- Key types
- Transponder keys, laser-cut keys and more, for many makes and models
- Where
- At your home, work or wherever the car is parked
- Bring
- Photo ID plus the title or registration in your name
- Helpful
- The VIN (bottom of the windshield, driver side)
What kind of key does your car use?
Car keys have changed a lot in 25 years, and the type decides the job:
| Key type | How to tell | What we do |
|---|---|---|
| Basic metal key | Plain metal head, often older cars | Cut the blade |
| Transponder key | Plastic head with a chip inside; the car will not start without it | Cut the blade and program the chip |
| Remote head key | Key and lock buttons in one piece | Cut the blade and program the chip |
| Flip key | Blade folds into the key head | Cut the laser blade and program the chip |
| Smart or proximity key | Push-to-start, key stays in your pocket | Call with the year, make and model and we tell you what is possible |
Most cars built since the late 1990s use a transponder chip. That is why a cheap copy of the metal blade will open the door but not start the engine.
Spare key or all keys lost?
You still have one working key. This is the easy case and the one to plan for. A spare made from a working key is faster and costs less than replacing every key later. If your car only has one key, now is the time.
Every key is lost. We cut a new blade from the key code and program a new chip to the car. Some vehicles also need the old keys erased from memory, which is a good idea anyway when a key was stolen.
What to have ready
- Year, make and model, and whether it is push-to-start
- The VIN, visible through the windshield on the driver's side or on your registration
- Photo ID and the title or registration in your name, or authorization from the owner
- Where the car is: address, parking ramp level, or lot
Why we check ownership
A locksmith who will make a key for any car, for anyone, is how cars get stolen. We confirm the car is yours before we cut anything. Expect any honest locksmith to ask the same.
Fob not working at all?
Before you replace it, try a new battery. Cold Minnesota mornings finish off weak fob batteries, and most fobs hide a metal emergency key that still opens the driver's door. Our car key fob guide explains the options, from a battery swap to a full replacement.
How car key replacement works
Tell us the car
Year, make, model, and whether you have any working key. We confirm we can do it and give you a price.
We verify ownership
ID plus title or registration. We never make a key for a car that is not yours.
Cut the key
We cut the blade to your car's code, including laser-cut high security keys.
Program and test
We program the key to the car and test that it starts the car before we leave.
Car key replacement questions
Can you make a key if I lost all of them?
In many cases, yes. With no working key, we cut the blade from the vehicle's key code and program a new transponder to the car. It takes longer than copying a key, and some newer models are dealer-only. We tell you which on the phone.
Is it cheaper than the dealer?
Often, and we come to the car, which matters when no key works and a tow is the dealer's only option. Prices depend on the car, so call for a price.
How long does it take?
A spare key made from a working one is usually quick. Replacing every lost key takes longer because we cut from code and program the car. We give you an estimate of the time with the price.
Do you need the car to be unlocked?
No. If you are locked out and the key is lost, we open the car first and then make the key, in the same visit.