Looking up locksmith prices in Los Angeles before you need one — or maybe you're already stuck outside your apartment in Silver Lake at 11 PM. Either way, LA is a tough market to navigate when it comes to locksmith costs. The city is enormous, the licensing rules matter, and scam operators are a real problem here. Let me give you the straight story on what things actually cost.
Quick answer: A standard residential lockout in Los Angeles runs $100 to $250. Car lockouts cost $90 to $180. Rekeying a lock costs $70 to $130, and full deadbolt replacement with installation costs $150 to $350.
Why LA Locksmith Prices Are on the Higher End
Los Angeles sits near the top of US markets for locksmith costs, for a few practical reasons:
The sprawl factor. LA County covers over 4,700 square miles. A locksmith in Van Nuys could be 40+ minutes away from a job in Torrance, even on a good traffic day. Travel time is real overhead, and it gets reflected in pricing.
High business costs. Commercial rent, employee wages, insurance, and vehicle costs in LA are significantly above the national average. Legitimate businesses pass some of that along.
CA BSIS licensing requirement. California requires locksmiths to be licensed through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). Getting and maintaining that license costs money, adds accountability, and requires background checks. Unlicensed operators exist — and they're cheaper upfront — but the risk isn't worth it.
Demand. LA's population density and car-dependent culture mean locksmiths stay busy. Busy markets don't need to cut prices to compete.
Los Angeles Locksmith Price Breakdown (2026)
Residential Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Lockout (basic lock) | $100 – $175 |
| Lockout (deadbolt/high-security) | $150 – $250 |
| Rekey one lock | $70 – $130 |
| Rekey whole home or apartment | $200 – $500 |
| Replace deadbolt (parts + labor) | $150 – $350 |
| Install new lock set | $150 – $300 |
| Emergency after-hours fee | +$50 – $100 |
Car Lockout Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic car lockout | $90 – $180 |
| Car lockout (luxury/exotic vehicle) | $150 – $275 |
| Broken key extraction | $100 – $200 |
| Transponder key programming | $150 – $400 |
| Smart key fob replacement | $200 – $600 |
Commercial Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial lockout | $150 – $450 |
| Master key system | $350 – $900+ |
| High-security lock installation | $300 – $750+ |
| Access control setup (per door) | $500 – $1,500+ |
California BSIS Licensing — What It Means For You
California is one of the more strictly regulated states for locksmith services. The BSIS (Bureau of Security and Investigative Services) under the California Department of Consumer Affairs licenses and regulates locksmiths.
A licensed locksmith in California has:
- Passed a background check
- Registered with the state
- Carries a license card they're required to show on request
Before you hire anyone, ask: "Can I get your CA BSIS license number?" You can verify it at the BSIS license lookup tool. Legitimate locksmiths will hand it over immediately.
Why this matters: Unlicensed locksmiths in California are operating illegally. If they damage your door, overcharge you, or do poor work, you have significantly less recourse than with a licensed operator. The BSIS can take action against licensed locksmiths — they can't do anything about unlicensed ones beyond referring you to law enforcement.
The LA Locksmith Scam Problem
Los Angeles has a well-documented problem with fake locksmith operations. These businesses:
- Buy Google Ads under dozens of business names
- List fake local addresses (sometimes in residential neighborhoods or empty lots)
- Quote $29–$49 on the phone
- Show up in unmarked vans, claim the lock is high-security, and charge $300–$600
The LA City Attorney's office has taken action against some of these operations, but they're persistent because they're profitable. Here's how to avoid them:
Verify the BSIS license. This alone filters out most scammers.
Look for a real physical storefront. Many legitimate LA locksmiths operate out of physical shops. Google Maps photos of an actual store are a good sign.
Get the total estimate in writing (or screenshot it). A text message or email confirmation of the price protects you.
Don't call the first Google result. The top-sponsored Google results in LA locksmith searches are frequently fake operations. Scroll past the ads and look for businesses with real history and authentic reviews.
LA Neighborhood Pricing Variation
Pricing varies across LA's regions:
Westside (Santa Monica, Venice, Brentwood, Beverly Hills): Highest prices in the metro. Expect $175–$275 for a residential lockout, more for high-security or smart locks.
Central LA (Hollywood, Koreatown, Silver Lake, Echo Park): Mid-range. $120–$220 typical.
San Fernando Valley (North Hollywood, Burbank, Glendale): Slightly lower but still urban pricing. $110–$200.
East LA, Southeast LA, South Bay: Often more competitive, $100–$185.
Outlying areas (Lancaster, Palmdale, San Bernardino edge): Travel fees can add $25–$75. Not all LA-based locksmiths will come this far.
Travel Fees in LA — What to Expect
Because LA is so spread out, travel fees are common and often legitimate. Here's how they typically work:
- A locksmith inside a certain radius (often 10–15 miles) has no travel fee or a flat service call fee of $50–$75
- Calls beyond that radius may trigger a distance fee of $15–$50
- Always ask: "Is there a travel fee for my address?"
Some companies advertise "no service fee" but then charge more for the actual job. Others have a clear service fee structure. Neither is inherently dishonest — just make sure you're comparing total cost, not just the advertised rate.
After-Hours Locksmith Costs in LA
Night and weekend calls in Los Angeles typically come with a surcharge of $50–$100 on top of the standard job cost. A residential lockout that runs $140 during business hours might be $200–$220 at midnight.
This is normal. But always confirm the total price before they start work. After-hours calls are when the unscrupulous operators charge the most, because you're stressed and may be less likely to push back.
Tips for Saving Money in LA
Always check if your building manager has a key. In LA's apartment-dense neighborhoods, the property manager or resident manager often has a master key. For renters, this is always the first call to make.
Check your auto insurance for roadside assistance. If you're locked out of your car, your auto insurance company, AAA membership, or credit card may cover the service.
Get quotes from two locksmiths. In a city this size, you have options. A two-minute call to a second locksmith for a comparison quote can save you $50.
Don't wait until you're locked out to find one you trust. Look up a licensed, well-reviewed locksmith now and save the number. You'll be glad you did.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a locksmith cost in Los Angeles on average?
For a standard residential lockout during business hours, expect to pay $100–$175 with a reputable, licensed locksmith. High-security locks, after-hours calls, and locations requiring long travel will push that higher — $200–$250 is not unusual in this market.
Do California locksmiths need a license?
Yes. California law requires locksmiths to be licensed through the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS). You can verify any locksmith's license at the BSIS website. Hiring an unlicensed locksmith leaves you with very little protection if something goes wrong.
Why are LA locksmith prices so much higher than other cities?
Three main reasons: the high cost of doing business in California, long travel distances across the LA metro, and strong demand. Legitimate locksmiths have real overhead. The cheapest quotes you see online are often from scam operations.
What's the fastest way to get a locksmith in LA?
Call a locksmith that has a location near you and confirmed availability. LA traffic means a locksmith 5 miles away might take 45 minutes. During business hours, you can often find someone who can arrive within 30–45 minutes. After hours or during peak traffic, plan for an hour.
How do I verify a locksmith's license in California?
Go to the California BSIS license lookup at dca.ca.gov and search by the locksmith's name or business name. You can also ask them for their license number directly and verify it yourself. A licensed locksmith will give you that number willingly.
Is it cheaper to go to a dealership or a locksmith for a car lockout in LA?
For a simple lockout (keys inside the car), a locksmith is almost always cheaper and faster than a dealership. Dealers typically can't help you on-site anyway — they'd send you to a tow yard. For key replacement or programming, compare prices, but locksmiths are usually 30–40% cheaper than dealers for transponder and smart key work.