What does a locksmith cost in South Africa?
Last reviewed: 17 September 2026 · We review and update this guide regularly to keep prices current.
Locked out at midnight costs more than a key cut on a Tuesday morning. Published figures range from about R500 to R3,500 depending on the job, the lock, the time and the distance. Here is what the published price lists say.
Published prices
Local Pros publishes a 2026 price list for locksmith services across South Africa; GP Locksmiths publishes a similar table with a R500–R3,500 overall range. See Local Pros' 2026 locksmith prices and GP Locksmiths' price table.
| What you pay for | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| House lockout (locked out) | R550 – R1,650 | Local Pros 2026 price list |
| Auto lockout | R550 – R1,650 | Local Pros 2026 price list |
| Door key replacement | R550 – R770 | Local Pros 2026 price list |
| Key stuck in lock / lock repair | R715 – R1,100 | Local Pros 2026 price list |
| Car key + transponder replacement | R2,200 – R3,850 | Local Pros 2026 price list |
Prices are indicative — the lock brand, key type and your location all change the final quote.
What pushes the price up
- Time of day. After-hours, weekend and public-holiday call-outs attract higher emergency rates.
- Distance. The further the locksmith travels, the higher the call-out fee.
- Key type. Smart keys, transponders and remote programming cost far more than standard key cutting.
- Special equipment. Coding devices and specialist tools add to the overall cost.
Before you agree to a call-out
- Ask for the full price on the phone before the locksmith sets off — including the call-out fee.
- Be suspicious of a very low quote that balloons on arrival; get the final figure in writing.
- Ask whether the price includes new parts, or just labour.
- For car keys, check whether programming and coding are included.
- When you move into a new home, have the locks rekeyed or replaced — you never know who still has keys.
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