If you're looking up locksmith costs in Chicago — especially in the middle of January — you have my sympathy. Cold-weather lockouts are one of the most common calls Chicago locksmiths get, and they're especially miserable when it's -10°F and the wind is coming off the lake. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026, along with some practical advice for finding a legitimate locksmith in the city.
Quick answer: A standard residential lockout in Chicago typically costs $90 to $200. Car lockouts run $85 to $175. Rekeying a lock costs $65 to $115, and deadbolt replacement with installation costs $120 to $275.
What Affects Locksmith Prices in Chicago
Chicago sits in the mid-range for major US cities when it comes to locksmith costs — more expensive than Texas cities, but cheaper than New York or LA. Here's what drives the pricing:
Weather-related demand spikes. Chicago's winters create huge demand for locksmith services. Locks freeze. Car doors won't open. People leave keys inside because they're rushing through the cold. During January and February, expect prices to be at the higher end of the range and response times to be longer.
Neighborhood density. Chicago's neighborhoods vary dramatically. Dense areas like the Loop, Lincoln Park, and Wicker Park tend to have faster response times but similar pricing. More spread-out neighborhoods may have longer waits.
Illinois licensing requirements. Illinois has a locksmith licensing system — more on that below — which means legitimate operators have real overhead for compliance.
Urban overhead: Like any major city, insurance, vehicles, and labor costs in Chicago are above the national average.
Chicago Locksmith Price Breakdown (2026)
Residential Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Lockout (basic lock) | $90 – $160 |
| Lockout (deadbolt/high-security) | $130 – $200 |
| Rekey one lock | $65 – $115 |
| Rekey whole home | $160 – $380 |
| Replace deadbolt (parts + labor) | $120 – $275 |
| Install new lock set | $120 – $250 |
| Emergency after-hours fee | +$40 – $85 |
Car Lockout Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic car lockout | $85 – $160 |
| Car lockout (SUV/truck) | $100 – $175 |
| Frozen lock service | $75 – $150 |
| Broken key extraction | $90 – $175 |
| Transponder key programming | $150 – $375 |
Commercial Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial lockout | $130 – $375 |
| Master key system | $300 – $800+ |
| High-security lock installation | $250 – $650+ |
Illinois Locksmith Licensing
Illinois regulates locksmiths under the Illinois Private Detective, Private Alarm, Private Security, Fingerprint Vendor, and Locksmith Act. Locksmiths in Illinois must register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
This matters because it gives you a real way to verify who you're hiring. Ask any locksmith for their Illinois registration number before they start work. You can verify it through the IDFPR website.
A registered Illinois locksmith has passed a background check and is legally accountable. If they overcharge you or damage your property, you have an avenue for complaints through the state. Unlicensed operators have no such accountability.
Chicago's Winter Lockout Problem
Chicago winters create locksmith situations that other cities rarely see:
Frozen locks: When temperatures drop below freezing, car door locks and even residential padlocks can freeze solid. A locksmith may need to apply a heat gun or de-icer to thaw the mechanism before they can work on it. This can add time and occasionally cost.
Frozen car door seals: Even if your lock works, the rubber door seal can freeze to the door frame. Don't yank — you'll tear the seal. A locksmith can help with this too.
Key stuck in frozen lock: If your key got stuck or broke in a frozen lock, that's a broken key extraction job ($90–$175) rather than a simple lockout.
During major snowstorms: Expect longer wait times. A locksmith who normally arrives in 30 minutes might take 90 minutes during a blizzard. They're still coming — just be patient.
Prevention tip: A small bottle of WD-40 or commercial lock de-icer kept in your car can prevent most frozen lock situations. It costs $5 and can save you $150.
Finding a Legitimate Chicago Locksmith
Chicago has its share of fraudulent locksmith operations, though the licensing requirement helps filter them out. Here's what to look for:
Ask for the Illinois IDFPR registration number. This is the single best filter.
Look for a Chicago physical address. Many fake operations list Chicago addresses that don't hold up to scrutiny. Google the address and check the street view.
Read recent reviews. Look for consistent reviews over time, not a flood of 5-star reviews from the same month. Check both Google and Yelp.
Get a price quote before they arrive. A standard lockout should have a price range. If someone quotes you $19 to unlock a door, that is not going to be your final bill.
Avoid companies with multiple business names. Scam operators often run the same operation under 10 different business names, all with different phone numbers. If you search the phone number and find 15 different business names, run.
Chicago Neighborhood Notes
The Loop and downtown: Fast response times from many locksmiths who concentrate here. Prices tend to be at the mid-to-high end, $130–$200 for a residential lockout.
Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Ukrainian Village: Good coverage, mid-range pricing, $100–$185.
South Side neighborhoods (Hyde Park, Bridgeport, Beverly): Typically good options with mid-range pricing, $95–$175.
Far North Side and Northwest Side: Similar pricing, though some locksmiths may add a small distance fee for outlying areas.
Suburbs (Naperville, Evanston, Oak Park, Schaumburg): City locksmiths sometimes service these areas with a travel fee added. Local suburban locksmiths often offer better pricing for suburban calls.
After-Hours Pricing
Evening, overnight, and weekend calls in Chicago typically add an emergency surcharge of $40–$85 on top of the standard job cost. A lockout that runs $120 during business hours might be $165–$195 at midnight.
Extreme weather — blizzards, ice storms — sometimes adds additional charges due to hazardous driving conditions. This is generally legitimate if disclosed upfront.
Quick Money-Saving Tips
Get a spare key made. Seriously — $3 at any hardware store. Leave one with a trusted neighbor.
Check your auto insurance for roadside assistance. Many Illinois auto policies include lockout coverage.
For renters: call your building manager. Most Chicago apartment buildings have a property manager or maintenance contact. This is your first call.
Use a credit card. If a locksmith overcharges you, a credit card chargeback is one of your most powerful tools for dispute resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a locksmith cost in Chicago at night?
After-hours locksmith service in Chicago typically costs $150–$250 for a standard residential lockout. That combines the base service cost with an emergency/after-hours surcharge of $40–$85. Confirm the total before they start work.
What happens if my car lock freezes in Chicago?
A frozen car lock usually responds to commercial lock de-icer (available at any auto parts store) or gentle heat. If you can't get in yourself, a locksmith can usually resolve it for $75–$150 depending on the situation. Don't force the key — you'll break it.
Are Chicago locksmiths licensed?
Yes. Illinois requires locksmiths to register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You can verify any locksmith's registration through the IDFPR website. Always ask for their registration number before hiring.
What's a fair price for rekeying an apartment in Chicago?
Rekeying a Chicago apartment typically costs $160–$380 for the whole unit, depending on how many locks you have. Individual lock rekeying runs $65–$115. This is one of the best investments you can make when you move into a new place.
How long does a locksmith take to arrive in Chicago?
During business hours with good traffic, 20–45 minutes is typical. During rush hour, bad weather, or late at night, expect 45–90 minutes. Always ask for an ETA when you call.
Is AAA faster than calling a locksmith in Chicago?
For car lockouts, AAA's response time depends on demand in your area. In good weather, AAA and a direct locksmith call are often comparable. In bad weather when everyone is calling for help, AAA's wait times can be 1–2 hours. If you're in an unsafe location, calling a locksmith directly and asking for the fastest available may be your better option.