Yes. A mobile auto locksmith can cut and program a new key for most cars at the roadside, even when every key is lost, using the lock or the car’s key code for the blade and a diagnostic tool to program the chip. You’ll need the V5C logbook and photo ID. A few newer models can only have keys added by the dealer, and a good locksmith will tell you before coming out.
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What to do, in order
5 steps. Try them in this order; the last one is when to call someone.
Find your proof of ownership
The V5C logbook and photo ID. Without them, an honest locksmith won’t make a key for the car.
Note the make, model, year and key type
Plain blade, remote key or smart key. It tells the locksmith whether they can do it, and roughly what it will cost.
Say whether you have a working key
Copying a key is quicker and cheaper than making one with nothing to copy.
Ask for a price and a time
Include cutting, programming and call-out. The locksmith comes to the car, so it doesn’t need moving.
Have lost keys deleted, then test
Ask for any missing key to be removed from the car’s memory, then lock, unlock and start the car with the new key before they leave.
What it costs
How to get a fair price for car key replacement.
Get the price before they set off
- It depends on the car, the key and the time of day, so most local locksmiths don’t publish prices.
- Ask for the full price, call-out included, when you call or message, and only agree once you have it.
- Where a locksmith publishes their own prices, we show them on their card, and on their profile with a link to their page.
Services that fix it
The service for this, and what it can turn out to need.
- Car key replacementA new key cut and programmed at the car, usually cheaper and faster than a dealer.
- Lost car keysAll keys lost: a new one made from scratch, including smart keys with a chip.
- Car key programmingThe key’s chip matched to the immobiliser, so it starts the car first time.
- Smart key programmingKeyless and proximity keys made and programmed for most makes.
- Delete lost keys from the carLost or stolen keys removed from the car’s memory, so they can’t start it.
Find a verified locksmith near you
Pick your town to see who covers it for car key replacement, and ask them for a price.
Questions
Can a locksmith make a car key without the original?
Yes, for most cars. The blade is cut from the lock or the key code, and the chip is programmed to the car’s immobiliser.
Can a locksmith make a smart key?
For most makes, yes, at the car. Some newer models need dealer-only access to add a key, which the locksmith can check from the make, model and year.
Will a locksmith program a key I bought online?
Some will, if the key is right for the car and good quality; others won’t, because cheap keys and chips can fail. Ask before you buy one.
How long does it take?
Copying a working key is often done within the hour at the car. Making a key with none left, or a smart key, takes longer.
Can a key be made from a photo or the registration?
No. The registration alone doesn’t give the cut, and the chip in a modern key has to be programmed to the car, so the locksmith needs the car, the lock or a key code, and proof that it is yours.
Other problems
- Locked your keys in the car? What to do
- Lost your car keys? How to get a replacement
- Car key fob not working? Causes and fixes
- Key won’t turn in the ignition? What to try
- Car key snapped or broken? What to do
- Spare car key: how to get one, and the cost
- How much does a replacement car key cost?
- Emergency locksmith near me? How to choose