Mobile Emergency Locksmith Business
Drive to locked-out homes and businesses, get people back inside and fit new locks.
- C$4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A van or car-based locksmith service that opens locked doors, changes and rekeys locks, repairs broken locks after break-ins and cuts keys on site.
Your first three steps
- Check whether your province or municipality licenses locksmiths, then book a locksmith training course
- Price out a starter tool kit, key cutting equipment and a stock of common locks, and get quotes for insurance
- Set up a Google Business Profile and a simple website with your service area, and ask local property managers for work
Who pays
Homeowners and tenants who are locked out, landlords, property managers, small businesses and people who have just moved in.
How it makes money
A call-out fee plus a charge for labour and parts such as locks and keys. Urgent evening, night and weekend jobs usually earn higher rates.
Skills that help
- Hands-on mechanical skill and patience
- Calm, friendly manner with stressed customers
- Trustworthy and good at checking ID and ownership
Watch out for
- Some provinces license locksmiths under security services rules, so check your provincial regulator before taking jobs
- Commercial general liability insurance, and ask whether you need cover for lock and key work in particular
- Always check the customer lives at or controls the property before opening a door, and keep records
- Online lead directories can be costly, so compare the price per job before paying for leads
- Irregular hours, and winter lockouts in cold weather can mean long, tough days
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile locksmith business in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, tools and insurance. These are estimates, so price your own kit and van setup before committing to the business.
How much can a mobile emergency locksmith earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your hours, how many calls you take and what you pay for leads. That is revenue, not profit, and the work starts from about 25 hours a week.
Do I need a licence to work as a locksmith in Canada?
Some provinces license locksmiths under security services rules, so check your provincial regulator before taking jobs. Also check commercial general liability insurance, and ask whether you need cover for lock and key work in particular.
Other ways to run this business
Similar home services ideas
Home-run carpet supplier with low stock
Supply flooring shops and fitters from sample books, ordering from mills and distributors with little stock of your own.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- From home
Mobile appliance repair technician
Visit homes to diagnose and fix washers, dryers, fridges and ovens, so people avoid the cost of replacing them.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Basement crack repair and sealing
Fix leaking foundation cracks and seal basements from the inside for local homeowners.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile hot tub service and water care
Visit homeowners to balance water, clean filters, winterize and repair hot tubs, and sell chemicals and covers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile radiator repair and replacement service
Visit homes and rental properties to supply, repair and swap radiators, working with a licensed heating trade.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Wood stove sales without a showroom
Sell stoves and accessories online and by home visit, ordering from suppliers and booking certified installers.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Photo: Schluesseldienst on Pixabay