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Auto Locksmith in Washington, DC
Locked out of your car or lost your keys? We come to you anywhere in DC to open the door and cut or program a new key on the spot.
Call Now: (227) 241-2327 Request a quote
- Open 24/7
- Price quoted first
- ID verified
- Damage-free entry first
Key help right where you parked
No tow and no trip to a shop. We come to your car anywhere in the District.
- Keys and fobs cut and programmed on site
- Ownership confirmed before a new key is made
- A spare key made while we are there
- Most cars opened without a scratch
Auto locksmith services in Washington, DC
Few things ruin a day like seeing your keys sitting on the driver's seat of a locked car, or realizing your only key is gone. DC Key Locksmith is a mobile auto locksmith: we drive to you, whether you are on a residential street in Columbia Heights, in a garage near Union Station or in a parking lot off Wisconsin Avenue.
Car lockout service
Keys locked in the car, keys in the trunk, a child or pet locked inside, or a fob that will not respond: we open most vehicles quickly without damaging the paint, weather stripping or electronics. If a child or pet is locked inside a hot car, call 911 first.
Lost car key replacement
If you have lost your only key, you do not always need a tow. For many vehicles we can cut and program a replacement on site, even when there is no original to copy. We will ask for your vehicle details and proof of ownership.
Transponder keys and key fobs
Most cars made since the late 1990s use a transponder key with a chip the car must recognize. Many newer cars use a remote fob or smart key with push-button start. We replace, program and repair all of these, and re-sync fobs that have stopped working.
Broken key extraction and ignition problems
A key snapped in the door or ignition, or an ignition that will not turn, can often be fixed without replacing parts. We remove the broken piece and cut a new key.
Spare keys
Having only one key is risky. We can make a spare while you are here, so your next lockout is a minor inconvenience instead of an emergency.
Which key does your car use?
Traditional metal key
Older vehicles with a plain cut key. Quick to duplicate and cut.
Transponder key
A chip in the head of the key talks to the car. It must be programmed, not just cut.
Remote key or fob
Lock and unlock buttons, often with a key blade. Battery, shell and programming are common fixes.
Smart key or push-button start
Keyless entry and start. We can program replacements for many vehicles; some require dealer tools.
What to do if you are locked out of your car in DC
Make sure you are safe
Move to a safe, well-lit spot. If a person or pet is trapped inside, call 911 right away.
Check for a spare
A spare key or a family member who can bring one may solve it, but a locksmith is often faster than waiting.
Call us with your car details
Give us your location and the year, make and model. We give you a price and an arrival time.
Locked out of your home too? Our emergency locksmith team helps with that, and our residential locksmith service can rekey your home if your keys were stolen with your car.
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a car key if I lost every key?
For most makes and models, yes. We can create a new key from the car and program it on site. We confirm that you own the vehicle first, usually with your registration and a photo ID.
How do you open a locked car without damage?
We use professional tools designed to unlock a car without scratching paint or harming the door. If your car has unusual security, we will tell you what to expect before we start.
Is a locksmith cheaper than the dealership?
Often it is, and it saves a tow. Prices vary by vehicle, and some cars can only be programmed with dealer equipment. We tell you what applies to your car when you call.
My key fob stopped working. Do I need a new one?
Not always. It might be the battery, a worn shell or a fob that needs to be re-synced. We can check before you buy a replacement.
What information should I have ready?
The year, make and model of your car, and the VIN if you can find it. The VIN is on the dashboard near the windshield and on your registration.
Can you remove a key that broke in the ignition or door?
Usually yes. We extract the broken piece and cut a new key if needed.

