Locksmith Cost Calculator & Price Guide — Australia 2026
Choose your job and answer a few questions. The price range changes with each answer, so you know what to expect before you talk to anyone. When you are ready, you can ask up to three local locksmiths to quote.
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LocksmithWhat’s the job?
Estimated price
We’ll show a range from similar jobs, then tighten it as you answer.
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LocksmithHow it works
- 1Choose the job
- 2Answer a few questions
- 3See a local range
Instant estimate · no email or phone number needed to see it
Prices include GST. They come from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026.
Understand typical locksmith costs, key price drivers, and after-hours pricing before you request quotes.
Price Ranges
Common locksmith jobs & costs
Prices based on Australian market data. Most jobs are quoted as fixed price rather than hourly.
Prices include GST. They are indicative ranges for a typical job, from SureQuote's pricing for each job, updated October 2026. Your quote can differ for your specific job. Price yours in the calculator, then matched tradies can reach out to quote.
Learn the rules for hiring locksmiths in your state
Licences, contracts and deposits for locksmith work differ across the country. Check yours before you sign.
| Rule | NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | TAS | NT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LicenceWhat the register calls it | Class 2 security licence (Class 2C security equipment specialist) | Private Security Individual Operator Licence (acting as a security equipment installer) | Security equipment installer licence | Building work contractor's licence; security agents licence | Security installer's licence | No licence needed | No licence needed | Security employee licence |
| Licence needed fromJob value that triggers it | Any job value1 | Depends on the work2 | Any job value3 | Depends on the work4 | Depends on the work5 | Never | Never | Any job value6 |
| Check the registerThe official public register | NSW Police Force — Security Licensing & Enforcement Directorate (SLED) register | Victoria Police — Licensing and Regulation Division register | Office of Fair Trading register | Official register | Western Australia Police Force — Police Licensing Services register | Not listed | Not listed | Access Canberra — ACT security industry licensing register |
| Written contractRequired above | Does not apply7 | Over $10,000 | Over $3,300 · Level 2 regulated contract (full written contract) from $20,000 | From $20,000 | Over $7,500 | From $20,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply |
| Deposit capMost you can be asked for | Does not apply7 | Not listed | Not listed | Up to 5%8 | Up to 6.5%9 | Not listed | Does not apply | Does not apply |
| Warranty insuranceBuilder must hold it above | Does not apply7 | Over $20,000 | Does not apply | From $20,000 · minimum cover $250,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply | Does not apply | Does not apply |
| Cooling-offAfter you sign | Does not apply7 | 5 business days · on contracts over $10,000 | 5 business days · on contracts over $3,300 | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | 5 business days · on contracts over $20,000 | Does not apply | Does not apply |
- 1NSW · Licence needed from: A self-employed locksmith also needs a master licence.
- 2VIC · Licence needed from: A locksmith needs a private security licence only to install or service security equipment.
- 3QLD · Licence needed from: Lock work needs a security equipment installer licence. Retail key cutting and fitting locks during building work do not.
- 4SA · Licence needed from: Fitting locks, security doors and screens needs a builder’s licence. Alarms and cameras need a security agents licence. Key cutting needs none.
- 5WA · Licence needed from: A licence covers installing or repairing security locks, safes and alarms. Key cutting and key-in-knob locks need none.
- 6ACT · Licence needed from: Installing, servicing or advising on locks and security gear needs a security licence. So does cutting restricted keys.
- 7NSW · A locksmith needs a security licence. You get these protections only when the work is part of a building contract.
- 8SA · Deposit cap: Applies only to fitting locks, security doors, screens or mains wiring on contracts of $20,000 or more.
- 9WA · Deposit cap: This limit applies to jobs that cost more than $7,500 and less than $500,000.
NSW Sources: Security Industry Act 1997, police.nsw.gov.au, Home Building Act 1989. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
VIC Sources: Private Security Act 2004, police.vic.gov.au, consumer.vic.gov.au, Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995, bpc.vic.gov.au, Building Act 1993. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
QLD Sources: qld.gov.au, Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991, qbcc.qld.gov.au, Queensland Building and Construction Commission Regulation 2018. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
SA Sources: sa.gov.au, cbs.sa.gov.au, Building Work Contractors Act 1995. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
WA Sources: Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1996, wa.gov.au, Home Building Contracts Regulations 1992, Home Building Contracts Act 1991. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
TAS Sources: Security and Investigations Agents Act 2002, buildingstandards.tas.gov.au, Residential Building Work Contracts and Dispute Resolution Act 2016. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
NT Sources: Private Security Act 1995, Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 1993, Building (RBI and Fidelity Fund Schemes) Regulations 2012. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
ACT Sources: Security Industry Act 2003, accesscanberra.act.gov.au, planning.act.gov.au. Checked 16 Oct 2026.
Common Questions
Locksmith pricing FAQ
How much do locksmiths typically charge?
Do locksmiths charge call-out fees?
Do locksmiths need a licence in Australia?
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