Car Key Duplication
Make a spare car key on-site. Cheaper and faster than the dealer.Mobile service across Charlotte & Lake Norman, NC.
Having only one car key is a guaranteed problem waiting to happen. The cost of duplicating a key NOW ($75-$220) is always less than the cost of replacing a lost-only-key situation later ($150-$300+). We come to you and cut + program a spare in 30-60 minutes.
For older mechanical keys, we cut from your original at the curb in under 10 minutes. For transponder and smart keys, we cut the blank and then program the chip — both done on-site.
One important distinction: duplication needs a working original key. If you've lost every key you own, that's a different job — car key replacement — with its own pricing. We run car key replacement in Charlotte calls daily, so lost-key turnaround is usually same-day.
How much does a locksmith charge to replace car keys, as opposed to copying one? It depends on the key type and the make: a basic transponder key sits at the low end, a push-to-start smart key at the high end, and an all-keys-lost job adds the security steps on top. We quote the exact number on the phone before anyone drives out; the full dealer-versus-locksmith breakdown by key type is in our car key replacement cost guide.
Pricing
Flat-rate pricing confirmed on the phone before we dispatch. No hidden fees.
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
Mechanical metal key (pre-2000) | from $75 |
Transponder key (~2000-2015) | from $145 |
Remote flip key | from $165 |
Smart proximity key (push-to-start) | from $210 |
Japanese luxury smart key (Lexus, Acura, Infiniti) | from $295 |
What's included
- Cut from original key
- Programmed if needed
- Same-day service
- All major brands
How it works
- 1
Tell us what you drive
Year, make, model. We confirm the key type and price on the phone.
- 2
We arrive with the right blank
Pre-loaded with the right firmware. 15-30 min to your location.
- 3
Cut the blank
Either from your original key (faster) or from your VIN (also works). Cut takes 2-5 min.
- 4
Program if needed
Transponder and smart keys get programmed using your original as the master. 10-30 min depending on make.
Why choose us
- Cheaper than getting stranded with a lost key later
- On-site service — never have to visit a dealer
- Cheaper than dealer key duplication by up to 75%
- Works with your original key as the master (faster than 'all keys lost' programming)
- 20+ brands supported
Common scenarios
Real situations we get called for — and what they typically cost.
Single working key, want a spare
The right time to do this is BEFORE you lose the original. We cut and program a duplicate using your original as the master.
Two-driver household
Each person needs their own key. We make extras while we're there at $5-10/each for mechanical, $30-50/each for programmed copies.
Hardware store cut doesn't start the car
Common scenario — they cut the metal but couldn't program the chip. Bring it to us and we program it for $100-150.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a locksmith charge to replace car keys?+
It depends on the key type and the make. Copying a key while you still have a working one is the cheapest version; replacing a lost key means cutting from the VIN code and erasing the old keys, which adds time. We quote the exact price on the phone before anyone drives out, and our car key replacement cost guide lists typical locksmith and dealer numbers by key type.
How fast can you arrive?+
Mobile units typically arrive within 15-30 minutes anywhere in the Charlotte / Lake Norman service area. We dispatch the closest available technician.
Are you really cheaper than a dealership for car keys?+
Yes — up to 75% less than dealer pricing on most makes and models. We program transponder keys, key fobs, and smart keys on-site without needing to tow your vehicle.
Do you charge for an estimate?+
No. We provide a written quote before any work begins. If you decide not to proceed, there is no charge.
Need a locksmith now?
Mobile units arrive in 15-30 minutes. Quote before we start.
