Short answer: replacing a standard deadbolt usually costs about $100 to $300 per lock with installation. Angi puts the 2026 national average at about $175, and HomeGuide lists $80 to $225 for a deadbolt installed in an existing hole. Rekeying is often cheaper if your locks still work. Adding a deadbolt to a door that never had one costs more, unless you do it yourself.
Every step, start to finish · 10 min
No deadbolt on that door? Here’s the whole install. Stay for the no-tape-measure trick at 2:03 and the chisel order at 6:33 that keeps the door from splitting.
Want more full-length jobs? Open Bill’s Video Library · Watch on YouTube
Change the locks or rekey them?
They solve different problems. Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing lock so old keys stop working. You keep the hardware, so it usually costs less. Changing the locks means new hardware: the right call when a lock is broken, worn out, cheap, or you want a stronger or smart lock. Not sure which you need? Read rekey or replace: what to check first and see the rekey cost guide.
Typical prices (2026)
| What | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Deadbolt, hardware only | About $20 – $110 |
| Deadbolt replaced in existing holes, installed | About $80 – $225 |
| Deadbolt installation, national average | About $175 per lock |
| Deadbolt installation by a locksmith (new or replacement) | About $100 – $350+ per lock |
| Full lock replacement, per door | About $80 – $225 |
| Smart or electronic lock, installed | About $135 – $450+ |
| Rekey instead (per lock) | About $50 – $130 |
| Locksmith service call fee | About $60 – $140 |
What makes it cost more
- No existing hole: drilling the door and cutting the frame for a new deadbolt takes more time.
- Damaged door or frame: worn holes, a split jamb or a misaligned strike need repair first.
- The lock you choose: grade, finish, smart features and high-security cylinders all raise the hardware price.
- Mortise or specialty locks: HomeGuide lists mortise locks at $120 to $500 or more installed.
- More doors on one visit: each door adds hardware and labor, though you pay the trip charge once.
- After-hours or emergency service.
Doing it yourself
A like-for-like deadbolt swap is one of the easiest lock jobs there is. Before you buy, measure the backset (door edge to the center of the hole, usually 2-3/8" or 2-3/4") and the door thickness, and pick a lock that fits both. Adding a deadbolt to a door without one takes a hole saw kit, a chisel and patience. The video at the top of this page shows every step, and our deadbolt install guide has the measurements and common mistakes. If the bolt drags after install, see door or deadbolt won’t latch.
Want a keypad or smart lock instead? Here’s Bill replacing old hardware with a Kwikset Halo electronic lock, start to finish:
Full replacement · 8 min
Old hardware out, new electronic lock in. Watch for the latch fix at 1:20 that most first-timers miss.
Want more full-length jobs? Open Bill’s Video Library · Watch on YouTube
Just moved in?
You don’t know who still has a key. Rekey or change every exterior door, including the door from the garage into the house. The new homeowner lock checklist walks you through it.
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace a deadbolt?
Angi puts deadbolt installation at a national average of about $175 per lock in 2026, with most people paying $70 to $300. HomeGuide lists a replaced deadbolt at about $80 to $225 installed. Smart and high-security deadbolts cost more.
Is it cheaper to rekey or change the locks?
Rekeying is usually cheaper when the locks work and you just want old keys to stop working, because you keep the hardware. Change the locks when they’re damaged, worn out, or you want a better or smart lock.
How much does it cost to add a deadbolt to a door that doesn’t have one?
Expect the higher end of the range, because the door has to be drilled for the lock and the frame cut for the strike. HomeGuide lists deadbolt installation at about $100 to $350 or more per lock. If you’re handy, you can do it yourself with an installation kit. Bill’s video on this page shows every step.
Can I replace a deadbolt myself?
Usually, yes. If the new deadbolt fits the existing holes, it’s a screwdriver job. Check the backset (2-3/8" or 2-3/4") and door thickness on the box first. Adding a deadbolt to a door that never had one takes a hole saw kit and more care.
Can all my new locks use one key?
Yes. Buy locks that come keyed alike, or have them rekeyed to one key. That’s usually cheaper than paying to match them later.