Questions to ask a locksmith before you hire

Updated November 10, 2026 · KeystoneProGuide editorial team

What should you ask before anyone is sent?

Most of the questions that protect you belong in the first phone call, because the consumer agencies that have studied locksmith complaints say that is where the trouble starts.

"What is the legal name of your business?" Washington's Attorney General says to be wary when the phone is answered with a generic word like "locksmith", and to call someone else if the person will not give the legal name of the business.
"Where exactly are you located?" Connecticut's consumer protection department says that if the person on the phone cannot provide an exact address, hang up. You can then look the address up on a map yourself.
"What will the whole job cost, including the service call and travel?" Connecticut advises asking for the full price up front, service and travel included. The BBB says most complaints concern fees that were not disclosed on the call, so ask about the service call, mileage and parts separately.
"Is that price the same at night or on a weekend?" Every cost survey prices after-hours work higher; the cost guide gives the published surcharges.
"Will the person who comes work for you?" Ohio's Attorney General described an operation that took calls in an out-of-state call center and passed them to a contracted locksmith. Knowing who will actually arrive tells you whose name to look for.

A good answer to all five is short and specific. Hesitation over the name or address is the answer.

What should you ask about the business?

"What is your Pennsylvania registration number?" The Attorney General says locksmiths who do repairs, replacements or installations on homes are contractors who must register under the home improvement law, with limits for small jobs. A registered business can give you a number starting with PA, which you can enter in the Attorney General's contractor search. What Pennsylvania requires of locksmiths explains when the law applies.
"Do you have a shop, or are you mobile?" Either can be legitimate. ALOA, the locksmiths' trade association, says mobile-only businesses exist but will still have a local phone number, website or other such information.
"Can you give me references?" The Attorney General's office advises checking references and getting more than one bid on any home improvement.

What should you ask about the work itself?

For anything beyond a lockout, these questions turn a vague job into one you can compare.

"Can my existing locks be rekeyed, or do they need replacing?" ALOA says it depends on the condition and suitability of the locks. Ask the locksmith to say which, and why.
"Is it rekeying every exterior lock, including the garage?" ALOA suggests including garage locks and any storage buildings when a house is rekeyed.
"What grade is the lock you are proposing?" The King County Sheriff's Office in Washington State recommends Grade 1 or Grade 2 locks on exterior doors. The hardware manufacturers' association says the grade can be found from a product's BHMA product number.
"Does it carry the Secure Home label, and what are its ratings?" Certified residential locks show an A, B or C rating for security, durability and finish on the BHMA Certified Secure Home label.
"What screws will hold the strike plate?" The King County sheriff recommends a heavy-duty four-screw strike plate with 3-inch screws reaching into the wooden frame. Ask whether that is included in the price.

What should you ask when the locksmith arrives?

"May I see your identification and a business card?" Washington's office says to ask for both. It also says a legitimate locksmith will ask for your identification and make sure you own the home before doing any work, so expect that question in return.
"Is this the price we agreed on the phone?" The BBB says that if the on-site estimate does not match the phone quote, have the job done by someone else.
"Can I have the estimate in writing before you start?" Connecticut advises a written quote before work begins.
"Why does the lock have to be drilled?" If drilling comes up, ask. The BBB says it is not routine for a locksmith to insist on drilling to open a lock. Locksmith scams to avoid explains why this question matters.

What should you ask before you pay?

"Can I have an itemized invoice?" The BBB says to insist on one listing parts, labor, mileage and service charges, with the business name and address.
"Can I pay by card?" The BBB recommends a credit card. Connecticut says scammers often demand cash.
"How many keys are there, and who has them?" After a rekey or new locks, count the keys you are handed. ALOA's reason for rekeying a new home is that former key holders may still have copies, so know exactly how many working keys exist.

When should you walk away?

When the answers do not line up. Washington's office says that if you are not comfortable with the person, refuse the service, because this person will have the keys to your home. Before the next call, how to choose a locksmith explains how to find one in advance.

Sources

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
BBB Scam Alert: Locked out? Don't fall for a locksmith scam, Better Business Bureau
How to Spot a Scammer Locksmith, ALOA Security Professionals Association
Should I Change My Locks When I Move Into a House?, ALOA Security Professionals Association
Frequently Asked Questions: Home Improvement Contractor Registration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Home Improvement Contractor Search, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
Home Improvement Contractor Verification, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
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)
How can I determine the grade of a particular builders hardware product?, Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association
Beware: Searching for Local Locksmiths May Lead to Faraway Call Centers, Ohio Attorney General