How to Hire a Licensed Locksmith in Australia: A Homeowner's Practical Guide

Someone kicks in your front door at 3 a.m. while you are on holiday. Your neighbour calls you; you call a locksmith from a Google ad. The person who arrives has no ID, no licence number, and charges $900 for a lock that retails for $80. This is not a hypothetical. The $29 bait-and-switch scam has been documented across every major Australian city, and it works because “locksmith” is not a protected title in this country. Anyone can print it on a van.

Unlike plumbers, electricians, and builders, locksmiths in Australia are not regulated under building and construction legislation. They are regulated under security industry law in every state and territory. That means you need to check a different set of registers to verify a licensed locksmith, and most homeowners do not know this. This guide explains how to hire a licensed locksmith in Australia, covering security licence verification, costs, emergency locksmith services, master key systems, and how to avoid common scams.

Why You Should Only Hire a Licensed Locksmith

Every Australian state and territory requires locksmiths to hold a security industry licence before they can legally sell, install, or service locks and security equipment.

Legal requirement. A licensed locksmith has completed a Certificate III in Locksmithing (MEM30819), a four-year apprenticeship, and passed police and probity checks required by their state’s security licensing body. Operating without a licence is a criminal offence under each state’s security industry legislation.

Consumer protection. Because “locksmith” is an unprotected title, the security licence is your only guarantee that the person working on your locks has been vetted. No licence means no background check, no trade qualification, and no complaints pathway.

Insurance validity. If an unlicensed person installs or replaces your locks and your home is later broken into, your insurer may reject the claim. Locks installed by a qualified locksmith with proper documentation protect both your property and your policy.

Accountability. Properly licensed locksmiths are registered with state police or fair trading bodies. If something goes wrong, you have a formal complaints process through the relevant regulator.

You can search for locksmiths on TradieVerify’s search page or verify their licence directly with your state’s security licensing body.

1. Understand the Different Types of Locksmith Services

Before hiring a licensed locksmith, know what type of work you need. Locksmithing covers several distinct service categories.

Residential. Lock installation, rekeying after a move or break-in, deadbolt upgrades, window locks, sliding door locks, and key cutting.

Commercial. Master key systems, restricted key systems, high-security locks, access control, panic hardware for fire exits, and safe servicing.

Automotive. Car lockouts, vehicle key cutting, transponder key programming, and ignition repair. This requires specialised equipment beyond standard locksmithing.

Emergency. 24/7 lockout assistance for homes, businesses, and vehicles. A licensed locksmith offering emergency services should arrive within 30 to 60 minutes in metro areas and quote a price before starting.

Electronic and smart locks. Installation of keyless entry, smart locks (Yale, Schlage, Assa Abloy), and electronic access control.

When contacting a licensed locksmith, describe your specific needs so they can confirm their licence covers the work.

2. Check Their Security Licence Before Anything Else

This is the single most important step. Unlike building trades where you check a QBCC or VBA register, locksmith licences are held with security industry regulators, typically state police or fair trading bodies.

Here is what to check:

• Licence status. Is it current and active? An expired or suspended licence means they cannot legally operate.
• Licence class. Does it cover locksmithing? In NSW, you need a Class 2C security licence. In WA, it is a Security Installer Licence Class 1 (Locks, Safes and Vaults). Each state has its own classification.
• Photo ID. Licensed locksmiths must carry their security licence card. Ask to see it before they start work.
• Business licence. If the locksmith operates a business (not just an employee), they also need a master licence or business licence in most states.
• Police check. All security licence holders have passed a national police check. This is built into the licensing process.

Ask for the licence number before the locksmith arrives. Any legitimate professional will provide it without hesitation. If they refuse, call someone else.

Browse locksmiths on TradieVerify to find verified professionals in your area.

3. Look for MLAA or LGA Membership

Beyond the mandatory government security licence, two industry bodies provide additional consumer assurance.

Neither body replaces the mandatory state security licence. They are voluntary standards layered on top. A locksmith who is also an MLAA or LGA member gives you the strongest assurance of quality.

4. Verify Insurance and Get a Written Receipt

Your locksmith should carry proper insurance, and every job should come with documentation.

Public liability insurance. Covers damage to your property during the work. Standard cover ranges from $5 million to $20 million. Ask for a certificate of currency.

Workers compensation. If the locksmith employs staff, this is mandatory in every state.

Written receipt. Every job should produce a receipt including the locksmith’s name, ABN, security licence number, work description, parts used (lock brand and model), and total cost including GST.

Warranty. Lock manufacturers typically offer 5 to 10 year hardware warranties. Get workmanship warranty terms in writing separately.

Key records. For restricted key systems, your licensed locksmith should provide a key authorisation card proving system ownership. Store it separately from your keys.

5. Get Three Written Quotes and Compare Properly

Get at least three written quotes before committing to any locksmith work beyond emergency lockouts.

What a proper quote should include: full description of work (lock type, brand, installation method), parts with product names, labour and call-out fees, GST, timeline, and warranty terms.

Compare like for like. A $120 deadbolt installation using a basic lock and a $350 installation using an Abloy or Lockwood cylinder are different jobs. Ensure quotes specify the same lock brand and grade before comparing.

Emergency lockouts are different. You will not be getting three quotes at midnight. Ask for a firm price over the phone before the licensed locksmith arrives. A reputable operator will quote $150 to $300 for an after-hours home lockout. If someone quotes $29, expect a bill of $500 or more when they arrive.

6. How Much Does a Licensed Locksmith Cost in Australia?

Locksmith costs depend on the service type, time of day, lock complexity, and your location. Here are indicative costs as of 2025-2026:

Common locksmith services:

Call-out fees. $50 to $100 during business hours, rising to $120 to $200 after hours. Some locksmiths include this in the total price. Clarify before booking.

Hourly rates. $80 to $120 per hour during business hours; $150 to $250 per hour after hours. Weekend and public holiday rates are typically 20-50% higher.

Location matters. Sydney rates sit 20-50% above regional towns. Melbourne and Brisbane are mid-range. Adelaide is generally the most affordable. Remote areas may add travel surcharges of $50 to $200.

7. Emergency Locksmith Services: What to Expect

Emergency lockouts are stressful, and that stress is what scam operators exploit. Here is what a legitimate emergency locksmith service looks like.

Response time. A reputable licensed locksmith should arrive within 30 to 60 minutes in metro areas. Inner-city response can be as fast as 20 minutes.

Non-destructive entry first. A skilled locksmith will pick or bypass the lock without damaging it. Drilling should be the last resort. If they immediately drill without trying other methods, that is a red flag.

Price agreement before work starts. The locksmith should confirm the total cost before touching your lock, including call-out fee, labour, and any parts. Get this in writing, even via text message.

After a break-in. Call police first and file a report. Then call a licensed locksmith to rekey or replace affected locks. Keep receipts for your insurance claim.

What to have ready. Proof of address or identity so the locksmith can confirm you are authorised to access the property.

8. Master Key Systems: What Homeowners and Building Managers Need to Know

Master key systems are relevant for apartment buildings, strata complexes, and homes with multiple access points.

How it works. Individual Change Keys each open only one lock. Sub-Master Keys open a group of locks. A Grand Master Key opens every lock in the system.

Restricted key systems. The key profile is registered under a patent or design registration. Only the original installing locksmith (or authorised stockist) can cut additional copies, preventing unauthorised duplication at hardware stores.

When to use one. Apartment blocks, body corporate buildings, rental properties with multiple units, and properties with detached granny flats or studios.

Cost factors. A 4-lock residential system costs $150 to $300 per door. A 50-door commercial system could be $80 to $150 per door. Restricted keyway systems cost more upfront but provide better long-term security.

Documentation. Your locksmith should provide a key control register documenting how many keys exist and who holds them. Store the key authorisation card separately from your keys.

Choose a licensed locksmith with master key experience, ideally an MLAA member, because you will rely on them for the life of the system.

9. State-by-State Licensed Locksmith Guide

Unlike building trades regulated by QBCC, VBA, or Fair Trading, locksmiths are regulated under security industry legislation. Here is a summary of locksmith licensing across Australia:

Key differences between states:

• NSW uses SLED (NSW Police) as the regulator. Business operators need a Master Licence in addition to individual Class 2C licences for employees.
• Queensland locksmiths are licensed by the Office of Fair Trading, NOT the QBCC. This is a common misconception. The QBCC does not regulate locksmith work.
• Victoria requires a Private Security Individual Licence for anyone installing or servicing security equipment, including locks.
• WA has the most specific locksmith classification: Security Installer Class 1 for locks, safes, and vaults. Applicants must be fully trade-qualified with a completed four-year apprenticeship.
• SA requires SAPOL fingerprinting as part of the licence application, with processing taking 8 to 10 weeks.

Search for locksmiths by state on TradieVerify or verify directly with the regulator listed above.

10. Red Flags and Scam Protection

The locksmith industry has a well-documented scam problem in Australia. Here is how to protect yourself.

The $29 scam. A Google ad advertises lockout services from $29. When the person arrives, the price jumps to $400 to $900. They have no licence, drill the lock immediately, and sell an overpriced replacement. This scam operates in every major Australian city.

Red flags to watch for:

• No security licence number. A licensed locksmith provides their number before arriving. No number means no licence.
• Immediate drilling. A qualified locksmith tries non-destructive entry first. Drilling should be a last resort.
• Cash only, no receipt. This usually means no ABN, no GST registration, and no accountability.
• Price changes on arrival. If the quoted price doubles or triples, do not proceed. You are not obligated to accept.
• Pressure to replace rather than rekey. Rekeying costs $80 to $150 and keeps existing hardware. If the lock is functional, a licensed locksmith will recommend rekeying first.
• No photo ID or licence card. All security licence holders must carry their licence card. Ask to see it.

How to report. If you suspect unlicensed locksmith activity, report to your state regulator: SLED (NSW, 1300 362 001), Office of Fair Trading (QLD, 13 74 68), or Victoria Police Licensing (VIC, 1300 651 645).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a locksmith is licensed in Australia?

Locksmiths hold security industry licences, not building licences. Check with your state’s security licensing body: SLED (NSW Police) for NSW, Victoria Police for VIC, Office of Fair Trading for QLD, or WA Police for WA. You can also search on TradieVerify. Ask for the licence number and verify it is current.

How much does an emergency locksmith cost after hours?

An after-hours home lockout typically costs $180 to $350, including the call-out fee. Car lockouts run $165 to $300 after hours. If a locksmith quotes under $50 for after-hours work, treat it as a scam red flag. Weekend and public holiday rates are 20-50% higher than standard after-hours rates.

What is the difference between rekeying and replacing a lock?

Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work, while keeping the existing lock hardware. It costs $80 to $150 per lock. Replacing involves removing the entire lock and fitting a new one, costing $120 to $550 depending on the lock grade. If your locks are in good condition, rekeying is the faster and cheaper option, particularly after moving into a new home.

Do locksmiths need a security licence or a building licence?

A security licence. In every Australian state and territory, locksmiths are regulated under security industry legislation, not building and construction law. The QBCC, VBA, and similar building regulators do not licence locksmiths. Your locksmith’s licence is issued by state police (NSW, VIC, WA) or consumer affairs bodies (QLD, SA, ACT, TAS, NT).

Should I rekey my locks when I move into a new home?

Yes. You have no way of knowing how many key copies are in circulation with previous owners, tenants, agents, or tradespeople. A licensed locksmith can rekey all exterior locks in one visit for $150 to $300, giving you complete control over access. This is far cheaper than replacing all locks.

What is a restricted key system and do I need one?

A restricted key system uses a patented key profile that only the original locksmith or authorised stockists can duplicate. Standard keys can be copied at any hardware store for $5 to $20. Restricted systems cost more ($15 to $40 per copy) but give you legal control over duplication. They are recommended for rental properties and apartment buildings.

Summary

Hiring a licensed locksmith in Australia requires different checks than hiring a plumber or electrician. Here are the key steps:

• Verify their security licence with your state’s security industry regulator, not a building authority. Locksmiths are licensed under security industry law in every state.
• Check their photo ID and licence card when they arrive, before any work begins
• Look for MLAA or LGA membership as an additional quality signal above the legal minimum
• Get a firm price before work starts, especially for emergency lockouts
• Ask for a written receipt with ABN, security licence number, and description of work performed
• Be alert to the $29 scam and avoid locksmiths who refuse to provide a licence number, demand cash only, or drill locks as a first resort
• Consider a restricted key system for long-term security, particularly after moving or for multi-unit properties

Search for a licensed locksmith in your area on TradieVerify and get your locks sorted by a properly qualified professional. For emergency lockouts, save a trusted locksmith’s number in your phone before you need one.

Related Guides

• 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Tradie — Our essential hiring questions
• How to Check a Tradesperson’s Licence — Our licence verification guide
• What Happens If You Hire an Unlicensed Tradie? Penalties, Insurance Risks, and Your Rights — Our unlicensed tradie risks

Sources

1. NSW Police SLED: Class 2 Security Licences, https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/sled/security_licences/class_2_licences
2. Queensland Government: Security Provider Licensing, https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/regulated-industries-licensing-and-legislation/security-industry-regulation/get-a-security-licence
3. Victoria Police: Private Security Licensing, https://www.police.vic.gov.au/private-security
4. WA Police: Security Licence Application Requirements, https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/western-australia-police-force/security-licence-application-requirements
5. ASIAL: Security Licensing by State, https://asial.com.au/Web/Web/Advice-Services/Security-Licensing.aspx
6. Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia, https://masterlocksmiths.com.au
7. Locksmiths Guild of Australia, https://www.lga.org.au
8. training.gov.au: Certificate III in Locksmithing (MEM30819), https://training.gov.au/training/details/MEM30819