A locking device for a vehicle seat has a latch which is mounted pivotably about a second axis and is intended for locking a counter element, with a clamping eccentric which is mounted pivotably about a first axis parallel to the second axis and, by interaction with a first functional surface of the latch, secures a locked state of the latch. In the locked state, the clamping eccentric acts in a spring-loaded manner on the first functional surface via a clamping surface. The clamping eccentric is moveable from the locking position thereof into the unlocking position thereof. A pretensioned compression spring is provided, which is supported at one end thereof on an arm of the clamping eccentric in a manner spring-loading the latter into the locking position thereof and, at the other end thereof, acting upon the latch in the unlocking direction.