Locksmith invoice template
A worked example for locksmiths in the home, garden and cleaning category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A locksmith invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Locksmiths typically ask for payment on receipt. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example locksmith invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with payment due on receipt. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
H. Nowak
Locksmith
88 Victoria Road
Manchester
M14 7KL
Bill to
Ms P. Lindqvist
Flat 6, 27 Park Avenue
Bristol
BS8 1LN
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- On receipt
- Terms
- Payment on receipt
- Reference
- Locksmith work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency lockout, non-destructive entry, weekday evening | 1 call-out | £95.00 | 20% | £95.00 |
| Replace euro cylinder with anti-snap 3 star cylinder | 1 item | £68.00 | 20% | £68.00 |
| Fitting labour | 1 fixed | £45.00 | 20% | £45.00 |
| Additional keys cut | 3 keys | £6.00 | 20% | £18.00 |
- Subtotal
- £226.00
- VAT at 20%
- £45.20
- Total
- £271.20
Typical rates for locksmiths
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £50 to £90 |
| Typical day rate | Not usually quoted |
| Payment terms | On receipt |
| Deposit | Not usually taken |
| VAT flat rate sector | Any other activity not listed elsewhere (12%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do locksmiths usually invoice?
Locksmiths invoice on the spot and take payment before leaving, with a call-out fee that varies by time of day and separate lines for each lock, cylinder or key supplied. Landlords, letting agents and housing associations send lock changes between tenancies and pay monthly on 30 day terms. Insurance jobs after a break-in need the crime reference number and the lock security grade on the invoice.
Locksmiths in this example are paid on receipt. Hourly rates run from £50 to £90.
What should a locksmith put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, locksmiths should:
- State the call-out time band (day, evening, night) and the fee for it.
- List each lock or cylinder with its security grade (BS 3621, TS 007 3 star); insurers ask for it.
- Show keys cut as a separate line with quantity.
- On break-in jobs, include the police crime reference number for the insurance claim.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do locksmiths charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for locksmiths is usually “Any other activity not listed elsewhere” at 12% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a locksmith call-out cost?
- Daytime lockouts are £70 to £120 in 2026, evenings £95 to £160 and overnight £140 to £250, plus any parts. Non-destructive entry is usually included in the call-out; a new lock or cylinder is extra. Quote the total before starting and match it on the invoice.
- Do locksmiths charge VAT?
- Only if VAT registered, which requires turnover above £90,000. A sole trader locksmith is often below that and charges no VAT. Registered locksmiths charge 20% on call-outs, parts and keys alike.
- Should a locksmith take payment on the day?
- Yes for private customers: take card or bank transfer before leaving and give the invoice as the receipt. Chasing a lockout fee later is rarely worth the effort. Letting agents and businesses get monthly invoices with the property address on each line.
More home, garden and cleaning templates
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- Commercial cleaner invoice template
- End of tenancy cleaner invoice template
- Oven cleaner invoice template
- Window cleaner invoice template
- Gutter cleaner invoice template
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Cite this page: “Locksmith invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/locksmith