Lost Your Car Keys? Here’s What a Locksmith Can (and Can’t) Do
Misplacing your car keys is a stressful moment, especially if you’re running late or stuck in an unfamiliar place. You might be wondering, lost car keys locksmith—can they help? The answer is yes, most of the time. But it depends on your car, your location, and what type of key you’ve lost.
Here’s what a locksmith can do when you’ve lost your car keys—and a few situations where you may need to look elsewhere.
What a Locksmith Can Do
Licensed automotive locksmiths are trained to assist in a variety of situations involving lost keys. Depending on your vehicle, they may be able to:
- Unlock the car if you’re locked out
- Create a new traditional metal key
- Program a replacement transponder key or key fob
- Replace the entire key system in some cases
If you’re driving a car made before around 2005–2010, it’s very likely a locksmith can handle everything—from getting in to cutting a new key on the spot.
What a Locksmith Can’t Always Do
For newer cars, especially high-end or push-start models, locksmith services may be limited. You might still need to go to the dealership in these cases:
- Smart keys with encrypted chips that require dealer-only programming
- Luxury brands (BMW, Audi, Mercedes) with anti-theft software locks
- Fully keyless entry systems that require factory reset tools
Even then, some locksmiths are equipped with the latest tech and may still be able to help, so it’s always worth asking.
What Information You Need
When you call, the dispatcher will ask for a few details to make sure the right technician is sent:
- Your location (exact or nearby landmark)
- Make, model, and year of your vehicle
- Whether you’ve lost all keys or have a spare inside the vehicle
Do You Need Proof of Ownership for the Car?
Yes. Just like with home lockouts, the locksmith will likely ask to see your driver’s license and registration once the door is unlocked. This protects your property and prevents unauthorized access.
How Our Service Helps
When you call the number on this website, your call is handled by a trained dispatcher who will:
- Take your vehicle details
- Connect you with a local, licensed automotive locksmith
- Let you know if your car type might need dealership service instead
This saves you time and hassle—no need to guess or call around.
Need Help With Lost Car Keys?
Call the number at the top of this page to speak with a dispatcher who will connect you with a locksmith who can help. Most arrive within 30–45 minutes and can create or program a new key if your vehicle allows it.
This site refers calls to a third-party dispatch service that works with licensed locksmiths across the USA. We do not provide locksmith services directly. Always confirm ID and pricing before work begins.
