Find Locksmiths in the UK
Search by UK town or postcode
If you'd prefer businesses to reach out to you,
post an enquiry or find your location by the region below.
Need help finding a locksmith near you?
From emergency lockouts to safe installations, Yell helps you hire trusted locksmiths near you in just a few steps.
Here’s how it works:
1. Enter your location to browse locksmith profiles or post an enquiry
2. Compare reviews and credentials to find businesses that suit your needs
3. Prefer to speak directly? Call or message businesses straight from their profile
Types of locksmith services near you
1. Emergency services
Locksmiths are often called out for urgent situations, such as being locked out of your home, car, or business. They offer a fast, efficient service to help you regain access without causing damage. Whether you’ve lost your keys or your lock has stopped working, a locksmith can help. While emergencies are a big part of their work, many locksmiths also provide non-urgent services to improve property security.
2. Install services
Looking to upgrade your home security? Locksmiths can install a wide range of systems, from basic door locks to advanced electronic access control. They also fit safes, window locks, and smart locks, helping to keep your property secure. As trained professionals, locksmiths regularly carry out installations for both homes and businesses — from traditional locks to digital systems.
3. Maintain & repair
When locks show signs of wear or start to malfunction, a locksmith can repair or replace them to help keep your property secure. Whether it’s a broken key stuck in the lock, a jammed door, or you’re looking for preventative maintenance, calling a locksmith is the right choice. They can also help with rekeying, safe opening, and general security upgrades — ensuring your locks and systems continue to work reliably.
What are the most common locksmith and auto locksmith jobs?
Locksmiths play a vital role in keeping homes, vehicles and businesses secure. Below are some of the most common jobs they’re called out to handle.
Emergency lockouts
Getting locked out of your home, car or office is one of the most common reasons people call a locksmith.
They can quickly help you regain access using specialist tools to unlock doors without causing damage. Most locksmiths – including auto locksmiths – offer 24/7 emergency services for these situations.
This service is available at short notice and provides a fast, stress-free solution to unexpected lockouts, though additional charges may apply for out-of-hours callouts.
Key cutting and duplication
Key cutting is a common locksmith service, whether you need duplicates for family, new tenants or spare car keys.
Locksmiths use precision cutting machines to create exact copies of your keys, so there’s no need to worry about poor-quality replicas.
In some cases, locksmiths will even offer discounts when you have multiple keys cut at once.
Lock repairs and installation
Broken or faulty locks aren’t just inconvenient – they can compromise your security and put you at risk.
Locksmiths repair or replace damaged locks, ensuring they function smoothly and help keep your property safe.
They handle a range of repairs (including door, window, and safe locks) or can fit entirely new replacements if needed.
Rekeying services
If you’ve moved into a new property or lost a key, rekeying your locks is a smart and effective security measure.
Locksmiths adjust the internal mechanisms of your existing locks so that old keys no longer work.
It’s usually the most cost-effective way to secure your property without the expense of replacing every lock.
Car key programming
Auto locksmiths frequently carry out key programming for vehicles with transponder keys or remote fobs.
They can reprogram existing keys, create new ones, or disable lost keys, preventing thieves from accessing your vehicle.
In essence, they help you regain access to and secure your car, without the high costs typically charged in dealerships.
Safe installation and opening
Whether for home or business use, safes offer an extra layer of security for your most valuable items.
Locksmiths are often called out to install new safes, change combinations, or open locked safes when codes have been lost.
These services help protect your possessions, keeping them both secure and easily accessible.
How to find the best local locksmiths
Finding the right locksmith can be challenging, especially in an emergency. Here are four key factors to keep in mind to make sure you’re choosing a qualified and reliable professional:
Verified locksmith
Treat a verified locksmith as a non-negotiable requirement when hiring local locksmiths. Request certificates or registration numbers in writing, then verify them independently where possible. Doing this upfront reduces compliance risks and avoids disputes later.
Response rate
For local locksmiths, speed and reliability often matter as much as price. Check whether updates are shared proactively if timings change. Consistent delivery is usually a better predictor of value than the lowest quote.
Reputation or reviews
Read recent reviews before shortlisting local locksmiths. Look for comments on clear communication and sticking to agreed timescales. Prioritise detailed feedback over star scores alone, especially when similar jobs are described.
Callout terms
Review the callout terms carefully before booking a local locksmith. Good providers explain terms plainly and flag any variable charges up front. Clear terms protect your timeline, budget and service quality.
What questions should I ask before hiring a locksmith?
What are your payment terms and conditions? Ask for a breakdown of what’s included in the service, including materials and labour, short-notice and cancellation charges, and accepted payment methods. They should also be willing to provide this in writing so you have something to refer to if any disagreements arise during or after the work.
Do you provide any warranties or guarantees on the work? Most reputable locksmiths in the UK are willing to offer warranties or guarantees of some kind, but it’s worth asking about the terms and conditions so you understand how well you’re protected.
Do you have insurance coverage in case something goes wrong? Locksmiths typically have public liability insurance to protect both themselves and their customers if something goes wrong during or after the work. If they are unwilling to show proof that they’re covered, it may indicate they are less reputable than those who can.
Are you a member of any trade associations, such as the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)? Locksmith bodies typically include organisations like the MLA or the National Guild of Certified Locksmiths. Choosing a locksmith who is a member of these organisations increases the likelihood that they are competent and provide a reputable service.
Top frequently asked questions about locksmiths
Auto locksmiths specifically work with vehicle locks and keys. They offer a variety of services covering vehicle security, including:
Car key programming
Ignition repair
Vehicle lockouts
Car key cutting
Duplicating car keys
Auto locksmiths provide these services with precision and care, making sure the vehicle isn’t damaged during the work. You can also expect to pay less for these auto locksmith services than you would for equivalent services from dealerships.
As with generalist locksmiths, the best way to find a reliable professional is on Yell. Either browse nearby auto locksmiths or post a free enquiry and let the experts get in touch with you.
Yes, locksmiths can make a new key without the original by using the lock's key code or by disassembling the lock to determine the correct key pattern. This service is common for lost house keys, a broken key, or when you need a spare car key.
Auto locksmiths can also program a new key for your vehicle even if the original key is lost. Whether you’re dealing with lost car keys or house keys, it’s best to let the locksmith know the situation clearly, so they’re adequately prepared to deal with the problem when they arrive.
If you've lost your keys, experts recommend either rekeying or changing your locks. This makes sure the security of your property isn’t compromised. A locksmith can rekey the existing locks so that old keys no longer work, providing a cost-effective way to secure your home or business without replacing all the locks.
If you fail to rekey or change your lock, there’s a chance that your old keys could be used to enter the property. Paying for an expert to secure your property not only protects you and your possessions but delivers peace of mind as well.
Yes, auto locksmiths are equipped with the tools and expertise to program new car keys, including transponder keys and remote key fobs. They can create a new key for your vehicle even if the original is lost, which is so often the case.
This is a valuable service not just for its utility in helping you regain access to your vehicle, but for the fact you’re likely to pay much less than if you took your problem to a dealership. This is the most cost-effective way to get a set of working car keys again.
Remember: the problem with your car keys might be simpler than you realise. Try changing your car key's battery before calling an auto locksmith to see if you can resolve the problem more cheaply and quickly.
Yes, many locksmiths are trained to install electronic and smart locks, including keypad entry systems, fingerprint locks, and keyless door locks. They can help set up and program these systems to make sure they function correctly and securely, enhancing the safety of your property.
Since this is a more specialised type of service, you might need to speak to several locksmiths to find the right fit. Look for professionals with existing knowledge and a proven track record at installing electronic or smart locks. When it comes to security, you probably don’t want to use a novice.
Response times vary depending on the locksmith's location and the time of day. Many locksmiths offer 24/7 emergency services and aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes of your call. It’s always a good idea to ask for an estimated arrival time when you contact them.
If a locksmith cannot get to you as quickly as you’d like, you can always ask other local locksmiths for help. Since many services offer similar response times, you’ll have to balance service time against the urgency of your situation.
Professional locksmiths use non-destructive techniques to unlock doors whenever possible, meaning they aim to open the lock without causing damage. Of course, in some cases, such as with high-security locks, minimal damage may be unavoidable.
A reputable locksmith will inform you of the best approach and potential risks before proceeding. All skilled locksmiths do everything possible to avoid damage while unlocking house and car doors.
Many reputable locksmiths provide warranties on their work, covering both the labour and parts used. Warranties and guarantees typically range from 30 days to a year, depending on the type of service, the materials used, and other particulars related to the service request.
It’s important to ask about any guarantees before hiring a locksmith. Not all locksmiths are willing to provide guarantees, and you don’t want to find out you’re not covered once the work is complete and a problem presents itself.
When contacting an auto locksmith, be prepared to provide details such as the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the location of the car. Additionally, it’s helpful to explain the issue, whether it's a lockout, lost key, or faulty ignition. This information allows the locksmith to arrive prepared with the right tools and equipment.
If you can’t provide this type of information to your chosen locksmith, the unlocking, reprogramming, or key cutting process is likely to take longer. More concerningly, it might bring into question your ownership of the vehicle. For this reason, showing proof that it’s your car is always a good idea.