Old Keys Stop Working.
One New Key Runs Everything.
Rekeying changes which key operates your car's locks — without replacing a single part. We re-pin the door, trunk, and ignition cylinders to a fresh key cut at your location. Every old copy out there becomes useless, and you hold the only key that works. Faster and cheaper than replacing locks.
The Service Most Drivers Don't Know Exists
Rekey vs. Replace —
Why You Usually Don't Need New Locks
When old keys need to stop working, most drivers assume the locks must be replaced. Usually they don't. Here's the difference — and why rekeying is the smarter first option.
When Rekeying Is the Move
The Four Moments
Smart Owners Rekey
Rekeying isn't a repair — it's a security decision. These are the four situations where it's exactly the right one.
How It Works
Rekeyed and Tested —
Four Steps, One Visit
Every rekey job in DC and Maryland follows the same clear process — proof of ownership required, price confirmed before work begins.
FAQ
Cylinder & Ignition Rekey —
Most Asked Questions
The questions DC and Maryland drivers ask most about rekeying.
What's the difference between rekeying and replacing locks?
Rekeying keeps your hardware and changes the key; replacement swaps the hardware. We re-pin the internal wafers so the lock accepts a new key cut — old keys stop working instantly. It's faster and cheaper than replacement and achieves the same security goal. Replacement is only needed when the lock itself is physically damaged. Call (202) 993-9919.
Should I rekey after my keys were stolen?
Yes — new key programming alone isn't enough. Erasing the stolen key from the immobilizer stops it from starting the engine, but the metal blade can still open your doors until the locks are rekeyed. If the thief may know where you park, rekey the doors and the stolen key becomes completely useless. We do both in one visit — see lost & stolen car keys. Call (202) 993-9919.
Should I rekey when I buy a used car?
It's the smartest security step almost nobody takes. You have no idea how many key copies exist — previous owners, family members, valets, old repair shops. Rekeying kills every unknown copy and makes you the only keyholder. Done in your driveway in about an hour. Call (202) 993-9919.
Can you rekey a new ignition cylinder to my existing key?
Yes — this is one of the best uses of rekeying. A replacement cylinder normally arrives with its own keys, leaving you carrying two. We rekey it to match your existing key so one key keeps running the doors, trunk, and ignition. If a past repair left you in the two-key situation, we fix that too. See ignition repair & replacement. Call (202) 993-9919.
My door and ignition use different keys — can you fix it?
Yes. Mismatched locks usually mean a cylinder was replaced somewhere along the line without being rekeyed. We re-pin the cylinders back to a single key cut so one key operates the entire vehicle again — the way it left the factory. Call (202) 993-9919.
How long does a car rekey take?
Most rekey jobs take 30–90 minutes on-site depending on how many cylinders are involved — a single door is fastest; doors, trunk, and ignition keyed alike takes longer. Includes cutting the new key and testing every lock. Available 7 days a week including Sundays across DC and Maryland. Call (202) 993-9919.
Useless. Today.
Call now — tell us the situation, get a firm quote in 60 seconds, and a technician rekeys your locks at your location. One key for everything, old copies dead. 7 days a week including Sundays.