Rekeying a standard residential lock in Beltsville, MD starts at $45+ per lock, with a full-house rekey covering 3–5 exterior doors typically running $135–$225, depending on the lock brand, number of doors, and whether service is scheduled during business hours or as an after-hours emergency call.
If you have just moved into a new home, lost a key, or want to make sure an old roommate or contractor can no longer get in, rekeying is almost always the fastest and most affordable fix — but the final price depends on a few specific factors. Here is exactly what determines the cost, and how it compares to replacing your locks outright.
What Affects the Cost of Rekeying in Beltsville, MD?
1. Number of Locks
All Locksmith Services charges a $45+ starting rate per lock, with a discounted rate for multiple locks rekeyed in the same visit. A single deadbolt starts at $45, while a full set of 3–5 exterior doors typically falls in the $135–$225 range total.
2. Lock Brand and Type
Standard residential brands like Kwikset and Schlage are quick and inexpensive to rekey. High-security brands such as Medeco or Mul-T-Lock use more complex pin systems, which can add to the base price due to the additional time and specialized tools required.
3. Time of Day
Rekeying scheduled during normal business hours costs less than an emergency same-day or after-hours visit. If you are not locked out and can schedule ahead, you will typically pay standard rates rather than an emergency premium.
4. Service Call vs. Bundled Visit
Some locksmiths charge a flat service/trip fee in addition to per-lock pricing. Ask when you call whether the quote includes the service call, so there are no surprises when the technician arrives.
Rekeying vs. Replacing Locks: Which Costs Less?
Rekeying is almost always cheaper than full lock replacement because your existing hardware stays in place — only the internal pins change, so old keys stop working while new ones do. Lock change and replacement starts at $95+, roughly double the $45+ starting price for rekeying, once you factor in the cost of new hardware. Replacement only makes sense if your current locks are damaged, outdated, or you are intentionally upgrading to smart locks or higher-security hardware. See our full rekeying service page for more on how the process works, or check our full locksmith pricing guide for all our services.
When Rekeying Is Worth It
- Moving into a home in Beltsville, MD: You have no way of knowing how many copies of the previous owner’s keys exist.
- Lost or stolen keys: Rekeying immediately invalidates any keys you no longer have.
- Ending a lease or roommate situation: Restrict access without swapping the whole lock.
- Small business turnover: Rekey offices or suites when an employee with access leaves.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Because pricing depends on lock brand, count, and timing, the most reliable way to get an exact number for your home or business in Beltsville, MD is a quick phone call. All Locksmith Services provides free phone quotes and can usually dispatch a licensed, insured technician the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rekeying cheaper than changing locks?
Yes. Rekeying starts at $45+ per lock, versus $95+ for a full lock change and replacement, because rekeying reuses your existing hardware and only changes the internal pins.
How long does rekeying take?
A standard residential rekey takes about 10–15 minutes per lock. A full-house rekey of 3–5 doors is usually completed in under an hour.
Can I rekey a lock myself?
DIY rekey kits exist for some standard brands, but they require the correct pins and tools for your specific lock model. A professional rekey guarantees the job is done correctly the first time and typically costs about the same as a DIY kit once tools are factored in.
Does rekeying work on smart locks?
Most smart locks use a standard mechanical cylinder that can be rekeyed the same way as a traditional lock, in addition to resetting any digital access codes. See our pricing guide for smart lock installation rates.
Ready to get an exact quote for your home or business? Call All Locksmith Services at (240) 770-2442 or book a visit online — we serve Beltsville, MD and the greater DC-MD-VA area.