Locksmith in Memphis

June 14, 2026

When a Memphis homeowner is locked out, a business needs new locks after a break in, or a driver loses the only key to a vehicle, a local locksmith provides on site help that an online retailer cannot match. Memphis is Tennessee’s second largest city, with a population of roughly 618,980 as of 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau), and as the commercial hub of the Mid South it supports steady demand for residential, commercial, and automotive lock work across Shelby County and the surrounding suburbs.

Locksmith service in a market this size covers several distinct needs. Residential customers call for lockouts, rekeying after a move or a lost key, deadbolt installation, and security upgrades. Commercial clients rely on master key systems, access control, exit and panic devices, and high security hardware that governs who can enter which doors. Memphis also has a strong tradition of safe and vault work, reflecting the presence of long established safe and lock companies in the city. Automotive service has grown more technical with transponder chips, proximity fobs, and push to start ignitions, so many Memphis locksmiths now cut and program keys for a wide range of vehicles.

Tennessee’s regulatory framework for locksmiths changed significantly in 2021. The state had run a Locksmith Licensing Program under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, created by the Locksmith Licensing Act of 2006 (Tennessee Code Annotated Title 62, Chapter 11). That act was repealed effective May 27, 2021, through legislation signed by Governor Bill Lee. As a result, Tennessee no longer licenses or regulates locksmiths, locksmith apprentices, or locksmith companies at the state level, and a state issued locksmith license is no longer required to operate. Some long established Memphis firms still display legacy license numbers from the former program, but those reflect the old system rather than a current state requirement. With no state license to verify, vetting a locksmith now depends more on the consumer.

That deregulation makes consumer caution more important. Consumer agencies have long warned about “bait and switch” locksmith schemes, in which an operator advertises a very low price, then charges far more once the work begins, sometimes after drilling a lock that could have been opened without damage. To reduce that risk in Memphis, customers can ask for an estimate before work starts, confirm the company name and a local address or phone number, ask whether the business carries general liability insurance and a bond, and request an itemized invoice. Tennessee charges a 7% state sales tax plus a local option tax on parts and hardware, which in Shelby County brings the combined rate to roughly 9.75%. Complaints about deceptive pricing or unfair practices can be filed with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCA 47-18-104), and confirming a company’s registration with the Tennessee Secretary of State adds another layer of verification.

Top Locksmith Providers in Memphis

1. Quality Safe & Lock

Address: 2001 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN 38116
Phone: (901) 795-0032
Website: https://qualitysafeandlock.com
Services: automotive lockouts, key replacement, and ignition service; residential lockouts, rekeys, lock repairs, and security upgrades; commercial access control, master key systems, and high security locks; safes including fireproof, gun, and wall safes plus installation; key duplication; access control systems; exit devices; 24/7 emergency service
Description: Quality Safe & Lock is a locally owned Memphis locksmith established in 1977, giving it more than four decades of presence in the city. The company describes itself as born in Memphis and serving generations of customers, and it has expanded from traditional locksmithing into broader security work. Its safe offering is notably deep, covering fireproof safes, gun safes, hidden wall safes, and installation, alongside automotive, residential, and commercial service. The firm lists Tennessee license references from the former state program (TN LIC: LKS#0030 and ALM#0306) and is Better Business Bureau accredited. Its mobile service reaches Memphis and surrounding communities including Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Millington, Arlington, Lakeland, Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake, Hernando, and West Memphis.

2. AAA Safe & Lock Co.

Address: 722 S Highland St, Memphis, TN 38111
Phone: (901) 329-8964
Website: https://www.aaasafeandlock.com
Services: automotive keying and car locksmith service, residential lock installation, rekeying, and repair, commercial locksmith service, safe and vault service, access control systems, key copying and extraction, lock changeout and repair
Description: AAA Safe & Lock Co. is a Memphis locksmith operating since 1971, with roughly five decades of service to the Mid South. The company emphasizes safe and vault expertise alongside automotive, residential, and commercial lock work, and it describes itself as licensed, bonded, and insured. It is a member of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), a national trade association whose membership reflects a commitment to industry standards. The firm serves Shelby County along with DeSoto County and Tipton County, covering the city and its Tennessee and Mississippi suburbs. Its long history and stated focus on locks, safes, and vaults make it a practical option for both everyday lock work and more specialized safe service.

3. GI Locksmith

Address: 9 N 2nd St #102, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 496-5285
Website: https://gilocksmith.com
Services: residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith service; rekeying; lock installation and replacement; emergency lockouts; deadbolts; push button and electronic locks; door closers; car key replacement; safe service; master key systems
Description: GI Locksmith is a family owned and operated locksmith based in downtown Memphis, with more than two decades of locksmith experience. The owner is described as born and raised in Memphis, and the business operates from a downtown street address while also offering mobile dispatch. Its service range covers residential, commercial, and automotive work, including rekeying, electronic and push button locks, master key systems, and safe service. The company describes itself as licensed, bonded, and insured, is Better Business Bureau accredited, and is a member of the Memphis Chamber of Commerce. Its service area reaches across Memphis and surrounding communities including Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Cordova, and Millington, and extends into nearby parts of Arkansas and Mississippi.

Frequently Asked Questions About Locksmiths in Memphis

Q: Do locksmiths in Memphis have to be licensed by the state of Tennessee?

No. Tennessee repealed its Locksmith Licensing Act of 2006 effective May 27, 2021, and the state no longer licenses or regulates locksmiths through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. A state issued locksmith license is not currently required to operate in Memphis. Some established firms still display license numbers issued under the former program, but those reflect the old system rather than a current state requirement.

Q: How can I avoid a locksmith scam in Memphis?

Ask for an estimate before work begins, confirm the business name and a local address or phone number, and be wary of operators who quote a very low price by phone and then raise it on arrival or who move quickly to drill a lock. Request an itemized invoice and ask whether the company is insured and bonded. Because Tennessee no longer issues locksmith licenses, checking that the business is registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State and reviewing its history helps confirm it is an established local operation.

Q: Can a Memphis locksmith open or service a safe?

Yes. Memphis has a strong tradition of safe and vault work, and several long established firms in the city specialize in opening, repairing, and servicing safes, including combination changes and installation of new safes. Because safe work ranges from a simple lockout to drilling and repairing a damaged unit, it helps to describe the safe’s make, model, and condition when you call so the locksmith can bring the right tools and quote the job accurately.

Q: How much does a lockout or rekey typically cost in Memphis?

Pricing depends on the time of day, the type of lock, and whether the call is residential, commercial, or automotive, so locksmiths generally quote based on the specific job. Tennessee charges a 7% state sales tax plus a local option tax on parts and hardware, which in Shelby County brings the combined rate to roughly 9.75%. Asking for an itemized estimate that separates labor, hardware, and tax helps avoid surprises.

Q: Can a Memphis locksmith make a key for my car?

Many Memphis locksmiths cut and program automotive keys, including transponder chip keys and proximity fobs, for a wide range of makes and models. Capability varies by shop and by vehicle, so it is worth confirming that a given locksmith can handle your specific year, make, and model and asking whether the key will be an OEM or aftermarket part before scheduling the work.

Q: How do I file a complaint about a locksmith in Memphis?

Complaints about deceptive pricing, bait and switch tactics, or other unfair practices can be filed with the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, which enforces the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act (TCA 47-18-104). Keeping the written estimate, the itemized invoice, and any advertising that quoted the original price strengthens a complaint. Because the state no longer maintains a locksmith licensing board, the Division of Consumer Affairs is the primary state avenue for consumer disputes with a locksmith.