Car Key Duplication
Spare key cut and programmed for your vehicle, also called car key cutting. Having a backup before you need one is always the right call.
About this service
Getting a spare car key made before you lose the original is significantly cheaper and less stressful than an emergency replacement. We cut and program spare keys for most vehicles, including transponder keys and proximity fobs. A spare key for a household driver, kept in a safe place, is one of those things that seems unnecessary until it is not. We make the process simple and come to your location.
What you get
- Less expensive and less stressful than emergency replacement
- Both keys tested before we leave
- Mobile service comes to you
- Same visit as other automotive locksmith work when combined
- Covers most makes and models
Related Services
Residential Locksmith
Locked out of your home, need a lock rekeyed, or want a smart lock installed? Our residential locksmiths handle lockouts, rekeying, lock replacement and repair, deadbolts, smart locks, and gate locks.
Lock Rekeying
Change who can open your lock without replacing the hardware. Rekeying is fast, affordable, and the smart move when you move or lose a key.
Lock Replacement
Old, damaged, or low-quality locks put your home at risk. We replace residential locks with properly installed hardware that actually works.
Common Causes of Car Key Duplication
Wanting a backup before losing the original
Getting a spare made proactively is the most common reason for this service, well before any emergency happens.
Giving a spare to a household driver
Families with multiple drivers on one vehicle often need a second key made so both people have independent access.
Preparing a spare for a teen driver
Parents commonly request a duplicate key when a teenager starts driving a shared family vehicle.
Keeping a spare in a safe place at home or work
A hidden or secured spare key is a common precaution against being locked out away from home.
Replacing a worn-looking original before it fails
A key that looks worn but still works is sometimes duplicated proactively before it breaks.
A key fob getting low battery life over time
Some owners duplicate a proximity fob before the original's battery or components degrade further.
A vacation or extended trip requiring a backup key on hand
Travelers sometimes get a spare cut before a long trip specifically so a lost key doesn't strand them away from home.
Multiple household drivers sharing one vehicle
A single shared car with more than one regular driver is a common reason for a second key rather than passing one key back and forth.
Wanting a valet-specific key without trunk or glovebox access
Some vehicles support a limited-function valet key, which owners duplicate separately from their full-access key.
The Risks of DIY Car Key Duplication
Hardware store kiosks can't program chips or fobs
Self-service key kiosks handle basic blade cutting only, leaving a transponder or proximity duplicate non-functional for starting the car.
Poor blade cutting accuracy
Kiosk cutting can be less precise than a locksmith's calibrated equipment, leading to a key that works inconsistently in the door or ignition.
No verification the duplicate actually starts the vehicle
Self-service kiosks don't test the final key against your car's immobilizer system.
Wasted cost on a non-functional duplicate
Attempting a DIY duplicate of a transponder key at a big-box kiosk often results in paying for a key that doesn't actually work.
Blade wear from a low-quality duplicate
Inexpensive duplicate blanks can wear down faster than OEM-quality keys, leading to a shorter-than-expected lifespan.
No fob battery or seal check included
A DIY duplicate proximity fob purchased online may arrive with an already weak battery or a poor seal against moisture.
Big-box kiosk duplicates cut from a worn original
A duplicate cut from an already-worn key can carry forward inaccuracies, resulting in a copy that's worse than the original from day one.
Assuming a valet key can be self-programmed with limited function
Configuring a key to exclude trunk or glovebox access typically requires manufacturer-level programming that a basic duplication service doesn't provide.
Not testing the duplicate away from the original vehicle location
A duplicate that seems to work at the counter can still fail intermittently, and issues are sometimes not obvious until it is relied on solo.
What Affects the Cost
- Key type (basic blade, transponder, or proximity fob)
- Vehicle make and model
- Whether the original key is available to duplicate from directly
- Mobile service location
Palmetto State Locksmith vs. DIY vs. Dealership
| Palmetto State Locksmith | DIY | Dealership / Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Both cutting and chip programming handled on-site | Hardware store kiosks handle simple blade duplication only | Handles both, but at higher cost and with an appointment needed |
| Both keys tested before we leave | No verification the duplicate actually works with the vehicle | Verified, but requires scheduling |
| Mobile service comes to you | Requires a trip to a store with a kiosk | Usually requires a vehicle drop-off |
How it works
- 1
Bring your existing key
Or give us your VIN and we look up the key profile. Having the original makes cutting faster.
- 2
Key duplication
Blade cut to match the original. For transponder keys, chip type identified and programmed.
- 3
Programming if needed
Transponder and proximity keys programmed to the vehicle on-site.
- 4
Test both keys
Original and new key both tested so you leave with two working keys.
Car Key Duplication: available in your city
Where we work
Car Key Duplication questions
Can a hardware store duplicate my transponder key?
Do I need to bring my car in to get a spare key made?
Is car key cutting the same thing as car key duplication?
Ready to talk about car key duplication?
Quotes are free and there is no obligation.