Lock Rekeying in Washington, DC
Moved in, lost keys, or changed tenants? Rekey existing locks in Washington, DC so old keys stop working and new keys fit.
What's included in Lock Rekeying
Rekeying is the most cost-effective way to reset lock access when the hardware is in good condition. For DC homeowners who just closed on a property, rekeying is standard practice — keys may have been distributed to contractors, previous agents, and prior owners. For renters after a roommate departure, rekeying the deadbolt prevents ongoing access without the landlord needing to replace any hardware. The process takes 15–30 minutes per lock and can be done on-site.
This service also serves as a 'health check' for your hardware. While the cylinder is open, we clean out debris and apply high-quality graphite or silicone lubricants, often making an old lock turn more smoothly than it did when it was first installed.
- Internal cylinder disassembly and pin replacement.
- Lubrication of all moving mechanical parts.
- Precision-cut new keys matched to the new pin configuration.
- Functionality testing on all entry points.
- Invalidation of all previous key copies.
When you need Lock Rekeying
Rekeying is the smartest move for any new Washington, DC homeowner. During the construction or sales process, keys are often passed between realtors, contractors, and inspectors. You can never be 100% sure how many copies are floating around. Rekeying provides an immediate 'security reset' for a fraction of the cost of new hardware.
It is also the preferred choice for those who love their current door aesthetics. If you have vintage brass handles or custom hardware that matches your home’s historic charm, rekeying allows you to upgrade your security without changing the look of your entryway.
- After purchasing a new home to ensure previous owners don't have access.
- When a roommate or tenant moves out of your property.
- Following the loss or theft of a purse or keychain.
- If you want to 'master' your home so one key fits every door.
- After a contractor or service provider finishes a renovation project.
Our process for Lock Rekeying
Our process is designed to be non-disruptive and efficient. Because we are a 24/7 mobile service, we bring the entire workshop to your curb. We start by verifying your ownership and assessing the brand and condition of your locks. Once the cylinder is pulled, we use professional 'followers' to ensure the upper pins and springs stay seated while we swap out the bottom pins.
This technical precision prevents damage to the springs, which is a common failure point in DIY attempts. After the pins are set, we cut your new keys on-site using calibrated machines to ensure the deepest bittings are clear and the key never sticks or binds in the keyway.
- Arrival of a licensed locksmith in a fully-equipped mobile van.
- Removal of the lock cylinder from the door or housing.
- Extraction of the plug to reveal the current pin configuration.
- Insertion of new color-coded pins to create a unique shear line.
- Testing the new key for smooth rotation and bolt throw.
- Re-installation and final security walk-through.
Pricing & what affects cost
Lock rekeying is one of the most affordable ways to secure a home in Washington, DC. Instead of paying for a $50–$150 lock set plus labor, you only pay a service call fee and a per-cylinder rekeying fee. This allows you to secure an entire house for roughly the price of replacing just two full locksets.
We believe in transparent pricing. When you call (202) 559-7070, we provide a clear breakdown of the service call and the labor per lock. Factors like "SmartKey" technology (which can sometimes be reset faster) or specialty mortise locks used in many DC rowhouses can fluctuate the price, but we always confirm the total before the work begins.
- The total number of lock cylinders being serviced.
- The brand of the lock (High-security brands like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock cost more).
- The condition of the existing hardware (heavily weathered locks take more time).
- The number of new key copies requested at the time of service.
- After-hours or emergency holiday service requests.
Why choose us for lock rekeying
Cheaper than replacing
Typically 60–70% less than new hardware.
Keyed alike included
All cylinders rekeyed to one new key.
Same hardware look
Your existing finish and trim stay.
How it works
- 1
Pull cylinders
Each lock disassembled in place or on the bench.
- 2
Repin to new key
New pin stack matched to a fresh cut key.
- 3
Reassemble & test
Lock cycled 20+ times to confirm.
- 4
Hand over keys
You receive at least two new keys per cylinder.
Pricing
Per-cylinder rate with discount when rekeying 3+ cylinders alike.
Frequently asked questions
Can any residential lock be rekeyed?
Yes, but the lock must be functionally sound. If the internal pins are rusted or the plug is seized, rekeying won't fix it. In those cases, we may recommend a full replacement to ensure your home remains secure.
Is rekeying cheaper than buying new locks?
Rekeying is significantly cheaper because you aren't paying for heavy brass or steel hardware. You only pay for the locksmith's labor and the small internal pins, saving you 30-50% compared to hardware replacement.
How long does it take to rekey a standard deadbolt?
For a standard deadbolt, the process takes about 15 to mobile locksmith support per cylinder. If we are 'matching' multiple doors to a single key, it may take slightly longer to ensure perfect alignment and smooth operation.
Does rekeying make my lock more secure?
No. Rekeying simply changes which key works. If you want a more secure lock, you should upgrade to High-Security cylinders or Grade 1 deadbolts. Rekeying maintains your current security level while resetting access.
Can you make all my house locks work with the same key?
Absolutely. As long as the locks are the same brand (e.g., all Kwikset or all Schlage), we can rekey them so one single house key opens every door, reducing keychain clutter.
Don’t let old keys compromise confidence in your locks. Whether you’ve just moved into a new DC rowhome or need to update security after a roommate move-out, DC Mobile Locksmith provides professional lock rekeying. Call (202) 559-7070 for a transparent quote and availability across the District.
Need a locksmith now? Fast mobile dispatch across DC.
Call DC Mobile Locksmith 24/7 — our dispatcher answers in under 30 seconds.