How much is it for a locksmith to make a key without the original?

Author: Mavis McCullough  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Service Type. The type of service you require most affects locksmith costs. Duplicating a traditional key might cost as little as $5 while extracting a broken key from a lock could range from $50 to $200. Installing new electronic locks or replacing a high-tech car transponder key could cost $400 or more.

Can you make a key for a lock without the original?

A well-trained locksmith can actually create a key without having the original. How so? Well, locksmiths have specialized tools and equipment that allow them to produce an exact copy of your old key, and they can do so in a variety of ways.

How much to get a key made without the original?

Traditional keys – Replacement costs typically range from $25 to $100. There's no programming involved, although you may need to have AutoZone, a locksmith, or dealership cut the key for you. Transponder keys – Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 for a transponder key replacement.

Can AutoZone make a key without the original?

Though AutoZone no longer offers key cutting, you can still get assistance with your vehicle needs with service such as battery testing, fix finder, and other services at your local AutoZone store.

Can a locksmith make a copy of a key without the key?

An experienced locksmith will be able to make a replacement key for you even if you do not have the original. When you contact a locksmith, you will need to supply some information to the company before your key can be replaced.

How Do Locksmiths Make Keys Without an Original Key - How to Impression a Key

How much does it cost for a locksmith to copy a key?

The average cost to copy a basic key is $2 to $5. A car key copy costs $5 to $15 for a plain key only or $150 to $500 for a fob key replacement. Key duplication service from a mobile locksmith costs $85 to $175, excluding fees for a new car-key fob.

Can I rekey a lock without the original key?

Yes, it is possible for you to rekey a lock without the original key. A locksmith can change your locks even if you have lost or misplaced the original key. In general, it is possible to pick or shim the lock and unlock the door. Then, the locksmith will have a much easier time removing the lock cylinder.

Can I have a key made from my VIN?

Most vehicles in the United States from 1990 and up have key codes that are saved on file with the manufactures. As long as you can prove ownership of your vehicle a car key can be made with the Vehicle Identification Number aka VIN number. Once a key code is pulled from the VIN number a car key can be cut.

Can a locksmith program a key fob without the original?

Authorized locksmith professionals have the ability to access and work with your vehicle's information using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in order to program a new key fob even in the absence of the original fob.

What to do if a car key is lost?

It is essential to inform the police and file a First Information Report (FIR) in case of lost vehicle keys. Be sure to report the incident to the police, noting the time and location. Share the FIR with your four-wheeler insurance company if you need to make any theft-related claims.

How much is a key at locksmith?

General Locksmith Costs

If you've lost your house keys, a professional locksmith can easily make new keys for you. Replacing normal door keys ranges from R500 to R700. If the key is stuck in the lock or you want the lock replaced, the price ranges from R650 to R1000.

How long does it take to make a key without the original?

How long does it take to cut a key? A professional locksmith can accurately duplicate a standard key in just a few minutes. Duplicating a more complicated key can take up to 25 minutes.

Can Home Depot make a key from VIN number?

Well, most desks, cabinet and small locks have numbers etched on or near the key hole. That number can be used to get a code and that code is used to cut a key. As for car keys, with a vin number and proof of ownership, we can get a code and cut a key.

What do I do if I lost my lock key?

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU LOSE YOUR KEYS
  1. Make sure you don't have them. ...
  2. Think of where they could be. ...
  3. Conduct a thorough search. ...
  4. Call the police to report missing keys. ...
  5. Use a spare key. ...
  6. Call a locksmith. ...
  7. Decide whether to cut a new key or change your locks. ...
  8. Take steps for prevention.

What door key Cannot be copied?

The phrase “do not copy” or “do not duplicate” means the key is restricted, either fitted by a landlord or owner of the property and is to stop copies being reproduced. Only a key that has a patent can truly be said to be restricted.

How do locksmiths make car keys?

In case you don't have the original key, auto locksmiths use the VIN to determine which key corresponds to your particular car. They can access the car's key code information, that'll help them create a new one for you. The VIN code is somewhere on the dashboard or in the engine compartment.

Can a locksmith make a key without the original key?

Yes, a locksmith can make a key without the original. The key – small yet mighty – stands as a sentinel to our most prized possessions and private spaces.

Can you get key code from VIN number?

You may obtain the key code for a vehicle by providing the VIN to the vehicle manufacturer or vehicle dealer and request the key code. Note that this is useful only if the locks have never been changed to another key code. There are a number of "Code Brokers" who offer a service for getting the key code from the VIN.

Can AutoZone program a key fob?

The straightforward answer is: **No, AutoZone does not typically program key fobs. ** AutoZone sells key fobs and provides the batteries for them, but the programming is usually left to the vehicle owner or a professional locksmith.

How much does it cost to replace a car key without the original?

Transponder keys will cost about $200, plus the cost of the tow to the dealership. Switchblade keys run about $300, plus the towing fee. Smart keys range from $200-$500 depending on your location, dealership and the make and model of your car, plus the towing fee.

Do you need a title to get a key made?

If you have lost all copies of your car's original key, you can still have a new key made by an automotive locksmith. You will need to prove that you are the owner of the car by providing the locksmith with the car's registration or title.

How much does it cost to have a key cut by VIN number?

The cost of generating a car key by VIN is composed of the following: the key, the labor to cut the key, the cost of obtaining the code needed to cut the key, and the cost of mailing the key. Because car manufacturers charge different prices for the code, a reasonable cost range for a key from VIN is $89 – $179.

How to make a key when you lost the original?

Take it to a locksmith, they can make you the original key or re-key the lock. If you want a mobile locksmith to come to you, it will cost a little more. In either case, you'll need to satisfy them that you are justified to have a key.

Is it cheaper to rekey or buy new locks?

Due to the extremely low price of the key pins in the locks, rekeying is almost always much cheaper than getting your locks changed.

Can you copy a key if its not the original?

It doesn't have to be the original key. Can I Bring in My Own Key to Be Cut? Yes, you can bring in your own key to be cut. Just ensure it's the correct type by checking the little number on top of the key.

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