Locksmith work in New York is mostly about apartments: lockouts, rekeying after a move and replacing worn locks on doors that get used many times a day. When you move into a new apartment, rekeying is usually the smart first step — it is cheaper than replacing locks and it makes sure no old key still works. Emergency and after-hours calls cost more than a scheduled daytime visit, and in a city where many people come home late, that difference matters. A trustworthy locksmith will give the total price, including the service call fee, before arriving.
What does locksmith cost in New York?
Nationally a lockout costs $60-$150, rekeying $50-$150 per lock and lock replacement $100-$300, with emergency and after-hours calls costing more. In New York, expect prices toward the higher end of those ranges, because labor runs 25-40% above the national median and travel across the city adds time. Rekeying all exterior locks in one visit is usually cheaper per lock than doing them separately.
| Job | Typical US range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lockout service | $60-$150 | Typical range for a standard lockout call |
| Rekey per lock | $50-$150 per lock | Changing the key for an existing lock |
| Lock replacement | $100-$300 | Fitting a new lock, parts and labor |
| Emergency / after-hours | Costs more | Night, weekend and holiday calls carry a higher price |
Typical US ranges based on published HomeAdvisor / Angi / Thumbtack cost guides, checked November 2026. Your quote will vary by city, lock type and job scope -- always get 2-3 written quotes.
Good to know in New York
- When you move into a new apartment, rekey every exterior door on moving day, so no old key still works.
- In co-ops and condos, check whether the building has rules on lock changes or needs a copy of the new key.
- Late-night lockouts are common here — ask for the total after-hours price before the locksmith is dispatched.
Booking a locksmith company in New York
For a lockout, call immediately and ask for the total price, including any service call fee, before the locksmith arrives. For rekeying after a move, book it for moving day if you can, so the home is secure from the first night. For a planned lock upgrade or a smart lock, a few days of lead time is usually enough.
Top locksmith companies in New York
Verified companies with real ratings from public listings. Ratings were checked November 7, 2026 — confirm on the source listing before you book.
Golden Key Locksmith
★★★★☆ 4.9 / 5 · 909 reviews · via Google Business Profile
24/7 residential and commercial locksmith service, emergency lockouts, lock replacement
Areas: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx (storefront on Columbus Ave, Upper West Side; family-owned since 1984)
Mr. Locks
★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 · 998 reviews · via Google Business Profile
Commercial, residential and automotive lockout services, 24-hour emergency response
Areas: Manhattan and New York City
Sullivan Locksmith Services Inc
★★★★☆ 4.9 / 5 · 326 reviews · via Google Business Profile
Locksmith repairs, rekeying and lock replacement; straightforward, no-upsell service
Areas: New York City
Falcon Locksmith
★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 · 298 reviews · via Yelp
Home, auto and commercial lockouts, lock installation and repair, safes
Areas: Brooklyn and the surrounding area; serving the five boroughs and Long Island
Urgent Locksmith
★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5 · 63 reviews · via Yelp
Emergency locksmith services
Areas: New York and the surrounding area
How to choose — quick checklist
- Ask for the total price, including the service call fee, before the locksmith arrives
- Check reviews and confirm the business name matches the vehicle and invoice
- Ask whether the locksmith is licensed where your state requires it
- Confirm the work and parts are covered by a written warranty
- For a move-in, ask about rekeying all exterior locks in one visit
Red flags to watch for
- A very low price quoted on the phone that jumps sharply on arrival
- No company name on the vehicle, invoice or receipt
- A locksmith who immediately suggests drilling the lock without trying other methods
- Pressure to replace every lock when rekeying would do the job
Frequently asked questions about locksmith in New York
Nationally a lockout costs $60-$150 during normal hours, with emergency or after-hours calls costing more. In New York, expect prices toward the higher end because labor is 25-40% above the median. Always ask for the total price, including any service call fee, before the locksmith is dispatched.
Rekeying changes the internal pins so a new key works and the old key does not, while the lock itself stays in place. Replacement fits a whole new lock. Rekeying is cheaper and is the usual choice after a move or a lost key, and it can be done for all exterior locks in one visit.
A smart lock adds keyless entry and the ability to change codes, which suits rental properties and busy households. It costs more than a standard lock and needs batteries or power. Ask the locksmith whether your door and existing hardware are compatible, and check building rules first.
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