pro-local-locksmith

Just Moved In? A Lock Checklist for Your New Home

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 20:27:08 GMT

You don't know how many keys to your new home are out there. A few simple steps make sure only you can get in.

1. Rekey or change the locks

Past owners, renters, contractors and neighbors may still have keys. Rekeying alters the lock itself so the old keys won't turn it, and you keep the hardware. Change the lock if it's worn, broken or you want an upgrade.

2. Check every door, not just the front

Back and side doors
The door from the garage into the house
Basement and storm doors
Sheds and gates with key locks

3. Look at the deadbolts

Each outside door should have a deadbolt that throws fully into the frame. If it sticks or only goes in part way, the lock or the strike plate needs work.

4. Reset keypads and smart locks

Change every code, remove old users from the app, and reset the garage door remote and keypad codes.

5. Decide who gets a key

Make only the keys you need and keep track of them. One key for the whole house is easier: we can rekey several locks to work with the same key.

6. Windows and sliding doors

Check that window latches close and that sliding doors lock. A bar in the track of a sliding door adds extra protection.

Pro Local Locksmith rekeys and changes locks across Baltimore City and the surrounding counties, 24/7. Call or text (443) 699-8083.

More: Lock Rekey · Lock Change · Deadbolt Installation · Smart Locks

What Kind of Car Key Do I Have? Transponder, Laser-Cut and Smart Keys Explained

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 20:21:53 GMT

Knowing your key type tells you what a new one takes. Here's how to tell them apart in a minute.

Basic metal key

A plain metal key with no plastic head, mostly on older cars. It only needs to be cut. Most cars from the late 1990s on have a chip instead.

Transponder (chip) key

Looks like a regular key with a thick plastic head. Inside the head is a chip the car must recognize, or the engine won't start. A new one must be cut and then programmed to your car.

Sign you have one: a cheap copy opens the door but the car won't start.

Laser-cut (high-security) key

The cut is a groove milled into the flat side of the blade instead of teeth on the edge. Most have a chip too. It needs a special cutting machine plus programming.

Remote-head key

Key and remote in one piece: lock and unlock buttons on the head of the key. The key part is cut and the chip and remote are both programmed.

Flip key

The blade folds into the remote and pops out with a button. Same work as a remote-head key: cut, then program the chip and the buttons.

Smart key (push-to-start)

No blade to turn. You keep it in your pocket and press a button to start. Most have a small emergency key hidden inside. A new smart key is programmed to the car; the emergency key is cut to match.

Not sure which one you have?

Send us a photo of your key by text.
Or just give us the car's year, make and model; we'll know which one it is.

We make all of these at your car, 24/7, for most American and Asian makes. Call or text (443) 699-8083.

More: Transponder Keys · Laser-Cut Keys · Push-to-Start Keys · Key Fob Programming

Locksmith or Dealer for a New Car Key? What Baltimore Drivers Should Know

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 17:06:14 GMT

For most cars, a mobile locksmith can make a new key faster than the dealer, right where you parked. Here's how the two compare.

Where the work happens

A mobile locksmith comes to your car: your driveway, the street, a parking garage or your job. The dealer works in its service department, so the car has to get there.

Towing

If you lost every key, getting the car to the dealer usually means a tow. With a mobile locksmith, there's no tow.

How long it takes

A locksmith can usually cut and program a key in under an hour once at the car. The dealer may need an appointment, and sometimes has to order the key.

Hours

Many mobile locksmiths work 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays. Dealer service departments keep business hours.

Is the key as good as the dealer's?

Yes. The key is cut to your car's code and programmed to the same security system, then tested at the car before we leave.

When the dealer is the better choice

European brands and Tesla (we don't work on these).
Some of the newest models that need a dealer-only code. Call with your VIN first; we'll let you know before anything is done.
If your car is still under a warranty that covers keys, check with the dealer first.

What to have ready when you call

Year, make and model
The VIN (dashboard by the windshield, or on your registration)
Your ID and the registration or title

Call or text (443) 699-8083. We make car keys at your car, 24/7, across Baltimore City and the surrounding counties.

More: Car Key Replacement · Lost Car Keys · Push-to-Start Keys · Keys by Make

How to Check a Maryland Locksmith License (and Avoid Locksmith Scams)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 16:59:55 GMT

In Maryland, locksmiths must be licensed by the state. Checking takes two minutes and can save you from a bad experience.

Why it matters

Anyone can buy an ad that says "local locksmith." A license means the business is registered with the Maryland Department of Labor, so you know who you are dealing with.

How to check a license

Ask for the business name and Maryland locksmith license number on the phone.
Open the Maryland Department of Labor license search .
Search by name or number, and check that the name matches the business that answered the phone.
Make sure the license is active.

Warning signs of a locksmith scam

The person answers with a generic line like "locksmith services" instead of a business name.
A very low price on the phone that grows once they arrive.
They want to drill your lock right away, before trying anything else.
No license number, and no company name on the vehicle or invoice.
They won't give you a written invoice.

What a real local locksmith does

Gives you the business name and license number.
Gives you an estimate on the phone.
Asks for proof that you own the car before making a car key.
Opens doors without damage whenever possible.

Save a locksmith before you need one

The best time to choose a locksmith is before you're locked out. Save the number of a licensed local locksmith in your phone today.

Had a problem with a locksmith?

You can file a complaint with the Maryland Department of Labor , which licenses locksmiths in the state.

Pro Local Locksmith LLC is licensed by the Maryland Department of Labor (Locksmith License #260). Call or text (443) 699-8083, 24/7.

More: House Lockout · Car Lockout · Locksmith Questions & Answers

Lost All Your Car Keys in Baltimore? Here's What to Do

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:22:26 GMT

Losing your only car key is stressful, but it's fixable, and you usually don't need a tow truck or the dealer.

1. Check the easy places first

Look in jacket pockets, bags, the last store you visited and the car itself through the window. Call places you were in the last few hours.

2. Make sure the car is safe where it is

If you're on a street with parking rules or meters, note the time limit. If you're in a garage, write down the level and space number.

3. Get your information ready

Your vehicle's year, make and model
The VIN: it's on the dashboard by the windshield (look from outside) and on your registration
Your ID and the registration or title

4. Call a licensed mobile locksmith

A mobile locksmith can make a new key where the car is parked. The key is cut from the car's code and the chip is programmed to your car. In Maryland, locksmiths must be licensed, so ask for the number.

5. Ask to erase the lost key

When the new key is programmed, the lost one can be removed from the car's memory, so whoever finds it can't start the car.

6. Get a spare while the locksmith is there

Making a second key at the same visit is easier than starting from zero next time.

How long does it take?

Usually under an hour at the car. Some smart keys take a little longer.

Dealer or locksmith?

The dealer usually needs the car brought in, and may need to order the key. A mobile locksmith comes to you, often the same day.

Lost your keys now? Call or text (443) 699-8083. We're open 24/7 across Baltimore City and the surrounding counties.

More: Lost Car Keys · Car Key Replacement · Push-to-Start Keys · Spare Car Keys

Key Fob Stopped Working? 6 Things to Check Before You Replace It

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:21:35 GMT

A fob that stops working doesn't always need to be replaced. Check these six things first.

1. The battery

It is the most common cause. Most fobs use a small coin battery you can buy at any drugstore. If the range got shorter over time, this is likely it.

2. Your spare fob

If the spare works, the problem is the first fob, not the car.

3. The car battery

A weak car battery can stop the car from hearing the fob. Do the dash lights look dim?

4. Signal trouble

Some places, like near radio towers or in busy parking garages, can block the signal. Try again a few feet away.

5. Damage

Was the fob dropped, wet or cracked? Water can damage the board inside. A broken case can often be swapped for a new shell.

6. Lost pairing

Sometimes a fob loses its link to the car. A locksmith can reprogram it right at the car.

Push-to-start cars

If the dash says "Key not detected," your car likely has a backup spot to hold the fob so it can still start. Check your owner's manual.

When to call a locksmith

The new battery didn't help
The fob is broken or lost
You need a spare
The car won't detect the key at all

Call or text (443) 699-8083. We test, reprogram or replace fobs at your car, 24/7.

More: Key Fob Programming · Push-to-Start Keys · Car Key Repair