Locksmiths near me in United Kingdom

Check whether the locksmith is approved by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) before you book. MLA Approved companies are vetted and inspected.

Confirm that they have public liability insurance and ask for clear pricing, including any call-out fees. Reviews on Yell can give you an idea of other customers’ experiences in United Kingdom.

Compare three locksmiths on price and response time, or post a free enquiry and hear back by phone or email. For more help, read TrustMark’s tips for finding a good tradesperson.

Use the Master Locksmiths Association's Locksmith directory, and look up the specific branch, since approval is granted company by company.

Locksmithing is unregulated in the UK. There is no licence and no compulsory register, so an MLA approved locksmith, who has been vetted, DBS checked, examined and inspected, is the closest thing to a standard.

In an emergency, agree a fixed price before they travel and establish whether they intend to pick the lock or drill it.

Locksmiths in United Kingdom range from around £60 to £239 per callout, with an average cost of approximately £150.

Those locksmith prices will vary depending on the type of job, the lock involved and how urgently you need the work done. Some locksmiths charge a call-out fee in addition to labour and parts.

Ask for an itemised quote showing the call-out fee, labour, replacement parts and any emergency charges. This makes it easier to compare locksmiths.

Cost data sourced by Blue Array on behalf of Yell and accurate as of July 2026.

Emergency locksmiths in United Kingdom usually aim to arrive within 30 to 60 minutes.

Response times depend on your location, traffic and the time of day. Ask for an estimated arrival time and the call-out charge when you phone.

Check that the business offers a 24/7 emergency service and covers your area.

Give the locksmith as much detail as possible about the problem. This helps them assess the job and bring the right tools and replacement parts.

Yes, locksmiths may charge higher rates for emergency or weekend call-outs, sometimes 50% or more above their standard rates.

Late-night calls and bank holidays may cost more because fewer locksmiths are available.

Before booking an emergency locksmith in United Kingdom, confirm the call-out charge and the rate that will apply to the work.

Locksmiths can install and open safes and vaults, as well as work on their locking mechanisms.

Common jobs include:

• Installing a new safe

• Repairing an existing safe

• Gaining access when keys or combinations are lost

• Repairing mechanical or electronic locks

For a high-security safe or vault, look for a locksmith with relevant experience. Check their business profile or ask about their qualifications before booking.

For more information, read our locksmith hiring tips and advice.