How Much Does a Locksmith Cost in Maryland, DC & Virginia? [2026 Pricing]

The honest answer to "how much does a locksmith cost in Maryland?" is: it depends on the service, the time of day, and your location in the DMV area. Serving Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia since 2007, Eagle Locksmith explains what drives the price so you know what to expect before we arrive — no bait-and-switch, no hidden fees. Our typical ranges are listed in our Pricing Guide.

Where to Find Our Prices

Our typical price ranges are kept in one place — our Pricing Guide — so they never go out of date on individual pages. Every job still gets an upfront quote before any work starts.

What Factors Affect Locksmith Prices in Maryland?

1. Time of Day

Locksmith services in Maryland follow a standard/after-hours pricing model. "Business hours" is typically 8am–8pm Monday–Saturday. Calls at 2am on a Sunday usually cost more. Eagle Locksmith charges a flat after-hours surcharge (disclosed before dispatch, and listed in our Pricing Guide) rather than a surprise multiplier.

2. Your Location in the DMV

Service call fees vary by distance. If you're in Bethesda, Silver Spring, or Rockville — core service areas — travel is short. Calls at the edge of our service area, like Poolesville or Southern Maryland, can cost more. We tell you the service call fee before we dispatch.

3. Type of Lock

High-security locks (Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, ABLOY) cost more to rekey than standard Kwikset or Schlage locks because of special tooling and key costs. Smart locks add labor time for programming. Commercial-grade locks often require specialized equipment.

4. Emergency vs. Scheduled

Scheduling a lock change during business hours can cost less than an emergency after-hours call. If your situation isn't urgent, book a scheduled appointment for savings.

Red Flags: Locksmith Scams to Avoid in Maryland

The Maryland Attorney General's office has received hundreds of complaints about locksmith price gouging. Here's how to protect yourself:

• A suspiciously low phone quote: When they arrive, they claim "the lock is complicated" and charge several times more
• No license number: Ask for the license number before they start work. Eagle Locksmith: MD #176, VA #11-15205
• Cash only with no receipt: Licensed locksmiths issue written invoices
• Drilling the lock immediately: A professional should attempt non-destructive entry first. Drilling (which adds cost) should be a last resort
• Generic "Locksmith" signage on van: Check that the company name matches what you searched for

Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which Costs Less?

One of the most common questions we get: should I rekey my locks or replace them entirely? The answer depends on the condition of your locks:

• Rekey (change internal pins, use new keys): Usually far less than replacing. Best when the lock mechanism works perfectly and you just need new keys (after moving, after a breakup, after losing keys)
• Replace (new lock hardware): Parts plus labor per door. Necessary if the lock is damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade to a higher security rating

For a typical Silver Spring or Bethesda townhome with 3 exterior doors, rekeying all locks usually costs a fraction of replacing them — typical ranges are in our Pricing Guide. See our detailed guide: Rekeying vs. Changing Locks in Silver Spring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Locksmith Costs in Maryland