If you need a locksmith in Houston, you're probably dealing with a car lockout in a parking lot somewhere — it's one of the most common calls Houston locksmiths get, especially in the summer heat. Here's a clear breakdown of what locksmiths charge in Houston in 2026, what's included, and how to avoid being overcharged.
Quick answer: A residential lockout in Houston typically costs $85 to $185. Car lockouts run $75 to $150. Rekeying a lock costs $60 to $110, and deadbolt replacement with installation costs $100 to $250.
What Drives Locksmith Costs in Houston
Houston is one of the more affordable major cities for locksmith services. A few reasons:
Lower overhead: Commercial rents, insurance, and labor costs are lower in Texas than in coastal cities.
High competition: Houston has a large number of licensed locksmiths, which keeps pricing competitive.
Driving distances: Houston is massive and spread out. A locksmith may be 20–30 minutes away even if they're technically in your area. Some companies charge a mileage fee if you're far from their base.
The heat factor: Houston summers are brutal. Car lockouts spike dramatically from May through September because people leave keys in the car, try to avoid touching hot metal surfaces, or rush to get into air conditioning and accidentally lock themselves out. Demand goes up in summer, which can push prices up slightly during peak months.
Houston Locksmith Price Breakdown (2026)
Residential Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Lockout (basic lock) | $85 – $150 |
| Lockout (deadbolt/high-security) | $120 – $185 |
| Rekey one lock | $60 – $110 |
| Rekey whole home | $150 – $350 |
| Replace deadbolt (parts + labor) | $100 – $250 |
| Install new lock set | $100 – $225 |
| Emergency after-hours fee | +$30 – $75 |
Car Lockout Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic car lockout | $75 – $150 |
| Car lockout (truck/SUV) | $90 – $165 |
| Broken key extraction | $80 – $175 |
| Car key programming (transponder) | $150 – $400 |
Commercial Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial lockout | $120 – $350 |
| Master key system | $250 – $700+ |
| High-security lock install | $200 – $600+ |
Texas Locksmith Licensing — What You Need to Know
In Texas, locksmiths are regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS). To legally work as a locksmith in Texas, a person must hold a Texas Locksmith License issued by DPS.
This is important because it gives you a real check: before hiring any locksmith in Houston, ask for their TX DPS license number. You can verify it through the DPS website. A licensed locksmith will give you this number without any drama.
There are still unlicensed operators working in Houston — and Texas does pursue enforcement — but the licensing requirement creates a meaningful filter. Licensed locksmiths have passed background checks, have proper training, and can be reported if they overcharge or do shoddy work.
Ask for: "Can I get your Texas DPS locksmith license number?" before they arrive.
Car Lockouts in Houston — A Special Note
Car lockouts are disproportionately common in Houston compared to other major US cities. A few reasons:
- People rush out of their cars in extreme heat and forget their keys
- Texas has a high rate of truck and SUV ownership, and those vehicles sometimes have tricky door lock mechanisms
- Houston's car-centric culture means more time in vehicles overall
Average cost for a car lockout in Houston: $75–$150. Most locksmiths use a slim jim, air wedge, or long-reach tool to pop the door without damage. The whole job usually takes 10–20 minutes.
If a locksmith tells you they need to drill into your car's door or ignition to get you in, be very skeptical unless you have an unusual situation. Almost all standard car lockouts don't require drilling.
Neighborhoods and Distance Fees
Houston is enormous — roughly 670 square miles. Where you are relative to a locksmith's base matters:
Inside the Loop (610) and close-in areas: Fastest response, typically no distance surcharge. Houston, Midtown, Montrose, Heights — $85–$150 typical for a residential lockout.
Suburbs (Sugar Land, Katy, The Woodlands, Pearland): Response times are longer. Some locksmiths add a $15–$30 mileage or travel fee. Budget $100–$185.
Further out: If you're in a very outer suburb, you may pay more or have fewer options. Consider calling a local locksmith rather than a larger company that may charge high trip fees.
How to Find a Reputable Houston Locksmith
Houston's locksmith market is large enough that scam operators exist alongside legitimate businesses. Here's how to separate them:
Check the TX DPS license. Non-negotiable. Every locksmith who shows up at your door should be able to provide a license number.
Look for a real physical address. Legitimate Houston locksmiths have a shop or at minimum a registered business address. If their "location" is just a phone number and a city name, look elsewhere.
Get a full price quote on the phone. Reputable locksmiths will give you a price range and tell you the final cost depends on the specific lock. They won't quote $29 and then charge $350.
Check Google reviews and the BBB. Look for consistent, recent reviews. Watch for businesses with tons of reviews that all appeared in the same month — that's often a fake review farm.
After-Hours Pricing in Houston
Houston locksmiths typically add an after-hours or emergency fee for calls made after 8 or 9 PM, on weekends, or on holidays. This surcharge usually runs $30–$75 on top of the standard service cost.
So a lockout that costs $100 during the day might run $140–$175 at midnight. That's a normal business practice. What's NOT normal is being quoted $50 on the phone and then presented with a $300 bill when the job is done.
Money-Saving Tips for Houston Residents
Get a spare key made now. At any hardware store or big-box store, a key copy costs $2–$8. It's the single cheapest insurance against a lockout.
Check your roadside assistance. Many auto insurance policies, credit cards, and extended warranties include free or subsidized lockout service. Check before you call a locksmith.
For renters: call your apartment office or maintenance line. Houston apartment complexes typically have 24-hour maintenance lines. This is free.
Keep a spare at a trusted location. Leave a spare with a neighbor, family member, or at your office. It's free and works every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average cost to unlock a car in Houston?
Most Houston locksmiths charge $75–$150 for a standard car lockout during normal business hours. After hours, that climbs to $110–$180. The job itself takes about 10–20 minutes.
Do Houston locksmiths need a license?
Yes. Texas requires all locksmiths to be licensed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS). You can verify a locksmith's license on the DPS website. Always ask for the license number before they arrive.
Why is there such a big price range for locksmith services?
Several factors affect the final price: time of day (after-hours costs more), type of lock (high-security locks take longer), distance from the locksmith's base, and whether a new lock is needed. Get a full estimate before work begins.
Is it normal to pay a service call fee separately from the job?
Yes, many locksmiths charge a service/trip fee ($35–$75 in Houston) to come out, then charge separately for the actual work. This is normal. Ask upfront what the service call fee is and what the total estimate is so you're not surprised.
How do I find a legitimate locksmith in Houston?
Ask for their Texas DPS license number, look for a real physical address, read Google and Yelp reviews, and get a price estimate over the phone before they come out. Legitimate locksmiths are transparent about pricing. Anyone who refuses to give you a ballpark until they're standing at your door is a red flag.
What should I do if I was overcharged by a locksmith in Houston?
First, try to resolve it directly with the company. If that fails, you can file a complaint with the Texas DPS (which regulates locksmiths), the Texas Attorney General's consumer protection office, and leave an accurate review on Google and Yelp. If the charge was on a credit card, you can dispute it.