Locksmith service in Washington, DC
Rekeying locks in DC
Rekeying changes the pins inside a lock so old keys stop working and a new key does. The lock stays on the door. Fixr puts it at $70 to $160 for the job, plus about $20 to $30 per extra cylinder; Thumbtack's range is $191 to $225.
One DC locksmith business gives its name and the total before any work. Look up a DC license ยท Who pays us
When to rekey
- You bought a house or condo. The sellers and their contractors may still have keys.
- A roommate or tenant moved out.
- Keys were lost or stolen.
- You want one key for every outside door.
DC moves a lot: 36% of households moved in during 2020 or later, and 49% in Ward 6 (Census ACS 2020-2024). If you rent, the landlord owns the lock, so ask them to rekey. Renters.
What it costs
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rekey | $70 to $160 per job About $20 to $30 per extra cylinder | Fixr, Jan 2025 |
| Rekey | $191 to $225 About $18 per keyhole | Thumbtack, Oct 2026 |
Much of the bill is the visit, so do every door at once. Ask for a per-cylinder price so you can see the math.
Rekey or replace?
| Rekey when | Replace when |
|---|---|
| The lock turns smoothly | It grinds, or the key only works at an angle |
| You like the hardware | You want a keypad or smart lock |
| You only need old keys to stop working | It is a worn-out mortise lock on an old door |
Lock grades come from ANSI/BHMA testing; This Old House summarizes Grade 1 as 800,000 cycles, Grade 2 as 400,000 and Grade 3 as 200,000. Lock changes and deadbolts.
Questions people in DC ask
Can every lock be rekeyed?
Most pin-tumbler locks can, including many mortise cylinders. Some cheap locks aren't worth it and some smart locks use their own method. The locksmith will say.
Can a condo owner rekey the unit door?
Usually, but check the condo rules. Many associations want a key on file for emergencies and limit what hardware can face a common hallway.