Auto Locksmith Services in Apex & the Apex area
Getting locked out of your car never happens at a convenient time. Whether you're rushing to catch a flight at JFK, parked along Central Avenue running errands, or back from a long day at the Long Beach boardwalk only to realize your keys are sitting on the front seat, a car lockout can derail your entire day. Wake County Locksmith provides fast, professional car lockout service throughout the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Inwood, and the surrounding JFK area — and we come to you, anytime, day or night.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week · Licensed, bonded & insured

As a fully mobile, 24/7 locksmith, we specialize in damage-free vehicle entry, car key replacement, and key fob programming for nearly every make and model on the road. We're licensed, bonded, and insured, and our local technicians know these neighborhoods well, so when you call (516) 346-5505 you get real car lockout help fast — not a dispatcher hundreds of miles away. Before any work begins, we confirm the price up front, so there are no surprises when we arrive.
What we do
Car lockouts
Keys locked inside or a broken key in the ignition — we get you back in without damage.
Key & fob replacement
On-site cutting and programming of transponder keys, smart fobs and remotes.
Ignition repair
Worn or jammed ignitions repaired or replaced roadside for most makes.
Broken key extraction
Snapped a key in the door or ignition? We extract it cleanly and cut a fresh one.
More about our work
Everything you need to know about how we help — at a glance.
Car Lockouts & Damage-Free Entry
A car lockout is the most common call we get, and it's usually the most stressful for the customer. Maybe the keys are locked inside, the trunk shut on them, or a child or pet is stuck in the vehicle — whatever the situation, our priority is getting you back in quickly and without damaging your car. We use professional, non-destructive entry tools designed to work with modern door seals, weatherstripping, and electronic locking systems.
Our technicians are trained on a wide range of vehicles, from older sedans with manual locks to newer cars with sensitive electronic door modules. Wherever possible, we use damage-free techniques — long-reach tools, wedges, and lock manipulation — rather than risky methods that could scratch paint or bend a door frame. If a vehicle has a particularly difficult security design, we'll explain your options honestly before we touch anything.
If you have a child or pet locked inside on a hot day, tell us immediately when you call so we can prioritize your emergency car lockout. We treat those situations with real urgency. For everyone else, our fast local response across Inwood, the Five Towns, and the Rockaways means you're usually not waiting long for a locksmith car lockout tech to reach you.
Car Key Replacement for All Makes & Models
Lost your only car key? Don't assume your only option is an expensive tow to the dealership. Our mobile car lockout locksmith service includes on-site key replacement for the vast majority of makes and models — domestic, import, and luxury brands alike. We can cut and program keys right in your driveway, parking lot, or wherever your vehicle happens to be.
Whether you need a basic mechanical key, a transponder key, or a modern smart key, we carry the equipment and blanks to handle most jobs without you ever leaving the scene. For some rarer or very new vehicles, we may need to verify availability of a specific key or chip first — if that's the case, we'll tell you straight up front rather than promise something we can't deliver same-day.
Replacing a lost key is also a good moment to consider getting a spare cut so you're never stranded again. A backup key is far cheaper to make when you already have one working key than it is to start from scratch after a total loss. We're happy to make a spare while we're on-site if you want one.
Transponder, Smart & Proximity Key Programming
Most cars built in the last two decades use transponder technology — a small chip in the key that communicates with the vehicle's immobilizer system. If that chip isn't programmed correctly, the engine simply won't start, even if the key turns the ignition. We carry programming equipment that lets us match new transponder keys to your vehicle's onboard computer on the spot.
Newer vehicles often use smart keys or proximity (push-to-start) systems, which add another layer of complexity. These keys allow keyless entry and ignition, and programming them requires both the right hardware and the correct procedure for that specific manufacturer. Our technicians stay current on these systems so we can handle a growing share of proximity and smart key work in the field.
Programming time varies by vehicle. A straightforward transponder key may take just a few minutes, while certain smart-key systems require a longer sync procedure. We'll give you a realistic time estimate along with the price before we begin, so you know exactly what to expect from your car lockout assistance call.
Key Fob & Remote Programming
A dead or broken key fob is more than an inconvenience — for many vehicles, the fob is essential to lock, unlock, and even start the car. If your remote stopped working, the first thing we'll check is whether it simply needs a new battery, which is an easy, inexpensive fix. If the fob itself has failed or been lost, we can supply and program a replacement.
Fob and remote programming covers everything from basic remote-entry buttons to integrated remote-head keys and full proximity fobs. We can program additional remotes if you want a second one for your household, and we can deactivate a lost fob's functions where the vehicle's system allows, which is an important security step if you're worried about someone finding your missing remote.
As with our key work, fob programming is done on-site as part of our mobile car lockout services. You don't need to schedule a dealership appointment or wait days for a remote to ship — in most cases we handle it during the same visit and confirm the cost before any programming starts.
Ignition Repair & Broken Key Extraction
Sometimes the problem isn't the door at all — it's the ignition. Keys wear down over years of use, and a worn key in a worn ignition cylinder can stick, refuse to turn, or break off inside. If your key snapped in the ignition or a door lock, do not try to dig it out with tweezers or a screwdriver; that often pushes the broken piece deeper and damages the cylinder. We use specialized extraction tools to remove the broken piece cleanly.
Once the broken key is out, we can cut you a fresh key and, if needed, program it so you're back on the road. If the ignition cylinder itself is failing — sticking, grinding, or no longer recognizing the key — we can assess whether it needs repair or replacement and walk you through your options. Ignition issues range from simple to involved, so we'll be honest about what we find.
Because we're a mobile car lockout locksmith, we handle ignition and extraction work wherever your car is parked, which saves you the cost and hassle of towing a non-starting vehicle. If we discover a problem that's beyond on-site repair or requires dealer-specific parts, we'll tell you that plainly rather than waste your time and money.
Dealer vs. Locksmith — Cost & Convenience
When you lose a car key or get locked out, the dealership is the option most people think of first — but it's rarely the fastest or cheapest. Dealers typically require you to tow the vehicle to them, wait for an appointment, and often pay a premium for keys and programming. For a lost-key situation, that can mean a full day or more without your car.
A mobile locksmith comes to you. We handle car lockout, key cutting, and programming right where your vehicle sits — at home, at work, near the boardwalk, or in a JFK-area parking lot. For most everyday vehicles, locksmith pricing is competitive with or lower than dealer pricing, and you skip the tow bill entirely. Costs vary by vehicle and key type, so we always confirm the exact figure up front before doing the work.
People sometimes ask how this compares to AAA car lockout coverage. Roadside programs can be helpful, but they often just unlock the door and don't replace lost keys, cut new keys, or program fobs and transponders — and you may still wait for dispatch. We provide the full range of car lockout services in one visit, so you're not left half-solved.
What to Expect When We Arrive
When you call (516) 346-5505, we'll ask a few quick questions: your location, your vehicle's year, make, and model, and exactly what's going on — locked out, lost key, broken key, or fob trouble. That information helps us bring the right tools and give you an accurate estimate before we head your way. We'll also give you a realistic arrival window based on where you are in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Inwood, or the JFK area.
On arrival, our technician will confirm the work needed, verify you're authorized to access the vehicle, and review the price with you up front. We ask for proof that the car is yours — a license, registration, or insurance card — because protecting our customers from theft is part of doing this job responsibly. Once you approve, we get to work, using damage-free methods wherever the vehicle allows.
We're licensed, bonded, and insured, and we operate 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays. There's no good time to be stranded, so our goal is simple: get you safely back into your car or back on the road quickly, with clear pricing and no surprises. That's what a real 24 hour car lockout service should look like.
Brands We Service
We install, repair and rekey all major lock brands — from everyday deadbolts to high-security cylinders.
Don’t see your brand? We service virtually every make — just call.
Reviews
What Apex & the Apex area Customers Say
“I bought a new doorknob that had the key going in upside down and I knew would drive me crazy. I called and they told me to come in instead of having a service guy drive to my house and they could do it for free if I came in! I really appreciated the honesty!! They were able to fix my doorknob in 5 min. Very happy - will definitely call them again for future lock / key issues!”
“The gentleman who greeted me at the door (Daniel) was so polite. I asked him if he help me with opening a small gun case. I lost the lock to it. I did tell him to be careful because it was a loaded gun in it but the safety was on. It took no time to open the case. I would definitely tell anyone that needs a locksmith? He would be the one I recommend. ☺️”
“I called the lock company to buy keys by the key code. They told me I ha e to use a distributor. The distributor told me there's a minimum purchase of $100. So I asked Apex Lock. They had the blanks, and I had the original, so it ended up $8/key vs min $100. Saved me time and money because they're easily accessible from everywhere and just down the road. I like the European look and feel of their shop. Quaint and Quality.”
“Excellent service, Daniel thank you. I got a duplicate chipped car key there a while ago and when I asked about getting a fob/remote, he advised to get one online. That saved me a ton of money. When I couldn’t program it myself, I stopped by and he had it working in about 10 minutes”
“Locked my keys in my truck outside Walmart on a Friday evening and Wake County Locksmith had someone out to me in under 20 minutes. The technician was professional, had the door open in no time, and the price was completely fair for after-hours service.”
“I lost my only key fob to my Honda and was dreading the dealership price, but Wake County Locksmith programmed me a new key on the spot for nearly half what the dealer quoted. Highly recommend calling them first before you assume you have to go to a dealership.”
“Got home late from a work trip and realized I had left my house keys inside. Called Wake County Locksmith at 11:45 pm and the technician arrived within 25 minutes and got me inside without any damage to my door. Could not ask for better late-night service.”
“Just moved into a new home in Apex and wanted all the locks rekeyed before we settled in. Wake County Locksmith sent someone out the next morning, rekeyed four locks quickly, and the whole job cost less than I expected. Great peace of mind knowing we are the only ones with working keys now.”
“A key snapped off inside my car door lock in a parking lot during my lunch break and I was in a real bind. Wake County Locksmith extracted the broken key and had me back on the road within 30 minutes, all for a very reasonable flat rate.”
“We needed the locks changed on our small office after a former employee left under bad circumstances and Wake County Locksmith handled everything professionally and discreetly the same afternoon I called. The technician replaced three commercial deadbolts and provided us with a full set of new keys without any disruption to our business.”
“I hired Wake County Locksmith to install a smart lock on my front door and they did a clean, solid installation and walked me through the app setup before they left. Professional work and a much better price than the big-box store installation quote I had received.”
“Called at 2 am after locking myself out of my apartment and the dispatcher was calm and helpful and had a technician at my door in about 20 minutes. The technician was kind, fast, and charged exactly what was quoted on the phone with no surprise fees.”
Service area
Areas we cover around Apex
Based in Apex, we reach the Apex area fast — 24/7. Don’t see your street? Call us, we very likely cover it.
📞 (919) 341-2147Frequently asked questions
How fast can you get to me for a car lockout?
Response time depends on your exact location and traffic, but because we're locally based and fully mobile, we aim to reach customers in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway, Inwood, and JFK area quickly. When you call, we'll give you a realistic arrival window. If a child or pet is locked inside, tell us right away so we can prioritize your emergency.
Will unlocking my car cause any damage?
In the vast majority of cases, no. We use professional, non-destructive entry tools designed for modern vehicles and locking systems. If a particular car has an unusually difficult security design, we'll explain the situation and your options before doing anything that could risk damage.
Can you make a new key if I've lost all of mine?
Yes, for most makes and models we can cut and program a new key on-site even when no working key remains. Certain very new or rare vehicles may require us to verify key and chip availability first, and if that's the case we'll tell you up front before committing to same-day service.
Do you program transponder keys and push-to-start smart keys?
We do. We carry programming equipment for transponder keys, remote-head keys, and many proximity (push-to-start) smart-key systems. Programming time varies by vehicle, so we'll give you a time and price estimate before we begin.
How much does a car lockout or key replacement cost?
Pricing depends on the service, your vehicle's make and model, and the type of key or fob involved. A simple lockout is generally less than a full lost-key replacement with programming. We always confirm the exact price up front before any work starts — no hidden fees.
My key broke off in the ignition. Can you fix that?
Yes. Please don't try to dig the broken piece out yourself, as that often makes it worse. We use specialized extraction tools to remove the broken key cleanly, can cut you a replacement, and can assess the ignition cylinder if it's worn or failing.
Is a locksmith cheaper than going to the dealership?
For most everyday vehicles, yes — and you avoid the tow and the wait for an appointment. We come to your location and handle the work on-site. Costs vary by vehicle, so we confirm your exact price before starting so you can compare with confidence.
Are you available at night and on weekends?
Yes, we operate 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Car lockouts rarely happen on schedule, so we're ready whenever you need car lockout help. Just call (516) 346-5505 and we'll get someone out to you.