If you need to know what a locksmith costs in San Antonio, you're in one of the more affordable major cities in the country for this kind of service. San Antonio's market has strong competition among licensed operators, reasonable overhead costs, and a practical local culture that keeps pricing grounded. Here's what you'll actually pay in 2026.
Quick answer: A residential lockout in San Antonio typically costs $75 to $170. Car lockouts run $65 to $135. Rekeying a lock costs $50 to $95, and deadbolt replacement with installation costs $95 to $225.
Why San Antonio Locksmith Prices Are Reasonable
San Antonio is consistently one of the more affordable major US cities for services like locksmithing. A few things explain this:
Lower cost of living. Everything from commercial rent to labor costs is lower in San Antonio than in coastal metros, and that flows through to service pricing.
Large military population. San Antonio is home to multiple military bases — Joint Base San Antonio (which includes Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB, and Fort Sam Houston), plus Camp Bullis and others. Military communities tend to have active referral networks and a culture of value-consciousness, which keeps prices competitive.
Strong competition. San Antonio's locksmith market has a healthy number of licensed operators. Competition keeps prices honest.
Texas DPS licensing. Texas's licensing requirement (more on this below) filters out the least professional operators, while the competitive market keeps prices fair.
San Antonio Locksmith Price Breakdown (2026)
Residential Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Lockout (basic lock) | $75 – $130 |
| Lockout (deadbolt/high-security) | $105 – $170 |
| Rekey one lock | $50 – $95 |
| Rekey whole home | $130 – $290 |
| Replace deadbolt (parts + labor) | $95 – $225 |
| Install new lock set | $90 – $210 |
| Emergency after-hours fee | +$30 – $60 |
Car Lockout Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Basic car lockout | $65 – $130 |
| Car lockout (truck/SUV) | $80 – $145 |
| Broken key extraction | $75 – $155 |
| Transponder key programming | $135 – $360 |
Commercial Services
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Commercial lockout | $110 – $300 |
| Master key system | $225 – $650+ |
| High-security lock installation | $200 – $550+ |
Texas DPS Licensing — Your Main Protection
Texas requires all locksmiths to hold a license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS). This is not just a business registration — it involves a background check and verification of competency.
Before calling a locksmith in San Antonio, ask for their TX DPS locksmith license number. You can verify it instantly on the TX DPS website. Legitimate locksmiths carry their credentials and share them without hesitation.
Why does this matter? Because unlicensed locksmith operators work in San Antonio too. Texas DPS does enforce the licensing requirement, but scam operations pop up through online advertising and can be hard to distinguish without checking credentials. A valid TX DPS license number is your clearest sign that you're dealing with a legitimate professional.
Military Bases and On-Post vs. Off-Post Services
If you live or work on a JBSA installation, know that on-base locksmith services operate differently:
On-base housing: Contact your housing office or installation maintenance first. They typically have their own locksmith or maintenance personnel who can help residents at no charge or low cost.
On-base commercial buildings and offices: Contract locksmiths approved for base access handle these. You won't have open access to the broader market.
Off-post in San Antonio: Standard market applies. Licensed locksmiths serve these areas just as they would anywhere else in the city.
Military ID holders should also check whether their base has a commissary or exchange area that offers key-cutting services at low cost.
San Antonio's Summer Heat Factor
Like other Texas cities, San Antonio sees a bump in car lockout calls during the summer. June through September brings temperatures in the 95–105°F range regularly, and the combination of rushing between air-conditioned spaces and handling hot car surfaces leads to more "oops, left the keys inside" situations than the rest of the year.
Common summer lockout scenarios in SA:
- Keys left inside the car while refueling at a gas station
- Kids or pets accidentally left in locked cars (call 911 immediately in this case — don't wait for a locksmith)
- Rushing into an H-E-B or Target and leaving keys on the seat
Car lockouts during business hours in San Antonio typically cost $65–$130 from a licensed locksmith. The job takes 10–20 minutes.
San Antonio Neighborhoods and Metro Pricing
Downtown and central San Antonio: Good coverage, 20–35 minute response times typical. $75–$145 for a residential lockout.
North San Antonio (Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, Dominion): Well-served, similar pricing. $80–$155.
South San Antonio and near Lackland AFB: Good coverage, $75–$140.
East and West SA: Slightly fewer options but still well-served. $75–$150.
Suburbs (Schertz, Cibolo, New Braunfels direction, Helotes): Some locksmiths serve these areas with a travel fee of $15–$30. Others are local to these suburbs.
How to Find a Good San Antonio Locksmith
Step 1: Get the TX DPS license number. Ask before they come out, verify online. Done.
Step 2: Get a price estimate. "I have a standard deadbolt on my front door and I'm locked out. What's your price range?" should get you a number. If they can't give you a range until they see the lock, that's understandable — but if they won't even give a range, be cautious.
Step 3: Look for San Antonio-specific reviews. Yelp and Google with local context. Look for reviews from recognizable SA neighborhoods.
Step 4: Check for a real local address. Not just a phone number and a city name. A real business has a verifiable location.
Step 5: Pay by card. This gives you chargeback rights if something goes wrong.
After-Hours Costs in San Antonio
Evening and weekend locksmith calls in SA typically add $30–$60 on top of the base service cost. A lockout that costs $90 during the day might run $130–$155 at 11 PM. This is normal.
San Antonio has 24-hour locksmith coverage throughout the metro. Response times after midnight may be longer — budget 45–75 minutes depending on where you are.
Money-Saving Tips
Check your auto insurance. Many Texas auto policies include roadside assistance or offer it as a low-cost add-on. If you have it, car lockouts are covered.
Call H-E-B's community resources. San Antonio is H-E-B's home, and the company is famously community-oriented. While they don't provide locksmith services, local community Facebook groups often have rapid referrals to trusted local locksmiths.
Have a spare key made. Any H-E-B, Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ace Hardware in San Antonio cuts keys. It costs $2–$8 and eliminates future lockout costs entirely.
For renters: Your property management company or apartment complex has a maintenance line. This is always your first call — it's often free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average locksmith cost in San Antonio?
For a residential lockout during business hours with a standard lock, expect $75–$130 from a licensed locksmith. Car lockouts typically run $65–$130. Rekeying your home after moving costs $130–$290 for the full home.
Do I need to verify a locksmith's license in San Antonio?
Yes. Texas requires locksmiths to be licensed through the TX DPS. Ask any locksmith for their license number and verify it on the TX DPS website before they arrive. This protects you from unlicensed operators who can't be held accountable through the licensing system.
How much should I tip a locksmith in San Antonio?
Tipping is not required or expected. Locksmiths charge for their service. However, if a locksmith went out of their way — came quickly, worked in bad weather, solved a complicated problem — a $10–$20 tip is appreciated. After-hours calls that get you out of a tough spot are especially worth acknowledging.
How long does it take a locksmith to arrive in San Antonio?
During business hours, 20–40 minutes is typical in most of the city. After hours or in outlying areas, plan for 40–70 minutes. Always ask for an estimated arrival time.
Can a locksmith unlock my car without damaging it?
Yes, for almost all standard vehicles. Professional locksmiths use tools like air wedges, slim jims, and long-reach tools that work between the door frame and the door without causing damage. If a locksmith immediately suggests drilling your car door for a standard lockout, question that strongly.
Is rekeying or replacing my locks better after moving into a San Antonio home?
Rekeying is usually the smarter and cheaper option. It costs $50–$95 per lock versus $95–$225 for full replacement. Rekeying makes all existing keys useless and provides a fresh set for you. Unless the locks are damaged or you want to upgrade the lock quality, rekeying is all you need.