Replacement keys, transponder keys, and remote fobs handled on site for most makes and models across the Atlanta area.
When a car key is lost, damaged, or you simply need a spare, a technician can cut and program a replacement at your location for most makes and models. Our team takes the vehicle's year, make, and model so the right blank and equipment come along.
Many modern keys carry a transponder chip, and proximity fobs have to be paired to the vehicle electronically after cutting. The technician handles both steps where the vehicle supports on-site programming.
A few situations account for most car key replacement calls in the metro:
Reach our team at (866) 472-3979 and describe the lock, door, or vehicle and what is happening.
Give your address or location so we can send a locksmith working that part of the metro.
Before any work starts, the technician looks at the lock or vehicle and explains what the job involves.
Once you are clear on the scope, the technician carries out the lockout, rekey, repair, or installation.
Cutting is the mechanical shaping of the key blade to match the vehicle's lock; programming is the separate electronic step of teaching the vehicle to recognize that specific key's chip or fob signal. Both are usually needed for anything newer than a basic mechanical key.
Some vehicles allow programming through the driver's door and existing working keys, without special equipment. Others require a diagnostic connection to the vehicle's onboard computer, which the technician carries for most common makes.
All-keys-lost jobs, where no working key exists to program from, typically take longer because the technician has to establish trust with the vehicle's computer directly rather than using an existing key as a reference.
Expand any of the sections below for the detail behind a visit.
Because most replacement work happens at your location, whether that is a driveway in the suburbs or a parking deck downtown, there is usually no need to have the vehicle towed anywhere for a standard key replacement. Certain specialty and luxury makes route key programming through the dealer rather than allowing on-site programming; our team can generally tell you whether your vehicle falls into that category once you provide the year, make, and model. If you are without any working key, having a plan for how you will get around in the meantime is worth considering, since establishing a first key on some vehicles takes longer than a same-visit duplicate.
The technician confirms the vehicle details against the blanks and programming equipment they carry, then checks whether you have any working key to duplicate from. They inspect the existing key for wear, since a rounded or bent key sometimes explains problems people assume are the ignition. Proof of ownership is checked before anything is cut or programmed.
Have the vehicle's year, make, and model ready, along with registration or title showing the vehicle is yours. Note whether you have a working key, a damaged key, or no key at all, since each takes a different route. If the vehicle is not where you are, have its exact location available.
A few words that come up during this kind of visit, without the jargon.
Often yes, though it takes longer and depends on the vehicle. Provide the year, make, and model when you call so our team can confirm.
Yes, when the key is programmed to the vehicle. For chipped and proximity keys, programming is part of the visit where the vehicle supports it.
Most common vehicles can be handled on site. Some newer or specialty models require dealer equipment; our team will tell you.
Registration, title, or another document showing the vehicle is registered to you is typically requested before a key is cut or programmed.
In many cases, yes, using code-cutting equipment. This works differently than duplicating from an existing key and depends on the vehicle.
That is a personal choice, but having at least one backup key stored somewhere other than your primary keyring is a common practice to avoid being stranded.
Coverage depends on the vehicle type; ask our team when you call and they can confirm whether it is within scope.
Duplicating from a working key is relatively quick. An all-keys-lost job on a modern vehicle takes considerably longer because a first key has to be established from the vehicle itself.
On some vehicles, programming a new key can require reprogramming the full set. The technician tells you whether that applies to your vehicle before starting.
Call and describe your situation and location, and one of our locksmiths serving your area will come out to you.
