Key Duplication Service & Custom Key Cutting in Maryland

Need to replace a set of keys that have been lost or damaged? Need a spare for visitors? Ernie’s Lock Company, Inc. can help. Based in Riverdale Park, we are one of the oldest locksmiths in the Prince George’s County region. Since 1960, both commercial and residential clients have made us their first choice in custom key duplication. We offer fast, professional service, fair pricing and longstanding key cutting expertise. Whether you need basic key duplication, key copying or custom key making, we get it right the first time.

We are able to duplicate any kind of key, whether it’s for your home, your car, a security safe, your mailbox or anything else. We can work on difficult-to-copy items such as condo keys, skeleton keys and more. We even provide duplication service for vintage and one-off keys, such as those found on antique furniture, briefcases and chests.

How Key Duplication Works

1. Bring us the key you want copied.
2. We cut the new key. Our in-store and mobile teams can typically do it same-day.
3. We test the fit, so you know the new key works smoothly before you go.

Where to Get Keys Made: Where Can You Find Key Duplication Services Near You?

If you are looking for a reliable place to get a key copy, Ernie’s Lock Company provides exact-match duplication that big-box hardware stores can’t beat.

• Your local locksmith – An expert locksmith should be the only person you trust to perfectly cut your key the first time. Visit your local locksmith for the most accurate custom key copy.
• Hardware store or another retail store – Although other places have the equipment necessary to cut a key, they do not have the expertise a locksmith has.
• Automated machines, like KeyMe – DO NOT trust in these automated machines to cut your keys. You are putting your security at risk when using these machines. Learn more about the Dangers of KeyMe.

Why Should a Locksmith Cut Your Keys?

Plenty of hardware stores and other retailers offer key cutting services. Here’s why you should only trust a licensed locksmith with this important task:

• A locksmith will get it done right the first time — no fussing with stiff keys or risking being locked out
• A locksmith is bound to the highest ethical standards and can be trusted with your house or car keys
• A locksmith can duplicate hard-to-cut antique keys and other specialty key copies that most hardware stores can’t
• A locksmith will often provide convenient mobile or remote service

For these reasons and more, count on Ernie’s for all of your key duplication needs. We can cut you an extra key for your home, business or apartment while you wait. We can also quickly turn around larger orders for commercial clients — give us a call to request a quote.

Duplicate Keys from a Licensed Locksmith

Our licensed locksmiths have been serving Riverdale Park customers since 1960. Copying a standard key and duplicating a car or transponder key are two different jobs. A transponder key has a chip, so the copy may need to be programmed to your car’s computer as well as cut.

What Types of Keys Can Be Duplicated?

• House & Apartment Keys: Bring in the key you want copied and we’ll cut an exact match.
• Car Keys & Transponder Keys: Bring in the key you have. A transponder copy may also need to be programmed to your car.
• Mailbox Keys: Bring in the key and we’ll cut the copy.
• Condo & Master Keys: Condo keys are on the difficult-to-copy list, and a master key can only be duplicated for the authorized owner with proof of ownership.
• Briefcase & Chest Keys: Bring in the key you have. We duplicate vintage and one-off keys.

Custom Key Making in Maryland

If you don’t have the original, we can still help with key making. A skilled locksmith can create a key directly from the lock using impressioning or decoding techniques, so you don’t need an original key to use as a template.

Where to Have Keys Duplicated: Commercial & Bulk Key Duplication

Property managers, offices and apartment communities can have keys duplicated here, including larger orders. Call us to request a quote. Keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” are not the same as restricted keys, which are built for full key control. Master keys can only be duplicated for the authorized owner with proof of ownership.

Key Cutting & Duplication FAQs

➤ Why won’t my newly cut key work?

There are a few common reasons a new key might not work. Typically, the issue is a poor cut. Even the smallest errors during the duplication process can prevent the key from working. Other reasons include using a worn-out original key to make the copy or a damaged lock. At Ernie’s Lock Company, we provide superior & accurate key cutting services.

➤ What is the difference between duplicating a key and rekeying a lock?

Duplicating is making an identical copy of your current key. If you’re searching to copy a key near me, our in-store and mobile teams can typically do it same-day. Rekeying, however, changes the lock’s internal parts so that only a new key works, making all old keys useless.

➤ Can you copy a key that says Do Not Duplicate​?

The “Do Not Duplicate” stamp is a request, not a law. It serves as a security reminder that the key should not be copied without authorization. For full key control, a restricted key is needed.

➤ Can a locksmith make a key without the original?

Yes. A skilled locksmith can create a key from a lock directly using impressioning or decoding techniques, even without the original keys as a template.

The Leading Key Cutting Service in MD

We are the choice of demanding homeowners, businesses and property managers when it comes to key duplication services in MD. Where can you find us? Located in Prince George County, we can service Riverdale, Washington D.C. and all surrounding areas. Contact Ernie’s Lock for your custom key cutting services. Visit our service area page. Contact us to have a custom key copied today, or request a quote for a special project or large order.