Getting a key remade usually costs $2-$10 for a basic house-key copy, $50-$250 for many programmed car keys, and up to $500 or more for some smart keys or all-keys-lost situations. The price depends on the key type, whether a working original is available, programming needs, and whether a locksmith must travel to the vehicle or home.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic house key copy | $2 | $5 | $10 | Per key, cut from a working key |
| Restricted or specialty house key | $8 | $20 | $50 | May require authorized ordering |
| Basic vehicle key | $10 | $35 | $100 | Without a transponder chip |
| Transponder or remote key | $50 | $150 | $300 | Cutting and programming included in typical estimates |
| Smart or proximity key | $150 | $300 | $600 | Vehicle model and availability drive price |
Typical prices for house, car, and specialty keys
For a standard house key copied at a hardware store, expect about $2-$6 each; a simple key made by a locksmith is often $5-$15. A high-security, restricted, or unusual key generally costs $10-$50 to duplicate, and some manufacturers require proof of authorization or a specific dealer to supply blanks.
Vehicle keys have a wider range because many contain electronic components. A basic, non-chip car key copied from an original commonly costs $10-$50. A transponder key typically runs $50-$150 when a locksmith can cut and program it, while a remote-head or smart proximity key commonly totals $150-$400. Certain newer luxury or security systems can exceed $500.
For a routine duplicate, the original key keeps the price low; replacing a lost key usually costs substantially more. A replacement made without an original may require code lookup, vehicle access, extra programming, or a trip to the car. These figures assume ordinary access, standard service hours, and commonly available key blanks; local labor and vehicle make can change the quote.
Assumptions: U.S. prices for one key, normal access, and standard daytime service; taxes and unusual vehicle security work may be extra.
What cutting, programming, and service add to the quote
A key quote may combine the blank, cutting, electronic programming, and service charges. Ask whether the quoted total includes all of these items. A low advertised price may cover only the blank or cutting, while a working vehicle key requires programming and a mobile visit.
| Quote component | Typical price | When it applies | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic key blank | $1-$10 | Common house or metal car key | Per blank |
| Specialty blank or fob | $20-$250 | Chip, remote, or proximity key | Per key or fob |
| Cutting | $2-$30 | Mechanical key blade needs shaping | Per key |
| Programming | $30-$150 | Transponder, remote, or smart key | Per vehicle or key |
| Mobile service | $25-$100 | Technician travels to the location | Trip fee, sometimes by distance |
| Lockout or after-hours service | $50-$200 | Urgent access or nighttime call | Call-out charge, plus key work |
Cutting a basic key is quick, but programming can require specialized diagnostic equipment and a compatible blank. A locksmith may charge a combined rate rather than itemizing each task. A typical labor rate for locksmith work is about $75-$150 per hour, though many key jobs have a minimum service charge instead of a strict hourly bill.
Confirm whether the estimate is a complete, programmed key price or just a cutting price. For vehicle work, ask if the technician will verify that the key starts the car and operates the remote before payment.
How key type and vehicle security change the price
The key’s physical design and security system determine which blank and tools are needed. A basic blade key can be copied on a standard key machine. Laser-cut or sidewinder keys need more specialized equipment, and a transponder adds electronic pairing. Smart keys may need both a fob and a vehicle-specific programming procedure.
On many older vehicles, a basic key without a chip can cost $10-$50 to duplicate. A transponder key often costs $50-$150, while a remote-head key may reach $100-$250. For proximity systems, allow roughly $150-$400 for common models, with some dealer-only or luxury keys reaching $400-$600 or more.
Vehicle age and model matter as much as the key category. Some cars allow an owner to pair an additional key when two programmed keys are already available; others require professional equipment. If all keys are lost, a technician may need to access the vehicle, retrieve security information, or reset the system. That can add $50-$200 or more to an ordinary replacement estimate.
House keys also vary. Restricted keyways can cost $15-$50 per copy and may require a security card or written permission. A broken key that must be extracted can add approximately $50-$150, depending on the lock and whether the cylinder is damaged. A replacement key is not the same service as rekeying a lock, which changes the lock to work with a different key.
Chip, laser-cut, and proximity systems are the biggest price jumps compared with ordinary metal keys. A quote should identify the key technology, whether the blank is included, and whether the final key is cut and programmed for that specific vehicle.
When all keys are lost or a mobile visit is needed
Having no working key usually raises the bill because the locksmith cannot simply copy the existing blade or read its electronic information. For a house, a locksmith may decode the lock or replace or rekey its cylinder. For a car, the technician may need to gain entry, identify the vehicle’s key code, cut a new key, and program it from scratch.
For common vehicles, an all-keys-lost replacement may cost about $150-$400 for a transponder key and $250-$600 for a smart key, including typical mobile labor. Difficult security systems, unavailable parts, or dealer-only programming can push the total higher. A home lock rekey often costs $20-$50 per cylinder, with a service-call minimum commonly adding $50-$100.
Mobile locksmith charges usually range from $25-$100 for travel, but some companies fold travel into a minimum job price. After-hours, weekend, or roadside calls can add $50-$200. Long-distance travel, locked garages, damaged ignition cylinders, or a vehicle parked in a restricted area may also require extra work.
For programming, a common job may take 20-60 minutes once the technician has the correct key and vehicle access. An all-keys-lost job can take 1-2 hours or longer if security procedures, parts sourcing, or troubleshooting are involved. Request the trip charge and the all-keys-lost price before dispatch, not after the technician arrives.
Locksmith or dealership pricing for a replacement key
A mobile automotive locksmith often charges about $100-$350 for a programmed replacement on a mainstream vehicle, depending on the key type and whether an original is available. A dealership commonly charges $150-$500 for many programmed keys and may quote $400-$700 or more for some smart keys, luxury models, or vehicles that need towing to the service department.
Dealership service can be necessary when a key is restricted to dealer supply, the vehicle has a newer security system, or the manufacturer requires special procedures. A locksmith may have a lower total, but not every locksmith carries blanks or programming equipment for every make and model. A low quote is not useful if the provider cannot complete the specific vehicle’s programming.
Compare the total price with the same scope: key blank, cutting, programming, travel or towing, and any tax. Ask whether the provider’s key is original equipment or aftermarket, and whether it includes a warranty. For a replacement made from a working key, also confirm that the new key will not erase or disable existing keys.
The best comparison is a complete, vehicle-specific quote rather than a headline price for “key cutting.” Provide the year, make, model, trim if known, and whether any working keys remain. That information helps providers avoid quoting a basic blade when the car actually requires a programmed fob.
Three realistic key-remake quotes by job scope
| Example | Key and service | Estimated total | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| House duplicate | One standard brass key, copied in store | $3-$8 | One blank and cut |
| Car spare | One transponder key, cut and programmed at the vehicle | $100-$220 | $50-$120 key and programming, plus $25-$100 visit |
| Lost smart key | One proximity fob for a common vehicle, mobile all-keys-lost service | $250-$550 | $150-$350 fob and programming, plus $50-$200 service |
These examples assume standard daytime appointments and an accessible location. A basic house duplicate usually takes a few minutes. A vehicle spare may require 30-60 minutes, while an all-keys-lost smart-key job can take 1-2 hours or longer.
For the transponder example, the service portion may represent about 0.5-1.5 labor hours at $75-$150 per hour, although minimum charges and bundled pricing are common. The smart-key example may require specialized tools and a model-specific fob, so the estimate can vary considerably between a locksmith and dealership.
Use these totals as comparison points, not fixed national prices. A quote outside the range can still be reasonable if the vehicle uses a scarce key, requires towing, or needs additional security work; the provider should explain the added item clearly.
Ways to lower the price without sacrificing a working key
Making a spare while one working key remains is often the most effective way to avoid an all-keys-lost charge. For a basic car key, that may mean paying $10-$50 rather than several hundred dollars for a programmed replacement and mobile call-out. Households with several vehicles can ask whether one visit can cover multiple keys or cars at the same address.
Compare at least two complete quotes from locksmiths and, when appropriate, the dealership. Give each provider the same vehicle details and ask for a written or texted breakdown that includes the blank, cutting, programming, trip charge, and taxes. Check that the key type matches the vehicle; a cheaper unprogrammed fob may not start the car.
For a house, check whether a standard hardware-store duplicate is permitted before paying for locksmith service. Restricted keys, specialty profiles, and locks with security cards may require authorized ordering. If the concern is a lost house key, ask whether rekeying the existing lock is more economical than replacing the entire lockset; a typical rekey is $20-$50 per cylinder plus any service minimum.
Scheduling during business hours can avoid a $50-$200 after-hours premium. If the vehicle is safely parked and a working key remains, arrange a routine appointment instead of an emergency roadside call. Avoid buying a used fob without first confirming compatibility, because frequency, chip type, and vehicle programming requirements can make an inexpensive part unusable.
Preserving a working key, choosing routine service, and comparing like-for-like quotes usually offer the most reliable savings. Do not select a quote solely by its advertised starting rate; ask what would make the total rise and whether the provider guarantees that the key will operate the lock or vehicle.
Questions that clarify a key-remake estimate
Does a hardware store make car keys? Many stores duplicate basic metal keys and some sell or program selected vehicle keys. Coverage depends on the vehicle and key system, so confirm that the store can cut and program the exact key before making a trip.
Is a duplicate cheaper than replacing a lost key? Usually. A duplicate made from a working key commonly avoids code retrieval, lock decoding, or all-keys-lost programming. The difference can be small for a simple house key but $100-$300 or more for some vehicles.
Can a locksmith make a key without the original? Often, but the method and price depend on the lock or vehicle. A house locksmith may decode the cylinder; an automotive locksmith may use vehicle information and diagnostic tools. Proof of ownership may be required for vehicle work.
Does a new car key include programming? Not always. Some advertised prices cover only the blank or cutting. Ask whether programming, remote functions, and testing are included, and whether the quote changes if every existing key is lost.
When is rekeying cheaper than replacing a lock? If the lock works and only the key access needs to change, rekeying is often less expensive than replacing the hardware. If the cylinder is damaged, obsolete, or incompatible with the desired key system, replacement may be necessary.
For any estimate, the most useful details are the key type, the number of working keys, the vehicle year and model or lock type, and the service location. A complete quote should state the final expected charge and the specific work included.