Where to get a replacement car key depends on your car's age and key type
You have three main places to get a replacement car key: a dealership, a locksmith, or a big-box retailer like Home Depot or Walmart. Which one makes sense depends on whether your car has a basic metal key, a key fob that locks and unlocks remotely, or a smart key that starts the car without turning it in the ignition. Dealerships charge the most but handle every key type. Locksmiths are usually cheaper and faster. Retailers offer the lowest prices for straightforward keys but cannot handle newer smart keys.
The year your car was made matters too. Cars made before 2000 almost always use a basic key that any locksmith can copy. Cars from 2000 onward often have key fobs or smart keys that require programming, which narrows your options. If you have lost all your keys and only have the car itself, you will need a dealership or a locksmith who can access your vehicle identification number (VIN) and reprogram new keys from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- A basic metal key costs $10 to $30 at a retailer, $50 to $100 at a locksmith, and $150 to $300 at a dealership.
- Key fobs and smart keys require programming and cost $200 to $500 at a dealership, $100 to $300 at a locksmith, and are not available at most retailers.
- Locksmiths are usually the fastest and cheapest option for any key type except smart keys on very new cars.
- If you have lost all your keys, bring your car title or registration to prove ownership before any shop will make new keys.
Getting a basic metal key replaced
A basic key is a flat piece of metal with cuts along one edge. If your car is older than 2000 or you drive a straightforward vehicle like a truck or work van, you likely have one. Any locksmith, hardware store, or big-box retailer can copy it in minutes. You do not need to bring the car — just bring the key you want copied, or if you have lost all your keys, bring your car title and the VIN (printed on your registration or visible on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side).
The cost for a basic key copy ranges from $10 to $30 at Home Depot, Lowe's, or Walmart. A locksmith will charge $50 to $100 because they come to you or handle the work faster. A dealership will charge $150 to $300 even for a basic key, because they verify ownership and may require you to show up in person. If you need the key cut and programmed to start an older car's ignition, the locksmith or dealership will handle that during the same visit.
Replacing a key fob or remote key
A key fob is a plastic remote that locks and unlocks your car from a distance. It contains a battery and a circuit board that sends a signal to your car. If your fob still works but the battery is dead, you can replace just the battery yourself for $5 to $10 — most fobs pop open with a coin or small screwdriver, and the battery type is printed inside. If the fob is broken or lost, you need a new one.
A new key fob costs $100 to $300 at a locksmith and $200 to $500 at a dealership. The locksmith or dealership will cut the physical key part and program the fob to your car's receiver. This takes 30 minutes to an hour. Most big-box retailers do not stock key fobs for specific car models, so a locksmith or dealership is your only option. If you have lost all your keys, bring your title and VIN so the shop can verify you own the car before they program new fobs.
Replacing a smart key or keyless entry system
A smart key looks like a thick fob but starts the car when you press a button inside the car, without inserting it into the ignition. Some smart keys have a physical key blade that folds out. These keys contain more complex electronics and are harder to replace. Most big-box retailers cannot handle them at all. A locksmith may be able to help, but many locksmiths do not have the equipment for the newest smart key systems, so call ahead and ask whether they can program your specific car model and year.
A dealership is the safest choice for a smart key replacement, though it is also the most expensive. Expect to pay $200 to $500 for a new smart key, plus $100 to $200 in programming fees. Some dealerships require you to bring the car in. The process can take a few days if the dealership has to order the key from the manufacturer. If you have lost all your keys, the dealership will ask for your title and a photo ID to confirm ownership before they order new keys.
What to do if you have lost all your keys
If you have no working keys left, you cannot straightforward call a locksmith and have them make one over the phone. You will need to prove you own the car. Bring your car title, vehicle registration, and a photo ID to a locksmith or dealership. They will use your VIN to look up your car's security codes and create new keys from scratch. This process is called reprogramming, and it takes longer than copying an existing key.
A locksmith will charge $100 to $200 to reprogram a basic key and $200 to $400 to reprogram a key fob or smart key. A dealership will charge $300 to $500 for basic keys and $400 to $800 for smart keys. Some locksmiths can do this work at your location if your car is parked outside. Dealerships usually require you to bring the car in. If your car is locked and you cannot get inside, a locksmith can unlock it for you as part of the same visit, though this adds $50 to $150 to the total cost.
Comparing locksmith, dealership, and retailer options
| Key Type | Locksmith Cost | Dealership Cost | Retailer Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic metal key | $50–$100 | $150–$300 | $10–$30 | Retailer fastest (minutes); locksmith 30 min; dealership 1–2 hours |
| Key fob | $100–$300 | $200–$500 | Not available | Locksmith and dealership 30 min–1 hour |
| Smart key | $200–$400 | $400–$800 | Not available | Locksmith 1–2 hours; dealership 2–3 days |
| All keys lost (reprogram) | $200–$400 | $300–$800 | Not available | Locksmith 1–2 hours; dealership 2–3 days |
Locksmiths are usually the best value for speed and cost combined. They can handle basic keys, fobs, and most smart keys, and they often come to your location. Call ahead to confirm they work on your car model and year. Dealerships are the safest choice if your car is very new or has an unusual key system, but expect to pay more and wait longer. Retailers are only practical for basic keys on older cars.
How to find a trustworthy locksmith
Not all locksmiths are equally skilled or honest. Before you call, search online for locksmiths in your area and read recent reviews on Google or Yelp. Look for locksmiths who mention your car brand or year in their service descriptions. Call at least two and ask for a quote over the phone — a trustworthy locksmith will ask what type of key you need and what year your car is before giving a price. Be wary of a locksmith who quotes a very low price and then charges much more when they arrive.
Ask whether the locksmith is licensed and insured. In most states, locksmiths must be licensed, and you can verify this through your state's licensing board. Ask whether the price includes programming, or whether programming is an extra fee. Get the quote in writing if possible, or ask the locksmith to text or email it to you. If the locksmith cannot come to you, ask whether you can bring the car to their shop, or whether you need to go to a dealership instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I program a key fob myself?
Some car models allow you to program a key fob yourself by sitting in the car and turning the ignition on and off in a specific pattern, then pressing buttons on the fob. Check your owner's manual or search your car model online to see if this works for your vehicle. If your car requires a computer connection to program the fob, you cannot do it yourself and will need a locksmith or dealership.
What if my key broke inside the ignition?
Do not try to pull it out yourself — you may damage the ignition lock. Call a locksmith or dealership. They can remove the broken piece and make a new key. A locksmith will usually charge $100 to $200 for this, including removal and a new key. A dealership may charge $200 to $400.
How long does it take to get a replacement key?
A basic key from a retailer takes 10 to 15 minutes. A locksmith can usually make any key in 30 minutes to 2 hours. A dealership typically takes 1 to 3 hours for a key fob or smart key, or 2 to 3 days if they have to order the key from the manufacturer.
Do I need to bring my car to get a replacement key?
For a basic key or key fob, no — you only need to bring the key you want copied, or your title and VIN if all keys are lost. For a smart key, some locksmiths can work without the car present, but a dealership usually requires you to bring it in. Call ahead to ask.
What should I do to prevent losing my keys?
Keep a spare key in a safe place at home, not in your car or wallet. Consider a key tracker like AirTag or Tile that attaches to your keychain and helps you find it if it goes missing. If you have a smart key, keep the spare in a drawer rather than carrying it daily.