The fastest way to copy a key depends on what kind of key it is and where you are
You can copy most household keys at a hardware store in minutes for $2 to $5 per copy. A locksmith will do the same job for $5 to $15 per key but can handle unusual or restricted keys that machines cannot read. For car keys with electronic chips, you need a locksmith or dealership — hardware stores cannot program them. Office keys and master keys often have restrictions stamped on them, meaning only the building manager or a locksmith with authorization can duplicate them.
The method you choose depends on three things: the type of key, whether it has restrictions, and how quickly you need the copy. A standard house key takes five minutes at a hardware store. A car key with a transponder chip takes 30 minutes to an hour at a dealership and costs $100 to $400. A restricted office key may require written permission from your employer or building owner.
Key Takeaways
- Hardware stores can copy standard house and padlock keys in minutes for a few dollars, but cannot copy car keys with chips or restricted keys marked "Do Not Duplicate."
- Locksmiths can copy almost any key, including restricted ones if you have permission, and can handle keys that machines cannot read.
- Car keys with electronic chips require a locksmith or dealership and cost significantly more because the chip must be programmed to your vehicle.
- Restricted keys marked with text or symbols cannot legally be copied without permission from the key owner or the organization that issued them.
Copying a standard house or padlock key at a hardware store
Walk into any hardware store — Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, or a local locksmith shop — with your original key. Most stores have a key-cutting machine near the front or in the tool section. Tell the employee you want a copy, hand them the key, and they will place it in the machine alongside a blank key. The machine traces the cuts on your original and reproduces them on the blank.
The whole process takes 5 to 10 minutes. You pay at checkout, usually $2 to $5 per copy. The copy will work in any lock the original opens. You can make multiple copies at once if you need them. This method works for house keys, apartment keys, padlock keys, and most older car keys without electronic components.
If the machine cannot read your key — because it is worn, damaged, or an unusual shape — the store employee will tell you. In that case, ask if they can do it by hand or refer you to a locksmith.
Using a locksmith for keys machines cannot copy
A locksmith has hand tools and knowledge that allow them to copy keys a machine cannot read. This includes keys that are worn smooth, bent, or made from unusual materials. Locksmiths can also copy restricted keys if you can show you own them or have permission from the owner.
Call a locksmith in your area and describe the key. They will tell you whether they can copy it and what it will cost. Most locksmiths charge $5 to $15 per key for standard copies, but more for restricted keys or keys that require hand work. Bring the original key with you. The locksmith will examine it, create the copy, and test it in your lock if you have the lock with you.
Locksmiths are also your option if you have lost your only key and need a copy made from a lock itself. They can pick or decode the lock and create a working key without the original.
Copying car keys with electronic chips
Modern car keys contain a transponder chip — a small electronic component that communicates with your car's ignition system. A hardware store key machine cannot copy these keys because it only reproduces the physical cuts. The chip itself must be programmed to your specific vehicle, or the key will not start the car.
You have two options: a dealership or a locksmith who specializes in automotive keys. A dealership will copy your key and program it to your car. This costs $100 to $400 depending on the car model and whether the key has a remote fob attached. The process takes 30 minutes to an hour. You will need to show proof of ownership — your registration or title.
An automotive locksmith can do the same job for $50 to $200, often faster than a dealership. Search online for "automotive locksmith near me" or ask your car insurance company for a referral. Bring your car keys and proof of ownership. The locksmith will program the new key at their shop or at your car.
Understanding restricted keys and "Do Not Duplicate" markings
Some keys have text stamped or printed on them that says "Do Not Duplicate" or "Restricted." This is a legal notice, not a technical barrier. It means the key owner — usually a business, government agency, or property manager — does not want copies made without their permission. A hardware store machine will refuse to copy these keys. A locksmith will also refuse unless you show written permission from the key owner.
Office keys, master keys, and keys to rental properties are often restricted. If you need a copy of a restricted key, contact the person or organization that issued it. For an office key, ask your manager or HR department. For a rental property key, contact your landlord or property manager. They can authorize a locksmith to make the copy, or they can make it themselves.
If you try to copy a restricted key without permission, a locksmith will ask for proof of ownership before proceeding. Copying a restricted key you do not own is illegal in most places.
What to do if your key is damaged or worn
A key that is bent, cracked, or worn smooth may not work reliably in your lock. Before you try to use it, test it in the lock to see if it turns smoothly. If it sticks, grinds, or does not turn all the way, do not force it — you risk breaking the key inside the lock or damaging the lock itself.
Take the damaged key to a hardware store and ask for a copy. If the machine cannot read it because the cuts are worn, a locksmith can examine the key and lock together to create an accurate copy. Bring both the key and the lock (or the door with the lock) if possible. The locksmith will decode the lock and cut a new key that matches.
If the key is bent, you can try to straighten it gently with a hammer and block, but this often does not restore the cuts accurately. A new copy is safer and faster.
Copying keys from a lock when you have lost the original
If you have lost your only key but still have the lock, a locksmith can create a working key without the original. This is called decoding the lock. The locksmith will examine the lock's internal pins and cuts, then cut a key that matches those specifications.
Bring the lock itself to the locksmith if you can remove it — for example, a padlock or a removable deadbolt. If the lock is built into a door, the locksmith will come to your home. They will use tools to read the lock's code and cut a key on-site. This costs $50 to $150 depending on the lock type and complexity. The process takes 15 to 45 minutes.
For car locks, a dealership or automotive locksmith can decode your car's ignition and create a new key. This is more expensive — $100 to $400 — because the key must be programmed. You will need proof of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I copy a key that says "Do Not Duplicate" on it?
A hardware store will refuse. A locksmith will also refuse unless you show written permission from the person or organization that issued the key. If the key belongs to you and you have permission from the owner, bring that permission in writing when you visit the locksmith.
How much does it cost to copy different types of keys?
A standard house key costs $2 to $5 at a hardware store. A car key with a chip costs $100 to $400 at a dealership or $50 to $200 at a locksmith. A locksmith hand-copying a worn or restricted key costs $5 to $15. Decoding a lock and creating a key from scratch costs $50 to $150.
What if the hardware store machine will not read my key?
Ask the employee if they can cut it by hand. If not, they will refer you to a locksmith. Bring the key and the lock together if possible — the locksmith can decode the lock to create an accurate copy even if the key is too worn to read.
Do I need to bring my car to the dealership to copy a car key?
Yes, for most vehicles. The dealership needs to program the new key to your specific car's computer system. You will need your registration or title as proof of ownership. Some locksmiths can program keys at their shop if they have the right equipment, but many still require the car present.
Can I copy a key myself at home?
Not reliably. A key-cutting machine requires precision that hand tools cannot match. If you try to file a key by hand, the cuts will likely be inaccurate and the key will not work or will damage the lock. Use a hardware store machine or a locksmith instead.