Locksmith questions and answers for Pennsylvania homeowners

Updated November 10, 2026 · KeystoneProGuide editorial team

Do locksmiths need a license in Pennsylvania?

There is no state locksmith license; the Department of Labor and Industry says Pennsylvania has no licensing for most construction contractors. The Attorney General does say locksmiths who repair, replace or install locks on homes must register as home improvement contractors, subject to the law's limits. The Pennsylvania rules guide explains those limits.

How can I check a locksmith's registration?

Ask for the number, written PA followed by digits, and enter it in the Attorney General's contractor search, or call 1-888-520-6680. The search includes a "Locksmith" type of work, but the office says that field is new and incomplete.

How much does a lockout cost?

Angi's national survey puts a house lockout at $75 to $200, and says an after-hours call adds $50 to $150. The cost guide has the full comparison, including rekeying, new locks and car keys.

Why was I quoted $15 or $19 on the phone?

Because a very low phone price is a known lure. The Better Business Bureau describes quotes as low as $15 that grow once the locksmith arrives, and Ohio's Attorney General described a lawsuit over $19 quotes that regularly turned into much higher bills. Ask for the total price, including the service call and travel, before anyone is sent.

What if the price goes up when the locksmith arrives?

You can say no. The BBB's advice is that if the on-site estimate does not match the price quoted on the phone, you should have the job done by someone else. Washington's Attorney General puts it more broadly: if you are not comfortable with the person who turns up, refuse the service. Connecticut's consumer agency says scammers often use high-pressure tactics and demand cash, so a sudden price rise paired with a cash-only demand is two warning signs at once.

Should I pay a locksmith in cash?

A card is safer. The BBB suggests paying by credit card and insisting on an itemized invoice that lists parts, labor, mileage and service charges with the business name and address, because without proof of what you paid for you cannot dispute a charge.

How do I find a locksmith before I need one?

Ohio's Attorney General suggests asking family and friends for names and checking for complaints before any emergency, and researching several businesses rather than taking the first one that appears online. Save the number you choose in your phone.

Will a locksmith ask me for ID?

A legitimate one should. Washington's Attorney General says a locksmith should confirm your identity and that you own the home before doing any work, and that you should ask for the locksmith's ID and a business card too. Be ready to show something with your address on it.

Is it normal to drill the lock?

Not as a first step. The BBB says it is not routine for a locksmith to insist on drilling to open a lock, and Ohio's office says most skilled locksmiths can open locks without destroying them. If drilling is proposed, ask why, and what the replacement lock will cost, before you agree.

Should I rekey or replace my locks when I move in?

Change who has keys either way. ALOA, the locksmiths' trade association, says new owners should have the locks changed because all the keys are rarely handed over, and that new houses may have locks set up for the builder's convenience during construction. Rekeying costs less than new hardware when the existing locks are in good condition.

What lock grade should I look for?

For exterior doors, the King County Sheriff's Office in Washington State recommends Grade 1 or Grade 2 locks. Residential deadbolts certified by the hardware manufacturers' association carry a label rating security, durability and finish as A, B or C, with A the top rating.

Are double-cylinder deadbolts allowed?

The model building code says a home's required exit door must open from inside without a key or special knowledge or effort, which a deadbolt keyed on both sides does not do. How that applies to an existing house is a question for your municipality's code official.

Are smart locks safe?

They are connected devices, and the Federal Trade Commission's advice for those applies: change any default password, use two-factor authentication if offered, and keep the firmware and app updated. A smart lock still needs a sound door and frame.

Can a locksmith make a car key?

Often. ALOA says a locksmith is the call when all car keys are lost or a working key starts giving errors, though for some vehicles, most often European ones, only the dealership can help. If your fob simply stopped working, ALOA says a dead battery is the most frequent cause.

Can I hide a spare key outside?

Police advise against it. The King County Sheriff's Office says to give a key to a neighbor instead, because burglars know the usual hiding places.

What should I get in writing?

A written quote before work, and an itemized invoice afterwards with the business name and address. Connecticut's consumer agency says to ask for the full price up front, including service and travel costs.

Where do I complain about a locksmith?

To the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, which takes complaints online or by mail. How to choose a locksmith lists the checks that prevent most problems, and local businesses are on the locksmiths directory page.

Sources

Contractor Licensing, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Frequently Asked Questions: Home Improvement Contractor Registration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Home Improvement Contractor Search, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost? [2026 Data], Angi
BBB Scam Alert: Locked out? Don't fall for a locksmith scam, Better Business Bureau
Beware: Searching for Local Locksmiths May Lead to Faraway Call Centers, Ohio Attorney General
Keys to avoiding locksmith fraud, Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Consumer Alert: Locked Out? Be Wary of Scammers Posing as Locksmith Technicians, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Should I Change My Locks When I Move Into a House?, ALOA Security Professionals Association
Issues With Your Auto Key Fob, ALOA Security Professionals Association
Doors and locks, King County Sheriff's Office
High Standards for Residential Door Hardware: BHMA Certified Secure Home Label, American National Standards Institute (The ANSI Blog)
Chapter 3 Building Planning, 2021 International Residential Code, International Code Council
Securing Your Internet-Connected Devices at Home, Federal Trade Commission
Submit a Complaint, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General