 | Basic Key Copy: $1.25-$2 |
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 | High Security Key Copy: $8-$20 |
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 | High: Car Keys Can Run $50-$175 with Activation |
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| Typically keys are copied by a machine that traces the outline of the original key and cuts that pattern into a key blank of the same brand and model number. However, duplicating some modern keys can mean cutting an entirely new key based on recorded information (rather than tracing an existing key), or may require a special key blank embedded with an electronic/transponder chip. | | |
| Typical costs: | - For $1.25 -$2 you can get a basic door or car key copied at most local hardware stores. The copying is done by a store employee who may or may not have training on how to copy keys.
- A local locksmith may charge $1.50 -$4 for a standard key, but will have a much larger inventory of key blanks than chain or hardware stores, and the employees are usually well-trained on how to copy keys. Costs will vary based on the wholesale price of the specific type of key blank needed, the prevailing local rates and the amount of competition in the area. Copying a luggage key starts around $5 -$7 and goes up depending on the brand (and there's often a discount for additional copies of the same key). Duplicating a safe or skeleton key starts around $5 -$7 each and goes up, depending on the brand of key blank needed.
- Having a standard key copied onto a distinctive and colorful key blank printed with anything from flowers or rainbows to sports team logos or cartoon characters runs around $3 -$6. These brightly printed key blanks are usually available at both chain stores and locksmiths.
- Duplicating a key for a high-security lock such as a Medeco lock runs about $8 -$20 or more, and usually can only be done with proper documentation at the authorized dealer who installed the lock. Medeco locks have a patented key which can't be copied by tracing it. Instead, each duplicate key is cut individually, using a series of numbers recorded at the time the lock was installed.
- Many new cars now come with a key embedded with an electronic or transponder chip, which makes it harder to steal the car but increases the cost for copying the key. Just the key blank for this type of key averages about $30 -$50, but can run anywhere from $20 -$100 or more depending on brand and whether you buy the blank from a locksmith (usually less expensive) or the auto dealership. The additional charge for the required programming to activate the key blank runs around $30 -$75, bringing the total cost to about $50 -$175 or more.
What should be included: | - Generally locksmiths will not duplicate a key that is stamped "Do Not Duplicate."
- Many locksmiths now have specialized computer equipment to program transponder chip keys, but a single locksmith will not necessarily be equipped to program all brands. And a few brands require two copies of the original key in order to program a duplicate key -- if you don't have two keys available, you'll have to get the duplicate key from the car dealership. Note: Copying an embedded car key onto a standard key blank will produce a key that will let you unlock the car doors but not start the engine -- and some locksmiths are unwilling to make this type of copy.
Shopping for a key copy: | |
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Article updated December 2008 |
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