If you're searching for locksmith costs in New York City, you've probably just locked yourself out — or you're doing smart research before an emergency hits. Either way, here's what you can realistically expect to pay in NYC in 2026, plus how to avoid getting ripped off in a city where locksmith scams are unfortunately common.
Quick answer: A basic residential lockout in New York City typically costs $135 to $300. Car lockouts run $100 to $200. Rekeying a lock costs $80 to $150 per lock, and replacing a deadbolt with installation runs $150 to $350.
Why Locksmith Prices Are Higher in NYC
New York City is one of the most expensive markets in the country for pretty much every service, and locksmiths are no exception. A few factors drive costs up:
Density and traffic: A locksmith who might handle six jobs in the suburbs handles three or four in Manhattan because of travel time. That lost productivity gets baked into pricing.
Overhead costs: NYC shop space, insurance, vehicle costs, and labor are all significantly higher than the national average.
Parking fees: A locksmith coming to you in Midtown might pay $30–50 just to park near your building. That often gets passed along.
Licensing requirements: Legitimate NYC locksmiths must be licensed through the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). That licensing process costs money and time, which separates the pros from the fly-by-night operators — but also means real overhead.
NYC Locksmith Price Breakdown (2026)
Residential Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Lockout (basic lock) | $135 – $200 |
| Lockout (deadbolt/high-security) | $175 – $300 |
| Rekey one lock | $80 – $150 |
| Rekey whole apartment | $200 – $450 |
| 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 | $100 – $200 |
| Car lockout (SUV/luxury vehicle) | $150 – $250 |
| Slim jim / unlock tool | $100 – $175 |
| Broken key extraction | $100 – $200 |
Commercial Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial lockout | $150 – $400 |
| Master key system setup | $300 – $800+ |
| High-security lock installation | $300 – $700+ |
| Access control (per door) | $400 – $1,200+ |
NYC DCA Licensing — Why It Matters
In New York City, locksmiths are required to hold a NYC DCA (Department of Consumer Affairs) license to legally operate. This is enforced more strictly here than in many other cities.
Before you hire anyone, ask for their DCA license number. You can verify it at the NYC DCA license lookup website. A legitimate locksmith will give you this without hesitation.
Unlicensed locksmiths — and there are plenty operating in NYC — are not legally allowed to work on your locks. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse. And if they damage your door or lock, you're on your own.
Red flag: If a locksmith shows up in an unmarked van, can't produce a license number, or quotes you $35 to unlock your door (then charges $400 after the fact), they're almost certainly unlicensed.
Neighborhoods and Pricing Variation
Pricing in NYC varies by borough and even by neighborhood. Generally:
Manhattan (especially Midtown, Upper East Side, Tribeca): Highest prices. Parking and traffic make every job take longer. Budget $175–$300 for a typical lockout.
Brooklyn (Park Slope, Williamsburg, DUMBO): Slightly lower than Manhattan but still pricey due to demand. Expect $140–$250.
Queens and the Bronx: Somewhat more competitive, $125–$220 typical range.
Staten Island: Often the most affordable of the five boroughs, $120–$200.
How to Find a Legitimate Locksmith in NYC
The NYC locksmith scam industry is well-documented. Fake companies buy Google Ads under dozens of business names, quote suspiciously low prices, then inflate the bill once they're at your door. Here's how to avoid them:
Search specifically for DCA-licensed locksmiths. Ask for the license number before they arrive, not after.
Look for a real local address. Legitimate NYC locksmiths have a physical location. If the address on their website leads to a vacant lot or a residential apartment, move on.
Check reviews on multiple platforms. A business with 400 Google reviews but none on Yelp or Angi, all posted in a short timeframe, is suspicious.
Get a price estimate over the phone. A real locksmith will give you a rough estimate and explain that the final cost depends on the lock type. A scammer gives you a $25 quote and then adds "service fees," "special equipment fees," and "security upgrade fees" once they're inside.
Avoid companies with generic names. "City Locksmith," "Fast NYC Locksmith," "24/7 Emergency Locksmith" — these are often fake storefronts. Look for businesses with real names, a real track record, and real reviews.
What the Service Call Fee Covers
Most NYC locksmiths charge a service/trip fee of $50–$100 just to come out. This covers their travel time and overhead. The actual work — whether that's picking the lock, drilling it, or rekeying — is charged separately.
When you call, ask:
- "What's your service call fee?"
- "What's the total estimated cost to unlock my door, given that I have a standard deadbolt?"
- "Will you drill, or will you try to pick it first?"
A locksmith who picks the lock should not charge you for drilling. If they go straight for the drill without attempting to pick — especially on a basic lock — that's either incompetence or an attempt to upsell you on a new lock.
After-Hours and Emergency Pricing
If you need a locksmith after 8 or 9 PM, on weekends, or on holidays, expect to pay a premium. Emergency surcharges in NYC typically run $50–$100 on top of the base service cost.
That means a midnight lockout that would cost $150 during business hours might run $220–$250. That's legitimate — locksmiths who work nights and weekends are giving up personal time.
What's NOT legitimate is a locksmith who charges you a low daytime rate on the phone and then slaps on mystery surcharges when they hand you the bill.
Tips to Keep Costs Down
Have a spare key made now. A key copy costs $3–$10 at any hardware store. Give one to a trusted neighbor or family member. This is the single best thing you can do to avoid ever paying for a lockout.
Check with your building super first. In apartment buildings, the super often has a master key or can let you in, potentially for free or a small tip.
Call your landlord. If you're renting, your landlord or property manager may be obligated to help you gain access.
Use your renter's or homeowner's insurance. Some policies cover lockout situations. Check yours before you need it.
Ask for the price before they start. Once a locksmith begins working, you're in a weaker negotiating position. Get the total price confirmed up front.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an emergency locksmith cost in NYC at night?
After-hours locksmith service in NYC typically costs $180–$300 for a residential lockout. That includes a service call fee ($50–$100) plus the after-hours surcharge ($50–$100) on top of the basic job cost. Always confirm the total before they start work.
Do NYC locksmiths need a license?
Yes. New York City requires locksmiths to be licensed through the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). You can verify any locksmith's license at the NYC DCA website. Never hire an unlicensed locksmith — they have no accountability if something goes wrong.
Why did my locksmith charge me $400 to unlock my door?
This is a common scam. It usually goes: low quote on the phone, then the locksmith claims your lock is "high-security" and needs drilling, then charges for the drilling plus an expensive new lock they carry. If this happened to you, dispute the charge with your credit card company and report them to the NYC DCA.
How long does it take a locksmith to unlock a door in NYC?
The actual unlocking usually takes 5–20 minutes, depending on the lock type. But factor in travel time — in Manhattan especially, a locksmith could take 30–60 minutes to arrive due to traffic, even if they're nearby. Ask for an estimated arrival time when you call.
Is it cheaper to call a locksmith or a building super in NYC?
Your building super is almost always the cheaper option — they may do it for free or a small tip. Always try your super first. If they're unavailable, then call a licensed locksmith. Doormen in some buildings can also help.
What's the cheapest legitimate locksmith price in NYC?
For a basic residential lockout during business hours with a standard lock, $135–$160 is about as low as you'll legitimately find from a licensed, reputable locksmith. Anything dramatically cheaper — say, $35 or $49 — is almost certainly a bait-and-switch scam.