Last Updated on June 11, 2026
Duplicating a car key in a locksmith shop, when you still have a working one, costs about $10 to $25 for a basic metal key, $60 to $190 for a transponder (chip) key, $70 to $235 for a high-security laser-cut key, and up to $400 for a smart fob. The cheapest way to copy a chip key is often cloning, copying the chip onto a new key in minutes without even hooking up to the car. A locksmith is usually 30 to 50 percent cheaper than the dealer, and copying is always far cheaper than replacing a key when every one is lost.
Car key copy price comes down to the type of key, whether it has a chip, and where you have it done. This page covers copying a key you still have, which is much cheaper than the higher car key replacement cost when all keys are lost.
Car key copy cost by key type
| Key type | Copy cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic metal key | $10 to $25 | Cut on a standard machine, no chip |
| Transponder (chip) key | $60 to $190 | Cut, plus chip cloned or programmed |
| High-security laser-cut | $70 to $235 | Milled on a special machine, usually chipped |
| Smart FOB / push-to-start | $150 to $400+ | FOBs alone can top $300 |
Basic metal key: $10 to $25
An all-metal key with no chip is cut on a standard machine in minutes. It is the cheapest car key to copy, and any locksmith or hardware store can do it. A hardware store or Walmart will copy a plain metal key for as little as $5 to $10.
Transponder (chip) key: $60 to $190
A chip key has to be cut and the chip either cloned or programmed to your car. Copying is cheaper than building a key from scratch because your working key proves the car already accepts the code. AutoZone and other parts stores may copy and programs some transponder keys for roughly $25 to $100; a locksmith typically runs $60 to $180, is faster, and cover more vehicles.
High-security laser-cut key: $70 to $235
Laser-cut (sidewinder) keys are milled down the center on a special machine, so the cutting costs more, and most also carry a chip that must be cloned or programmed.
Very few parts stores and big-box stores have the ability to cut a laser key. A locksmith is your best value here.
Smart fob / push-to-start: $150 to $400 or more
A proximity fob is the priciest to duplicate because the fob itself can run up to and over $300 for some vehicles. This is before cutting and programming costs. Buying the fob online and bringing it to a locksmith is often the cheapest route.
Cloning vs programming: the cheaper way to duplicate a chip key
This is the distinction that decides the price when you are copying a chip key, and it is what makes a duplicate cheaper than a replacement.
- Cloning copies the data off your existing chip onto a new key, so the duplicate sends the same signal and the car starts. It takes minutes, needs no PIN, and often does not even require the vehicle, which is why it is the cheapest, fastest way to make a spare from a working key. However, vehicle coverage is limited and often restricted to older cars.
- Programming registers a brand-new key into the car’s immobilizer as its own approved device. It needs diagnostic tools and sometimes a manufacturer PIN, so it costs more and takes longer. It is required when you have lost all keys or need a remote.
When you have a working key and just want a spare, ask whether it can be cloned, many transponders can, and you will usually pay less. Cloning’s one trade-off: the duplicate shares the original’s identity, so a lost cloned key cannot be erased from the car the way a programmed key can.
Car key copy cost by where you go
| Where | Basic metal key | Chip / transponder key |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware store / Walmart | $5 to $10 | Usually no; some chip keys $40 to $75 |
| AutoZone | ~$20 | $25 to $100 (cut and program, select cars) |
| Locksmith | $10 to $25 | $70 to $190, cloning often less |
| Dealership | $50 to $180 | $150 to $250+ |
| Online part + locksmith | part online, cut at shop | often the cheapest for fobs, price varies by part |
A locksmith is usually 30 to 50 percent cheaper than the dealer for a chip key or fob because of lower overhead, and a mobile locksmith comes to you. Hardware stores and kiosks only reliably copy basic metal keys.
What changes the price of a car key copy
- Key type: metal, transponder, laser-cut, or smart fob, as shown above.
- Clone vs program: cloning a working chip is cheaper and faster than programming a new one.
- Year, make, and model: newer and luxury cars use pricier fobs and tighter security.
- Requirement of programming codes (PIN codes). Some cars require that a pin code be pulled for their vehicle that increases cost that is passed on to the consumer.
- Where you go: locksmith vs dealer vs hardware store, and mobile vs in shop.
- Whether you supply the key or fob: bringing your own part online cuts the cost.
How long does it take to copy a car key?
A basic metal key is cut while you wait, a couple of minutes. Cloning a chip key takes only a few minutes more. Programming a new transponder or fob usually runs 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the car.
Cost to copy a key fob or remote
Duplicating a remote or key fob runs from about $50 for a simple remote up to $400 for a smart proximity fob, because the part itself is expensive and it must be paired to the car. If you still have a working fob, a locksmith can often clone or add a second one for less than the dealer charges. You can also order the part online and have it cut and programmed.
Why copying is cheaper than replacing a lost key
With a working key there is no code retrieval or origination, the locksmith simply copies what already pairs to your car, and can often clone it. When every key is lost, the cuts must be pulled from the VIN, a lock, or a code on the vehicle and the key built and programmed from scratch.
How to save on a duplicate car key
- Make a spare while you still have a working key, copying is far cheaper than replacing a lost one.
- Ask if your chip key can be cloned instead of programmed, it is usually cheaper and faster.
- Use a locksmith instead of the dealer, especially for chip keys and fobs.
- Buy the key or fob online and bring it in to be cut and programmed.
Can you duplicate a car key yourself?
You won’t be able to cut the key, unless you have a key machine, but you may be able to program the key/FOB yourself. On older cars that already have two working keys, the key or remote will be on board programmable. Meaning you go through a series of steps to add the key or remote to the car. See our automotive locksmith and car key programming services.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way to duplicate a chip key?
Cloning. It copies your working chip onto a new key in minutes, often without the car, and usually costs less than programming a brand-new key.
Does AutoZone or Walmart copy car keys?
They copy basic metal keys cheaply ($2 to $20). AutoZone can cut and program some transponder keys for about $20 to $90, but for most chip keys and fobs a locksmith handles more makes.
