How much does Key duplication cost?

There are many different reasons to duplicate a key. If you misplace your house keys or car keys, an extra set can save you a lot of hassle. A spare front door key can be given to a neighbor in case of emergencies, or a friend who can water your plants while you’re on vacation.

Luckily, with most common key types , making a duplicate is a simple process. You can get a house key copied for a few bucks at a local hardware store or kiosk, or at many big-box home-improvement centers. A key-maker simply passes a standard key blank through a key-cutting machine, which creates one to match your original key and can open the same locks. (Some places even have machines that make the key copies automatically, no human help needed.)

But some keys are more complicated—especially modern car keys, which use transponder chips programmed to sync with a particular vehicle. Some transponder keys look like standard keys, but others are key fobs that work wirelessly. To get this type of key, you may need to go to a professional locksmith, car dealership, or automotive retailer.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the cost to duplicate different types of keys. 

Do you need to reset locks because your keys were lost or stolen? Learn about the cost of rekeying services.

Here’s what you’ll pay for copies of the most common key types.

The average cost to duplicate a typical house key at a local hardware store ranges from $2–4. A local locksmith may charge as much as $5+. Locksmiths usually have a larger selection of key blanks—each lock manufacturer uses specific types of blanks for their products, and some hardware stores may only carry major brands (such as Schlage or Kwikset).

If you want to copy a key that has “Do Not Duplicate” stamped on it—typically used for high-security locks—it will cost about $8–20. In some cases, high-security keys can’t be copied in the standard way, but requires a special code that’s supplied to the locksmith by the manufacturer. 

If you lose your front door key or other house key, you can ask a locksmith to come to your home and take an impression of the lock, then create a new key with a key-cutting machine. The cost of key replacement is about $30–35—but you may also be charged a “lockout service” fee for the home visit, which is typically $75–125.

The average cost to duplicate car keys ranges from $10–450. 

The low end of this scale is for basic keys made for older cars, which are simple to copy. Newer keys, with technology such as transponder chips, start at $60–185. A laser-cut key with a transponder chip—in which the key is cut in the middle of the stem rather than the sides—costs $100–260. 

Key fobs, which work from a distance, can cost as much as $450 to duplicate, depending on the level of technology used. 

If you lose your car keys, a dealership and some locksmiths can create a duplicate key, without using the original, for about $100–500. You’ll need the vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership. 

The following issues can affect key duplication costs. 

The average cost for copying a house key is $2–5. Spare keys for high-security locks, stamped “Do Not Duplicate,” cost about $8–20. Simple car keys can be copied for as little as $10, but a transponder-chip key or high-tech car key fob can cost as much as $450.

The typical cost of key-copying services depends on the type of key you need. Standard house keys are the least expensive, but you’ll pay more for high-tech types. Replacement or duplicate car keys can reach hundreds of dollars. 

How much to get a vehicle key duplicated?
The cost for relatively new cars can range from $60–450, depending on the type of key and the car make and model. Most car key duplications can be performed at the dealership or by a professional locksmith. A locksmith will usually charge a little less.

Find key duplication services in your area.