, 2018 at 11:42 amThese tips for finding a locksmith really helps a lot when required a locksmith. This really increased my knowledge about hiring a locksmith. Thanks for sharing.
Maria Ryan says
December 5, 2018 at 1:56 pmThanks for sharing these useful tips with us, really an informative and helpful post for choosing a trustful locksmith. Keep up the good work.
Kit hannigan says
October 22, 2018 at 7:59 pmI couldn’t agree more with what you said about hiring a locksmith immediately after you move into your home. My son got a really great deal on this fixer-upper of a house outside the city. I would think he will greatly benefit from the peace of mind that having new locks and security systems installed can give, so I will be sure to advise him to go look for a locksmith to help him out right away.
Rachel Frampton says
August 22, 2018 at 8:46 amThanks for the great tips on when and how to find a good locksmith. I think you made a great point that you should always get your locks re-keyed when you move into a new home because that’s the only way you know that no one else has keys to your house. We just moved into our new home a few months ago and I think we should probably replace our locks sooner rather than later.
Joy Butler says
July 10, 2018 at 12:42 amYou did a great job of explaining all about getting a locksmith service. It happened to me several times, I forgot where I put the keys, my bad, am getting that older! It really helped when you said that it is important to have a written estimate of the fee to avoid any misunderstanding.
Bethany Birchridge says
June 18, 2018 at 12:04 pmI loved your tip to call the locksmith during off hours, as it will help you know if they take emergencies. My friend has been forgetting her keys a lot, so she wants to find a locksmith to help her out. I’ll share these tips with her, so she can find a great one in the area!
Rosie Beckett says
May 30, 2018 at 4:49 pmI recently locked myself out of my house and I am looking for a quality locksmith to keep on file in case this happens again. You make a great point that you should get estimates from a few different locksmiths so that you can compare their prices. Also, I want to find a company that provides 24-hour service because this will be a relief for me if anyone in my family gets locked out.
Joy Butler says
May 28, 2018 at 7:49 pmI’m grateful for your advice about hiring a locksmith. I definitely agree that we should look after a service provider whom we can really trust. Just let me share a simple tip that searching online is your best source if you need a well-experienced locksmith near you. However, when browsing online, review all the reviews; don’t just jump and stop at the nearest locksmith service provider you can find.
Burt Silver says
May 25, 2018 at 12:14 pmI really like how you go over locksmith estimates and what to expect when getting services from them like service fees and transportation charges. Recently, one of the locks in my home has broken and I’m trying to figure out how to replace it so it would be a good idea for me to get in touch with a locksmith who could help me. Hopefully, I can find a locksmith here in my area soon.
Tina Gleisner says
May 26, 2018 at 6:52 amBurt, I’m sure you can find someone right near your home & yes, you do need to fix locks quickly when you live in the city
Joy Butler says
April 19, 2018 at 9:50 pmIt really helped when you said that we should pay using our credit cards. I got your point here since we can trace them if they are really legally operating. I will keep this in mind, thanks a lot!
Arthur DeMarco says
March 28, 2018 at 10:55 amI like your last tip, to pay with credit card. I try to pay with a credit card everywhere I go just for the security of it. It should be the same for my locksmith. When I need a locksmith, I’ll check before hand to ensure they take cards.
Sutton Turner says
March 8, 2018 at 10:42 amI like how you talked about asking for identification for a locksmith. My dad needs to get his locks change and is looking for a locksmith. I appreciate the tips for hiring a locksmith.
Silas Knight says
February 20, 2018 at 7:16 pmWe want a locksmith to come and put new locks on our doors. I’ll be sure to find a company that takes a credit card instead of cash. You’re right, that’s a great way to stay safe.
Deb Pearl says
January 2, 2018 at 9:06 amI would really like to change all the locks on my home, but I need to find a good locksmith for the job. I really liked how you mentioned to get a written estimate and review everything before signing off on the job. It would be a great way to have a record of the job and know exactly what they are doing. Thank you for the tips!
Bobby Saint says
December 28, 2017 at 12:31 amI totally agree with tip # 2 when you said to verify the business of the locksmith you will be hiring. It is recommended that you check if the company is licensed and is legally authorized to operate their business in the area. Also, you may want to check for online reviews and testimonials to gather some feedback from past clients. This should more or less give you an idea if they are indeed reliable and trustworthy.
Julius Wither Amberfield says
December 27, 2017 at 6:04 pmIt was really nice how you suggested asking for a locksmith’s identification number prior to letting them inside the house. It was also quite interesting that you mentioned that their numbers should be displayed on their vehicle and their photo identity cards. My bedroom door’s lock was broken, and I can’t seem to fix it no matter how hard I try. Thank you for sharing.
Callum Palmer says
December 12, 2017 at 6:24 pmIt is important to make sure that you ask for identification when the locksmith you’ve chosen arrives on your property. As the article points out, all licensed locksmiths will have a Master Security License Number. If the locksmith you’ve hired can’t provide you with theirs then you need to ask them to leave or have their company send another locksmith that can.
Ridley Fitzgerald says
December 12, 2017 at 4:24 pmYou have some great advice for finding a locksmith. I especially like how you said to find someone who has good online reviews. That’s something I always do before buying something, so hiring a locksmith for new locks shouldn’t be any different.
Scott Adams says
December 5, 2017 at 5:41 pmI like that you suggested getting an estimate that will include the time the locksmith traveled, as well as the equipment they have to buy. I have been looking for someone to come install locks in the new home my wife and I just bought. I can see how it would be nice to have a written estimate include all possible fees. That way I should be able to prepare the payment before the locksmith comes over.
Tina Gleisner says
December 6, 2017 at 6:16 amGood luck with your new locks … and your new house!
Kayla says
November 22, 2017 at 11:22 pmMy parents just moved into their new home and my sister suggested changing the locks in their house and shared this article with them. My sister agreed that the best time to find a locksmith is after buying the new home.
Cameron Bennett says
November 16, 2017 at 10:27 amI like that you mention getting a written estimate so that you know what to expect during the business transaction. It’s also good to compare different locksmiths in your area so that you have a good idea of who you want to call whenever you do need one. Once you’ve moved to a new area, that should be one of the first things so you can be sure that you choose a reputable locksmith quickly if you’re ever in an emergency.
Jordan says
November 14, 2017 at 12:45 pmI’ve been wanting to find a good locksmith, because I think that being prepared would be good. I’m glad that you talked about paying a locksmith via credit card, and I think that would make things really convenient. I’m going to have to look for a automotive locksmith that takes credit cards, and save their number in case I need them! Thanks!
Dan says
October 31, 2017 at 3:38 amThis article about finding a locksmith service we can trust is handy. It’s important that I choose a good one now before any emergencies that might need their assistance. Asking for identification when the locksmith arrives at our home is the most important thing. This way, I can have a peace of mind that my family and my home are safe from harm.
Harper Campbell says
October 17, 2017 at 3:36 pmIt’s good to know that when it comes to hiring a locksmith to come in and replace our locks that we need to make sure we get a written estimate. I like that you mentioned that this will allow us to know how long everything will take and how much we will be paying for everything. This will be really helpful to know so that that we can determine whether or not this kind of service is something that we can afford right now.
Kyle Wayne says
October 16, 2017 at 5:55 pmI like that you mention verifying the business before hiring. My sister is looking to hire a locksmith service but doesn’t know who. I’ll be sure to talk to her about verifying the business first so she knows she can trust them.
Mary Rue says
October 13, 2017 at 5:36 pmGreat tips ! I had a year that I was locking my keys in my car weekly ! lol luckily I have never locked myself out of my house but this is great to know for when we live in a regular home again!
Tina Gleisner says
October 14, 2017 at 7:22 pmMary, I’m not good with my keys either. I took to putting them on a carabiner, which I keep hooked to my pants.
Sarah Lancaster says
October 5, 2017 at 12:05 pmI really thought it was a great idea to remember to ask a locksmith for their identification card. It is really important to make sure that the person you are hiring is trustable, including, having a license in what he or she is servicing you for. This is also a great safety precaution for not only you but your neighbors as well! My sister in law is changing her locks sometime this week so I will make sure to pass along this information to her! Thank you so much for sharing this information! This is something I will remember for future reference!
Tina Gleisner says
October 9, 2017 at 7:00 amSarah, I like your idea about checking ids for every contractor, possibly taking a photo so you have a record of who’s been in your house. I’m sad that the world isn’t as safe as when I grew up so it’s time for us to learn how to protect ourselves.
Ernest London says
September 27, 2017 at 12:36 pmI like that you mentioned to call a locksmith outside normal working hours. That way, you can make sure they have emergency services available, so you can feel confident they can help you at any time. I want to find a locksmith that I can call in case I ever have an emergency in the future, so I have been looking around. I will keep these tips in mind, thanks for sharing.
Sam Wilkins says
September 13, 2017 at 6:48 pmI like your suggestion of getting a written estimate from your locksmith. My husband and I just moved and are thinking of changing the locks in our house. We’ll have to get an estimate and see what we can do.
Keybay says
September 12, 2017 at 5:35 amThanks for sharing information to get a trusted locksmith. I was looking for a locksmith to get spare keys for my car and for my home. Your tips helped me to find keyBay Auto Locksmiths who really helped me with their satisfactory and cost effective services.
Melissa Jacobs says
September 5, 2017 at 4:03 amRecommendations and word of mouth are also a good way to find your local reliable locksmith, ask family or trusted friends if they’ve had lock work done, if so by whom and were they happy.
Derek Dewitt says
August 30, 2017 at 11:50 amMy wife and I just bought a new house and think it might be a good idea to replace the locks on the door. I think getting an estimate before you hire a locksmith is a great idea so you know exactly what you are paying for. We’ll be sure to ask if the transportation fee is included or not as well. Thanks for the tips!
Silas Knight says
August 29, 2017 at 3:52 pmThanks for the great tips for finding a locksmith. We’re hoping to get the locks on our home replaced, so we need a pro’s help. I’ll be sure to do plenty of online research to make sure the business I find is a legitimate business.
Alexandria Martinez says
August 23, 2017 at 6:24 pmI have been trying to find an auto locksmith for a while now but never got passed simply looking because of the possibility of not finding a reputable company. I am worried about my safety but it is reassuring to learn that every locksmith has an identification number. That boosts my confidence in hiring a locksmith.
Amy Allen says
August 23, 2017 at 4:53 pmThanks for sharing these informations. Most people don’t think about the need for locksmith services until something happens and they need to find a professional quickly. You never know when you may need a locksmith to help you with your home or your car.
Rachel Beak says
August 5, 2017 at 11:18 amThese tips would definitely help us avoid locksmith scams, save money, and find a great locksmith service. The tip that you’ve mentioned that a lot will benefit from is to get a written estimate in advance.
Tina Gleisner says
August 5, 2017 at 9:05 pmThat’s true Rachel, for every type of home repair
Ernest London says
June 29, 2017 at 11:04 amI like that you mentioned to check that a locksmith has a local address. Then you can know that they are reputable and a part of the community. I have been looking for a company to have on reserve just in case I am ever locked out. I will definitely keep this in mind as I look around.
Marcus Coons says
June 26, 2017 at 3:16 pmI agree with you in that it is important to make sure you choose a locksmith that can provide you with a written estimate. It makes sense that taking the time to look for this can not only help you know how much the services will cost but also have something you can compare with other professionals with. My brother moved to a new house and wants to make sure he changes all the locks so they are the only ones with keys to the place, so I will make sure to refer him to your page.
Tina Gleisner says
June 29, 2017 at 10:01 amMarcus, thank you for sharing this page with your brother, security is important and now that there is smarter technology available it’s worth it to upgrade to the current state of the art in locks.
Ernest London says
June 14, 2017 at 4:40 pmThanks for the tips for finding a locksmith. I like that you mentioned to get a written estimate in advance. That way, you won’t be surprised later on. I am looking for a locksmith to have on reserve in case of emergency, so I will keep this in mind.
Tina Gleisner says
June 21, 2017 at 8:47 amErnest, You’re smart to prepare for this emergency as it happens to all of us … at least once.
Tyler Meredith says
June 6, 2017 at 8:08 pmIt’s interesting that you mention how important it is to verify the business’s information. It makes sense that visiting their location or verifying their licensing could be a good way to make sure they’re legit and that you have their correct contact info. Hiring a locksmith would require a lot of communication and knowing that you have the right email or phone number would be helpful to ensure there is no confusion or mistakes.
Tina Gleisner says
June 21, 2017 at 10:18 amWe’re all so busy today that we rush through important decisions … but your home & the safety of your family are important enough to prepare for the inevitable emergency.
Echo says
May 12, 2017 at 12:22 pmThese are such smart tips! If you aren’t doing it yourself, it can be a scary thought that someone has keys to your house!
Emma white says
May 11, 2017 at 5:39 amI have never used a locksmith before, i agree with checking over companys before using them, i do that with any company i use.
Tina Gleisner says
May 11, 2017 at 11:18 amEmma, You’re smart to always check a company before using them. Good for you!
Anosa says
May 11, 2017 at 3:58 amVerifying the company and the reviews about them for me is a must too. Don’t settle for less as your home is at stake.
Fatima Torres says
May 10, 2017 at 10:58 pmOne of the first things we’re planning to do when we move into our home next month is changing the locks. It’s important to find a reputable company.
Leigh Anne Borders says
May 10, 2017 at 9:50 pmI honestly never really knew just how beneficial locksmiths were. It does pay to compare services form one another in all areas.
Andrea says
May 10, 2017 at 8:16 pmI have never really thought about it, but you do take a lot of risk in calling a locksmith. Thanks for these tips!
Karlyn Cruz says
May 10, 2017 at 12:00 pmThose are very helpful tips! Finding a trusted locksmith is important. We won’t entrust our home to any unverified locksmith.
Michelle Waller says
May 10, 2017 at 8:47 amThese are all great tips. I wouldn’t trust just any locksmith, I would want an estimate and time frame before the job was even started.
tara pittman says
May 9, 2017 at 9:01 pmI have never used a locksmith for my home but my husband has for his car. Great info to know how to check one out.
Roger says
May 9, 2017 at 5:21 pmGreat advice for homeowners! One might also look on Youtube for videos on changing locks, to save yourself a bit of money here and there. Of course, the more sophisticated you want to go, then by all means hire a locksmith
Tina Gleisner says
May 11, 2017 at 11:23 amIf you’ve got time to run back & forth to the store, it could work. I generally tell people to make sure they have lots of time … and take your old lock with you, as they have several different inner workings. You need to match your old lock to avoid having to drill anything.
Cheryl says
May 9, 2017 at 4:31 pmOMG! I consider myself very aware and safety conscience but I never thought about this! It makes perfect sense, I’m not sure why it never crossed my mind. I am going to research and add this to my list right now. Thank you for the post!
Tina Gleisner says
May 11, 2017 at 11:21 amCheryl, I too felt silly because I never thought to include it on my list of “must have” home professionals … but now I will always include them & already did on post I’m writing today.
robin rue says
May 9, 2017 at 4:06 pmGetting a written estimate is great advice. That way you can compare and see what the price includes!