Phoenix Metro Auto Locksmith
Automotive Locksmith in Phoenix, AZ
Locked out, lost your keys, or need a spare? We come to your car, usually the same day.
Mobile Auto Locksmiths Across the Phoenix Valley
ACME Locksmith is a veteran-owned, Arizona ROC licensed (#271563) automotive locksmith, in business since 1997, with four valley shops and mobile techs across the metro. We replace and program car keys, cut copies, unlock cars without damage, repair ignitions/locks, and make keys by VIN, for most makes including Chevy, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Lexus, and more at your vehicle or in our shop. No tow needed.
Automotive Locksmith Services We Offer
Car Key Replacement
Lost every key? We make and program a new one at your car by cutting a key by VIN or decoding door locks on the vehicle.
Car Key Copies
Need a spare? We carry 500+ car key blanks for fast copies.
Car Unlocking
Keys locked inside? We get you back in without damage.
Key & Fob Programming
New key but the car won’t start? We program chip keys and remotes. See car key programming.
Ignition Repair
Key stuck or ignition won’t turn? We repair and rekey ignitions on site. Bought a new ignition for your vehicle? Get it rekeyed to your current car key before installing so you won’t have to replace your existing keys.
RV, Motorcycle & E-Bike Keys
Keys for RVs, motorcycles, e-bikes, and compartments.
Ignition Repair and Matched Keys
Key sticking or no longer turning the ignition? We repair and rekey ignitions on site. Broke a key off in the lock or ignition? We remove it and cut a new one. We can also rekey your ignition and door locks to work off a single key.
Lost all your keys? That is called key origination, and our mobile techs can make a new key from your VIN, ignition, or door lock, right at your vehicle. See car key replacement or order a key by VIN.
What an Auto Locksmith Costs
Price depends on the key and the vehicle. A standard car key copy can be as little as $10 in store, while a programmed replacement remote can run over $300. You always get the price before any work starts.
Want the detail? Read our car key cost guide.
What Phoenix Drivers Say
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Awesome service from Carter at Acme Locksmith! He was very knowledgeable and professional. Had my car key cut and programmed in about 10 minutes. Works like the original. Very happy with this business
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I stopped in to get a key fob programmed. Carter was able to program the fob in about 5 minutes. It works great and the cost was $150 less than another locksmith I called. I would recommend Acme Locksmiths.
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I learned about acme locksmith from Christian Brothers automotive! My key fob was old and despite battery changes just really wasn't working as optimally as it should. I called several places, including the dealership and auto nation. … More They were quoting $500 and more to replace the fob. I reached out to Acme, and they explained a very simple process: go online, use the serial number inside of my key fob to match to a model on their website, order the product, wait for it to arrive, and come in with more than an hour prior to closing time if you'd like to have the key cut. I read a little too much into it, trying to match a number I didn't need to worry about, so Carter graciously handled three phone calls of mine with questions to the business before even programming or cutting my key. I talked to several different people that either own or help operate this business and everyone was super kind to me. They didn't treat me like a lady who didn't know what she was doing! When I came to get my key cut, I had my three kids with me and they thought the shop was amazing, although I don't recommend it for kids if you're a parent! There's so much to look at & touch. That's OK, because Carter was very gracious to answer their silly questions like, why do you cut keys!? Just for price comparison, we did end up having to spend $1100 on replacement key fob for our 2016 Mercedes GLC 300. And certainly no fault of acme locksmith, that was a dealership price. Cars that old need to go through the dealership especially the Germans! Thank you everyone for a really great experience. Hopefully I don't need to replace my key fob anytime soon, but you can bet I'll be sending my friends!
Auto Locksmith FAQ
How long does it take to replace a car key?
In most cases about 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the key type and whether programming is needed.
Can you make a key if I lost all of mine?
Yes. We originate a new key using your car’s VIN, ignition, or door lock, at your vehicle or in shop.
Do I have to tow my car to you?
No. Our mobile techs come to you anywhere in Phoenix and the nearby cities we serve.
How much does an automotive locksmith cost in Phoenix?
It depends on the service. A standard car key copy can be as little as $10; a programmed replacement remote can run past $300. We quote before we start.
Which cars need key programming?
Transponder chip keys, remote-key combos, and smart fobs all have to be programmed to your car. A plain metal key does not. If your key turns the ignition but the car will not start, it needs programming.
Can you make a key from my VIN?
Yes. We pull your key code from the VIN and cut a working key, then program it at your car. If you still have a working key and can drive, getting a backup key or FOB from our shop is cheaper than cutting by VIN.
Do you program key fobs and remotes bought online?
Yes. Buy the part online to save, then we cut and program it. Since we did not supply the part we bill up front and cannot guarantee an online part fits, but we are glad to program it.
Why are laser-cut keys more expensive?
Laser-cut high-security keys are milled on a special machine instead of a standard cutter, and most are transponder keys that also need programming, so they cost more than a basic key.
Types of Car Keys We Cut and Program
Not every car key is the same, and the type you have decides how it is made, whether it needs programming, and what it costs. Here is what we work with every day.
Standard Metal Key
A traditional key that turns the ignition, no chip or electronics. The cheapest to copy or replace.
Transponder Chip Key
A chip in the head must be programmed to the car or it will not start. Most vehicles from 2000 on use these.
Remote-Key Combo
A cut key with a built-in remote to lock, unlock, and pop the trunk. The remote and the chip are programmed separately.
Laser-Cut High-Security Key
A winding groove is milled into the blade, harder to pick and copy. Usually a transponder, so it needs programming.
Smart / Proximity Fob
Starts a push-button car without inserting a key. Always programmed to the vehicle.
Standalone Remote
Locks and unlocks only. Some you can program yourself, some need our equipment.
Car Key Programming, Explained
If your new key turns the ignition but the car will not start, it needs programming. Transponder keys, remote-key combos, and smart fobs all have to be matched to your vehicle, a plain metal key does not.
In-shop programming is the most affordable option with no mobile fee, so if you have one working key, this is the way to go. Can not drive it? Our mobile techs program at your vehicle. We handle most American and Asian makes; late-model German vehicles such as Mercedes, BMW, VW, and Porsche usually require the dealer. See car key programming for details.
Lost Every Key? We Make One From Scratch
When every key is gone, that is called key origination. We pull your key code from the VIN, or read it from the ignition or a door lock, cut a working key, and program it right at your car. No towing is required, we come to you and you’re not stuck at the dealer all day.
Money-saving tip: if you still have a working key or can drive the car, ordering a second one online and bringing it to our shop for duplication and programming is much cheaper than originating a key. Order you backup keys today.
What Car Key Replacement Costs by Type
Price depends on the key and the vehicle, and you always get the quote before we start. As a guide for replacing lost keys: a standard metal key runs about $50 to $180, a transponder chip key about $220 to $350, and a key fob from roughly $250 to $800+ depending on the part. A copy made from a working key starts around $12. For the full breakdown, see our car key cost guide.
Car Brands We Make Keys For
We routinely cut and program keys for Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and more, including many early-model vehicles built before 2000 that most shops will not touch. Late-model German cars usually need dealer programming; for model years before 2005, call us and we will let you know.
Need a Car Locksmith in Phoenix?
Call now or schedule, our mobile techs come to you.
