Mobile locksmith for homes and businesses

Drive to customers to open locked doors, change locks and fit security hardware, paid per call-out or job.

Locksmith fitting a new lock on a residential front door.
Startup cost$3k to $12k
Monthly revenue$3k to $12k
Time needed20+ h/week
First incomeMonths

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

3,961 US businesses with employees in this field, -0.8% in a year

NAICS 561622 “Locksmiths”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A van-based locksmith service handling lockouts, rekeying, lock replacement and deadbolt or door hardware installs at homes and small businesses.

Your first three steps

  1. Check your state's locksmith licensing rules and take a locksmith training course or find a local mentor
  2. Buy a starter tool kit, a stock of common locks and cylinders, and set up a van with secure storage
  3. Set up a Google Business Profile with your real address or service area, and introduce yourself to local landlords and property managers
Who pays

Homeowners, renters, landlords, property managers and small businesses such as shops and offices.

How it makes money

A service call fee plus a price per job (labor and parts). Landlord and property manager accounts bring repeat work.

Skills that help
  • Hands-on mechanical skill
  • Calm, honest customer service
  • Driving and route planning
Watch out for
  • Check whether your state or city requires a locksmith license, background check or registration
  • General liability insurance, and commercial auto cover for the van
  • Always verify the customer's ID and right to access the property before opening a lock
  • Online directories are full of fake call centers, so build trust with a real local presence and clear upfront pricing
  • Workers' compensation insurance once you hire

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile locksmith business?

Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your tools, van and insurance. Treat this as an estimate. You will also want general liability insurance and commercial auto cover for the van.

How much can a mobile locksmith earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many call-outs and jobs you take. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and many start at around 20 hours a week.

Do I need a license to work as a locksmith in the US?

Check whether your state or city requires a locksmith license, background check or registration. Also check insurance, always verify a customer's ID and right to access the property before opening a lock, and workers' compensation once you hire.

Other ways to run this business

Locksmith fitting a new lock on a residential front door.

Scheduled rekeying and lock installs

Book non-emergency jobs: rekey locks, fit deadbolts and install smart locks for homeowners and landlords.

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Locksmith fitting a new lock on a residential front door.

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Photo: Schluesseldienst on Pixabay

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