Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the US for locksmith services. A residential lockout here typically costs $100 to $230, and even routine jobs like rekeying a lock will run you more than you'd pay in most of the country. The tech-driven economy, high wages across all trades, and the complete absence of a statewide locksmith licensing requirement all factor into what you'll pay.
This guide covers what locksmiths charge in Seattle for common services, why prices trend high, what the lack of licensing means for you, and how to hire someone trustworthy.
Seattle Locksmith Price Ranges (2026)
| Service | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Residential lockout | $100 – $230 |
| Car lockout | $90 – $165 |
| Rekey a lock | $75 – $130 per lock |
| Deadbolt installation (labor + hardware) | $140 – $310 |
| Lock replacement | $130 – $270 |
| Broken key extraction | $90 – $165 |
| Safe opening | $180 – $500 |
| After-hours surcharge | $45 – $100 extra |
Seattle's baseline is high. Even a routine, daytime residential lockout with a simple pin-tumbler lock will typically cost $100 to $140. If it's a weekend night in Capitol Hill, expect $175 to $230.
Washington State Has No Locksmith License Requirement
Here's the thing about Seattle that matters most when you're vetting locksmiths: Washington State does not require locksmiths to hold any state-issued license.
Anyone can legally pick up some tools and call themselves a locksmith in Washington. There's no state exam, no background check requirement, no BSIS-style oversight. Some locksmiths voluntarily pursue certifications through industry associations like ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) or hold manufacturer-specific training, but nothing is mandated.
What this means for you:
- You can't check a state license database to verify credentials
- The quality and legitimacy of locksmiths varies more than in licensed states
- It's more important than ever to check Google reviews, Yelp, the BBB, and personal referrals
- Asking about insurance and bonding matters more here
A legitimate locksmith will still carry business liability insurance and workers' compensation. Ask for it. The absence of state oversight puts more due diligence on you.
Why Seattle Locksmith Prices Are So High
The Tech Economy Effect
Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, Salesforce, and dozens of other tech companies have their headquarters or major offices in the Seattle metro area. The result is one of the highest average wages in the country. That wage pressure flows into every trade and service industry. Locksmiths who need to hire trained employees have to pay competitive wages, and that gets priced into your service call.
A locksmith who charges $120 for a lockout in Tulsa may charge $175 for the exact same job in Seattle — not because they're gouging you, but because their truck payment, insurance, employee wages, and shop rent all cost more here.
High Cost of Living and Overhead
Seattle's commercial real estate is expensive. Running a locksmith shop in or near the city is a significant overhead expense. The Washington State minimum wage (currently among the highest in the country) raises the floor for all labor costs.
Weather and Traffic
Seattle traffic is notoriously bad. Getting from a shop in Bellevue to a lockout in Ballard during rush hour can take an hour. Locksmiths factor travel time into their pricing, either explicitly or as part of their base rate.
No Licensing = No Price Floor
Counterintuitively, the absence of licensing doesn't make Seattle cheaper. It makes prices more unpredictable. Legitimate, well-trained locksmiths charge market rates. But scammers also operate freely, sometimes quoting low to hook you and then inflating the bill. The legitimate operators have to price for a market where bad actors set false expectations with low quotes.
Service-by-Service Breakdown
Residential Lockouts
The most common call. In Seattle, a standard house or apartment lockout costs $100 to $230. On the lower end: simple lock, business hours, accessible location. On the higher end: high-security deadbolt, after-hours call, or a neighborhood with difficult parking (Capitol Hill, First Hill, Queen Anne).
Renters should always call the landlord or property management first. In Seattle's dense apartment market, most buildings have a 24-hour emergency line.
Car Lockouts
Auto lockouts run $90 to $165. Standard vehicles are toward the lower end. Luxury vehicles or newer models with complex keyless systems may cost more. If you have roadside assistance through your auto insurance or a service like AAA, use it — it may be free or heavily discounted.
Rekeying
Rekeying runs $75 to $130 per lock in Seattle. Given how frequently people move in this city — Seattle's rental market is highly transient, with tech workers relocating constantly — rekeying new homes and apartments is common. Ask about package pricing for all exterior locks done in one visit.
Deadbolt Installation
Total cost including hardware and labor: $140 to $310. Standard Grade 2 deadbolt: lower end. Grade 1 with reinforced strike plate: mid-range. Smart deadbolt (Yale Assure, Schlage Encode, August Smart Lock): add $100 to $250 for hardware on top of labor.
Seattle's tech-forward demographic drives notably higher demand for smart lock installation compared to most cities. Many locksmiths here have specific experience with them.
After-Hours and Emergency Service
Seattle's after-hours surcharge is $45 to $100, which is toward the high end nationally. This applies to calls after 6 or 7 PM on weekdays and on weekends. For a midnight lockout on a Saturday, expect to pay the top of the range for the base service plus the surcharge.
Seattle Neighborhoods and What to Expect
- Capitol Hill / First Hill: Dense, urban, parking is difficult — prices toward upper range, fast response times
- Ballard / Fremont: Popular residential areas with competitive local locksmiths
- Queen Anne / Magnolia: Some access challenges, prices mid-to-upper range
- Bellevue / Eastside: Slightly more accessible, pricing similar to Seattle proper
- South Seattle (Georgetown, Columbia City): More competitive pricing
- Redmond / Kirkland / Bothell: May carry travel fees from Seattle-based locksmiths; look for local operators
How to Find a Trustworthy Locksmith in Seattle
Since Washington has no state license to check, here's your vetting checklist:
- Search Google Maps for "[neighborhood] locksmith" — look for businesses with hundreds of reviews, not just a handful
- Check the BBB (bbb.org) for the business name
- Look for ALOA membership — not required, but a positive signal
- Ask for proof of insurance before they start
- Get a total price over the phone — not a "starting at" quote, but a realistic estimate for your specific situation
- Look for a physical address — not just a phone number
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a typical locksmith cost in Seattle? A standard residential lockout during business hours costs $100 to $160. After-hours or for complex locks, expect $175 to $230. Car lockouts run $90 to $165.
Is there a locksmith license requirement in Washington State? No. Washington does not require locksmiths to hold a state license. This makes vetting more important — check insurance, reviews, and industry certifications before hiring.
Why are Seattle locksmiths so expensive compared to other cities? Primarily due to the tech economy driving up wages and overhead across all trades. Running a business in Seattle costs significantly more than in most US cities, and service prices reflect that.
Is rekeying worth it in Seattle? Absolutely, especially in the rental market. Seattle has high tenant turnover, with many short-term renters, Airbnb properties, and tech workers who move in and out frequently. Previous occupants may have shared keys widely. Rekeying all exterior locks costs $150 to $400 total and is smart security practice.
What should I do if a Seattle locksmith drills my lock without asking? Ask before they start: "Will you need to drill?" Drilling is rarely necessary for a standard residential lockout. If a locksmith drills without warning and you end up with a $400 bill, you may have grounds for a complaint with the state Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Do Seattle locksmiths charge for travel? Some do, particularly for addresses in neighborhoods far from their shop or with difficult access. Ask "is there a travel fee for my address?" when you call to get a quote. Most locksmiths within the Seattle city limits include travel in the base rate.