Walmart copies keys at its in-store service desk, usually for $2 to $6 per key depending on the type
Walmart's key copying service is available at the customer service desk in most stores. You bring your original key, hand it to the associate, and they cut a duplicate using an automated machine. The service takes a few minutes, and you pay at the register. The price varies by key type — standard house keys cost less than specialty keys like car or padlock keys.
Not every Walmart location offers this service. Smaller stores or those without a service desk may not have the equipment. Before you go, call your local Walmart and ask whether they copy keys. The phone number is on your receipt or on Walmart.com.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart copies keys at the customer service desk for $2 to $6 per key, depending on whether it is a house key, car key, or specialty key.
- The service is fast — usually finished in a few minutes — and you pay when you check out.
- Not all Walmart locations have key copying equipment, so call ahead to confirm your store offers the service.
- Bring your original key and any information about what it opens if the machine cannot read it clearly.
What types of keys Walmart can copy
Walmart's automated key machines handle standard house keys, padlock keys, and some mailbox keys without issue. These are the most common types people need copied, and the machine reads them quickly.
Car keys are more complicated. Walmart can copy the physical blade of a car key, but not the electronic chip or fob that makes the key work in modern vehicles. If your car key has a plastic head with a chip inside, Walmart can duplicate the blade only — you would still need a dealership or locksmith to program the new key to your car. Older car keys without chips can be fully copied at Walmart.
Specialty keys — like those for filing cabinets, tool boxes, or older locks — may or may not work with the machine. The associate can tell you when you arrive whether your key type is something they can copy.
How much it costs and what affects the price
Standard house keys typically cost $2 to $3 per copy. Padlock keys and mailbox keys run $3 to $4. Car key blades (without programming) cost $4 to $6. Prices vary slightly by location and may change over time, so ask the associate for the exact price before they cut your key.
You pay per key, not per order. If you need three copies of the same key, you pay three times. Some Walmart locations offer small discounts if you order multiple copies at once, but this is not standard across all stores.
Steps to get your key copied at Walmart
- Locate the customer service desk in your Walmart. It is usually near the front of the store, close to the registers.
- Bring your original key and hand it to the associate. Tell them how many copies you need.
- The associate will place your key in the automated machine, which reads the cuts and positions a blank key to match.
- The machine cuts the duplicate. This takes one to three minutes.
- The associate hands you the new key and tells you the price.
- Pay at the register or customer service desk.
When Walmart key copying may not work
If your original key is worn, bent, or has deep scratches, the machine may not read it clearly. Bring it anyway — the associate can often clean it or adjust the machine to compensate. If the machine still cannot read it, they will tell you before charging you.
Keys with unusual shapes or very old locks sometimes do not fit the machine's holder. Again, the associate will know this before they start. In those cases, a locksmith is your next option.
If your key is for a security lock, a safe, or a commercial building, Walmart does not copy it. These keys require a locksmith and proof that you own or have permission to use the lock.
Alternatives if your Walmart does not offer key copying
Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's copy keys at their service desks, usually for similar prices. Local locksmiths also copy keys and can handle specialty or security keys that Walmart cannot. Locksmiths charge more — typically $5 to $15 per key — but they can copy almost any key and often offer same-day service.
Some grocery stores and pharmacies have key copying machines in their customer service areas. If you are already shopping, it may be worth asking whether they offer the service.
What to bring and what to know before you go
Bring only your original key. You do not need an ID or proof of ownership for standard house or padlock keys. The associate will not ask questions about what the key opens.
If you are copying a key to something you recently inherited or purchased, bring the key itself. The machine does not verify ownership — it only reads the physical shape of the key and cuts a duplicate.
If your key is for a car, tell the associate whether your car is older or newer. If it is a modern car with a chip key, they can copy the blade but will explain that you need a dealership to program it. This saves you a wasted trip if you were hoping for a fully working spare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Walmart copy a key I lost the original for?
No. The machine needs the original key to read and duplicate. If you have lost your only key, a locksmith can help — they can open the lock and create a new key, though this costs more and requires proof of ownership for security locks.
How long does it take to copy a key at Walmart?
Usually one to three minutes from the time you hand over your key. If the store is busy, you may wait in line, but the actual cutting is fast. Plan for 10 to 15 minutes total if there is a line at the service desk.
Can I copy a key without the original?
No. Walmart's machine requires the original key to read its shape. If you do not have the original, a locksmith can sometimes create a key by opening the lock, but this is more expensive and may not be possible for all lock types.
What if the copied key does not work?
Bring it back to Walmart with your original key. The associate will recut it at no charge. If the original key itself is worn or damaged, the copy may not work perfectly — in that case, a locksmith may be able to help.
Does Walmart copy car keys with chips?
Walmart can copy the physical blade of a car key, but not the electronic chip. Modern car keys need programming at a dealership or by a locksmith with specialized equipment. Walmart can tell you whether your key has a chip when you bring it in.