Where to get a new car key depends on your car's age, the key type, and whether you have a spare

A new car key comes from one of four places: the car's dealership, a locksmith who specializes in automotive work, a hardware store (for older mechanical keys only), or your car manufacturer's roadside service if you're locked out. The cost ranges from $10 for a basic mechanical key at a hardware store to $500 or more for a new smart key programmed at a dealership. The fastest option is usually a mobile locksmith who comes to your location, though not all locksmiths can program newer keys. Dealerships are the most expensive but handle any key type your car uses.

The type of key your car uses matters most. Older cars with straightforward mechanical keys can be copied almost anywhere. Cars made after 2000 typically use keys with electronic chips or fobs that must be programmed to your specific vehicle — these require either a dealership or a specialized locksmith with the right equipment. Luxury and newer vehicles often use proximity keys or keyless entry systems that are almost always dealership-only.

Key Takeaways

  • Dealerships can make any key type your car uses but charge the most, typically $150 to $500 depending on the key's complexity.
  • Mobile automotive locksmiths are often cheaper than dealerships and come to you, but not all can program smart keys or proximity fobs.
  • Hardware stores can copy basic mechanical keys for $10 to $30 but cannot program electronic chips or fobs.
  • You will need proof of ownership (registration or title) at a dealership, and a locksmith may ask for the same before making a key.
  • If you are locked out of your car, roadside information through your insurance or auto club may cover the cost of a locksmith visit.

Dealership: most expensive, handles all key types

The dealership is the safest choice if your car uses a smart key, proximity fob, or any electronic system. Dealerships have the manufacturer's programming equipment and can make keys for any model they sell. You will need to bring your vehicle registration or title and a photo ID. The dealership will verify you own the car before making the key.

Cost at a dealership ranges from $150 to $500 depending on the key type. A basic key with a chip costs $150 to $250. A smart key or proximity fob costs $250 to $500. Some dealerships charge an additional programming fee of $50 to $100. Call ahead and ask for the exact price for your car's year, make, and model — prices vary widely even within the same brand.

Timing at a dealership is usually one to three business days if they have the key in stock. If they must order it, add another week. Some dealerships offer same-day service for an additional rush fee. If you need a key when ready and the dealership cannot help, a mobile locksmith is your next option.

Automotive locksmiths: faster and cheaper than dealerships

A mobile automotive locksmith comes to your home, office, or roadside location and makes a new key on the spot. Locksmiths typically charge $75 to $200 for a key with a chip, which is less than a dealership. They can usually arrive within an hour in urban areas, though rural areas may take longer. Many locksmiths operate 24 hours a day, which matters if you lose your key at night.

Not all locksmiths can program every key type. Older mechanical keys and basic chip keys are no problem for most locksmiths. Newer smart keys, proximity fobs, and luxury vehicle keys often require dealership-level equipment that many locksmiths do not have. Before calling a locksmith, tell them your car's year, make, and model so they can confirm they can program that key type. Ask whether they charge extra for programming or if it is included in the key price.

To use a locksmith, you will need proof of ownership — your registration, title, or insurance card. Some locksmiths ask for a photo ID as well. If you are locked out of your car, the locksmith can also unlock the door, though that is a separate service charge. Locksmiths typically charge $50 to $150 to unlock a car door in addition to the key cost.

Hardware stores: only for older mechanical keys

Hardware stores like Home Depot and Ace Hardware can copy basic mechanical keys for $10 to $30. This works only for older cars without electronic locks or fobs — typically cars made before 1990. If your car has a chip in the key or requires programming, a hardware store cannot help.

The advantage of a hardware store is speed and cost. You can walk in, hand over your key, and walk out with a copy in minutes. No appointment needed. The disadvantage is that the key is a straightforward copy with no programming, so it will not work on any car with electronic security features.

If you are not sure whether your key is mechanical or electronic, look at it. A mechanical key is flat metal with no plastic head or buttons. An electronic key has a plastic head, buttons, or a fob attached. If it has any of those features, go to a locksmith or dealership instead.

Roadside information and insurance: may cover locksmith costs

If you are locked out of your car, check whether your auto insurance or roadside information membership covers locksmith services. Many insurance policies include roadside information that pays for a locksmith to unlock your car and sometimes to make a new key. AAA members, for example, receive roadside information that covers locksmith calls. Check your policy or membership card to see what is covered.

Roadside information typically covers the cost of unlocking your car door but may not cover the cost of making a new key. Some plans do cover key replacement up to a certain amount, usually $100 to $200. Call your insurance company or roadside service before you call a locksmith so you know what they will pay for.

If you do not have roadside information, some credit cards offer it as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to ask. If you have neither insurance coverage nor a credit card benefit, you will pay the locksmith's full fee out of pocket.

What you need to bring and how to verify ownership

At a dealership, bring your vehicle registration, title, or both. Bring a photo ID as well. The dealership will not make a key without proof that you own the car. If you lost your registration, bring your insurance card and photo ID — the dealership can look up your ownership in their system if you have the vehicle identification number (VIN).

With a locksmith, bring your registration or insurance card and a photo ID. Some locksmiths are less strict about proof of ownership than dealerships, but many ask for the same documents. If you cannot find your registration, the locksmith can call you back after you provide it by email or text. Never give a locksmith cash for a key without proof of ownership — it is a common way thieves get keys made for stolen cars.

If you have a spare key at home, bring that with you. Both dealerships and locksmiths can use your spare to program a new key faster and sometimes cheaper than making one from scratch. If you do not have a spare, tell the dealership or locksmith upfront so they know they will need to program the key using your car's VIN and ownership documents.

Making a spare key before you lose the original

The cheapest time to get a new key is before you lose your original. A spare key costs half to two-thirds of what a replacement costs because the dealership or locksmith does not need to verify ownership as thoroughly. At a dealership, a spare key costs $75 to $250 depending on the key type. At a locksmith, a spare costs $40 to $150.

If your car is new or you just bought it, ask the dealership to make a spare key while you are there. Many dealerships include one spare with a new car purchase. If yours did not, ask the service department to make one. It takes 15 minutes and costs far less than making a replacement key later.

Keep your spare key in a safe place at home, not in your car or wallet. A spare in your car does you no good if you lock yourself out. A spare at home means you can get a replacement key made on your schedule instead of in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a locksmith make a key if I do not have the original?

Yes. A locksmith can make a key using your car's VIN and proof of ownership. This takes longer than copying an existing key because the locksmith must program the key to match your car's security system. Expect to pay $100 to $300 depending on the key type. Bring your registration, title, or insurance card and a photo ID.

What if my dealership does not have the key in stock?

The dealership will order it from the manufacturer, which usually takes five to seven business days. Some dealerships offer a loaner key or temporary key while you wait. Ask whether they charge extra for expedited shipping. A locksmith may be able to make the key faster if they have the programming equipment for your car's model.

Will my car insurance pay for a new key?

Most standard car insurance does not cover lost or damaged keys. However, roadside information add-ons often do, up to $100 to $200. Check your policy documents or call your insurance company to ask whether key replacement is covered. Some credit cards also offer roadside information that includes key replacement.

Can I make a key myself using a kit online?

No. Online key-making kits do not work for cars with electronic locks or fobs. For older mechanical keys, you still need the original key to copy from. A hardware store or locksmith will make a copy faster and cheaper than any kit. For newer cars, only a dealership or specialized locksmith with programming equipment can make a working key.

What should I do if I am locked out of my car and need a key right now?

Call a mobile locksmith first — they can unlock your car and make a new key on the spot, usually within an hour. If you have roadside information through your insurance or AAA, call them and they will dispatch a locksmith and may pay the bill. A dealership cannot help you if you are locked out because they cannot make a key without you being able to show proof of ownership in person.