Where to get a car key replaced and what it costs

You have three main places to get a car key replaced: the car dealership, a locksmith, or a big-box retailer like Home Depot or Walmart. The dealership is the most expensive but guarantees the key will work with your specific car model. A locksmith is usually faster and cheaper, though quality varies by shop. Retailers fall in the middle on price and speed, and many can cut standard keys on the spot.

Cost depends on the type of key. A basic metal key costs $10 to $30 at a retailer or locksmith, or $50 to $150 at a dealership. A key fob — the remote that locks and unlocks your car — runs $100 to $300 at a locksmith and $200 to $500 at a dealership. Transponder keys, which have a computer chip inside, cost more because they need to be programmed to your car's security system. If you need the key programmed, expect to pay extra at any location.

Key Takeaways

  • Dealerships charge the most but are the safest choice if you have a newer car with a complex key system.
  • Locksmiths are usually faster and cheaper, but you should call ahead to confirm they can handle your car model.
  • Retailers like Home Depot can cut basic keys while you wait, but cannot program transponder keys or key fobs.
  • Bring your car's VIN (vehicle identification number) and proof of ownership to any location, as most will ask for it.
  • If you are locked out of your car, a locksmith can often get you inside and make a new key in one visit.

What information you need before you go

Before you visit any location, gather your car's VIN and proof of ownership. Your VIN is a 17-character code stamped on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield) and also printed on your registration and insurance documents. Proof of ownership means your registration, title, or insurance card — something with your name and the vehicle information on it.

Dealerships almost always require both the VIN and proof of ownership before they will make a key. Locksmiths and retailers may not ask for proof of ownership, but having it protects you — it shows the key is for your own car. If you cannot find your registration, bring your insurance card or a photo of your title. Some dealerships will make a key with just the VIN if you can show them your driver's license, but policies vary.

Dealership versus locksmith: when to choose each

Choose a dealership if your car is newer (usually 2010 or later), has a push-button start, or uses a key fob with multiple functions. Dealerships have the exact key blanks for your model and the programming equipment built into their system. They also keep a record of the transaction, which can matter if there is ever a dispute about who has keys to your car. The trade-off is time and money — dealerships are slower and cost two to three times more than a locksmith.

Choose a locksmith if your car is older, you need the key quickly, or you want to save money. A good locksmith can cut and program most keys in 30 minutes to an hour. Call ahead and describe your car (year, make, model) so they can tell you whether they have done it before and what it will cost. Read reviews on Google or Yelp before you call — a cheap locksmith who does poor work will leave you with a key that does not turn smoothly or a fob that does not work reliably.

How to get a key made if you are locked out

If you are locked out of your car and need a key, a locksmith can usually help you in one visit. They will pick or manipulate the lock to get inside, then cut and program a new key while you wait. This costs more than a routine replacement — expect $150 to $300 depending on your car and how difficult the lock is to open — but you leave with a working key and access to your car.

Call a mobile locksmith (one that comes to you) rather than going to a shop, because they can work in your driveway and you do not have to tow the car. Ask for a quote before they arrive, and confirm whether they can program the key on site or whether you will need to go to a dealership afterward. Some locksmiths can program most keys in the field; others can only cut them and will direct you to a dealership for programming.

Programming and why some keys cost more

A transponder key has a tiny computer chip inside that communicates with your car's security system. When you turn the key in the ignition, the chip sends a code to the car's computer. If the code matches, the car starts. If it does not, the engine will not turn over even if the key fits perfectly in the lock. Transponder keys became standard on most cars in the 2000s, and they are why a replacement key costs so much more than a straightforward metal key.

Programming a transponder key means connecting it to your car's computer so the chip and the car recognize each other. A dealership does this as part of the key-making process. Some locksmiths have the equipment to program transponder keys; others do not. If a locksmith cannot program the key, they will cut it and you will need to take it to a dealership to be programmed — an extra trip and extra cost. Always ask whether programming is included in the quote.

What to do if you have lost all your keys

If you have lost every key to your car, you must go to a dealership. A locksmith cannot make a key without at least one original key to copy from, and they cannot program a key without the car's security codes. The dealership has access to those codes through your VIN and ownership records, so they can create a key from scratch. Bring your registration, title, or insurance card, plus your driver's license.

The dealership will verify that you own the car, then order or cut a new key and program it to your vehicle. This takes longer than a routine replacement — usually one to three days — because they may need to order a blank key if they do not have your model in stock. Some dealerships can do it the same day if you arrive early. Call ahead to ask how long it will take and whether you need an appointment.

Preventing future key loss and keeping a spare

The cheapest way to handle a lost key is to prevent it from happening. Keep your car key in the same place every time you come home — a hook by the door, a bowl on the counter, or a pocket in your bag. If you have a key fob, attach it to something visible like a bright keychain or a tile tracker (a small device that sends a signal to your phone if the key is lost).

Make a spare key now, while you still have one. A spare costs a fraction of an emergency replacement and saves you the stress of being locked out. If your car has a transponder key, the spare will cost more than a basic key, but it is still cheaper than replacing a lost key in an emergency. Store the spare somewhere safe but separate from your main key — not in the car, not in your wallet, and not in an obvious hiding place outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a locksmith make a key if I only have the VIN?

Some locksmiths can cut a key from the VIN alone, but they usually cannot program a transponder key without the car's security codes. A dealership can do both with just the VIN and proof of ownership. Call a locksmith first to ask whether they can handle your specific car model.

How long does it take to get a replacement key?

A basic metal key takes 15 to 30 minutes at a retailer or locksmith. A transponder key or key fob takes 30 minutes to an hour at a locksmith, or one to three days at a dealership if they need to order the blank. If you are locked out, a mobile locksmith can usually arrive within an hour.

Will my car insurance cover the cost of a replacement key?

Most standard car insurance policies do not cover lost or broken keys. Some roadside information plans (like AAA) include lockout service, which may cover the cost of getting into your car and making a key. Check your policy or call your insurance company to ask what is covered.

What if the new key does not work after I get it home?

Take it back to the place where you had it made. A reputable locksmith or dealership will remake the key at no charge if it does not work. If you go to a retailer, check their return policy — most will replace a key that does not work within a certain number of days.

Can I program a key myself?

Some older cars allow you to program a spare key yourself by turning the ignition on and off in a specific pattern, but this only works on certain models from the 1990s and early 2000s. Modern cars require specialized equipment, so you will need a dealership or locksmith. Check your owner's manual or call your dealership to ask whether your car supports self-programming.