Car Key & Fob Programming

There’s a real difference between a basic metal key, a transponder key, and a proximity smart fob, and it matters for what we’re actually doing. A basic key just needs cutting to match the lock. A transponder key has a chip inside that has to be programmed to “talk” to your car’s immobilizer before the engine will start, even if the cut is perfect. A proximity fob goes further, handling keyless entry and push-button start, and needs its own programming to sync with the vehicle.

If you still have one working key, adding a spare is usually the simpler job — we cut and program an additional key or fob without disturbing the one you already have. It’s the more complicated scenario, losing every key to a vehicle, where a locksmith saves the most time and money: we can program a brand new key to the car from scratch, on-site, without the vehicle ever needing to be towed anywhere.

Dealerships can do this work too, but it typically means scheduling an appointment, having the car towed in if you have zero working keys, and waiting on a parts order — sometimes days. We bring the programming equipment to you, whether that’s your home, workplace, or roadside, and most jobs are completed in a single visit.

We program keys and fobs for most makes and models on the road today. If you’re not sure whether your vehicle uses a basic key, a transponder, or a smart fob, that’s fine — tell us the year, make, and model when you call, and we’ll know exactly what to bring.