Anyone who’s ever lost a house key knows the panic of standing outside your own door. But finding a key copy near you is easier and cheaper than you might think. This guide compares prices from major retailers, kiosks, and locksmiths to help you decide where to go next time you need a spare.

4 related posts

Average cost for standard key copy: $2–$5 ·
Minute Key kiosk: $1.00–$4.00 ·
KeyMe kiosk: $3.99–$5.99

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact cost for car key fob duplication varies widely by model and programming needs
  • Whether all Schlage keys can be cut at every hardware store
3Timeline signal
  • In-store cutting typically takes 5–15 minutes; mobile locksmiths can arrive within 30 minutes
4What’s next
  • Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s continue to expand self-service kiosks
  • Smart keys and digital locks may reduce the need for physical copies long-term
Service or retailer Standard key cost Notes
Local hardware store $1.25–$2 Cheapest walk-in option (CostHelper)
Home Depot $1.50–$10 Wide range for house, padlock, specialty keys (Savings Grove)
Lowe’s $1.50–$10 Similar to Home Depot (Savings Grove)
Walmart $2–$6 Low-cost walk-in option (Savings Grove)
Ace Hardware $1.50–$8 Offers house, padlock, and some specialty keys (Savings Grove)
Minute Key kiosk $1.00–$4.00 Self-service, varies by region (LatestCost consumer cost blog)
KeyMe kiosk $3.99–$5.99 Simple keys start at $3.99 (The Pricer pricing research site)
AutoZone (car keys) $20–$100 Basic transponder keys (Savings Grove)
Advance Auto Parts (car keys) $20–$90 Automotive key duplication and programming (Savings Grove)
Mobile locksmith $85–$175 Service call before fob replacement (HomeGuide)
Car key fob replacement $50–$500 Depends on programming and make/model (LatestCost)
Locksmith (house key) Higher than hardware store Service fees add cost (LatestCost)

The pattern among retailers is clear: hardware stores and kiosks dominate the low end, while mobile locksmiths charge a premium for convenience.

How much does it usually cost to cut a key?

Eight key types, one pattern: standard house keys are the cheapest, while automotive transponder keys cost ten to a hundred times more. The chart above shows the range across retailers and service types.

Average costs for standard keys

For a basic pin-tumbler house key, you can expect to pay between $1.25 and $5. According to CostHelper consumer price guide, local hardware stores often charge just $1.25–$2. Meanwhile, HomeGuide home services cost estimator puts the overall range at $2–$5.

Cost differences: copy vs replace

Copying a key is almost always cheaper than replacing a lock. Rekeying a lock or installing a new lock cylinder can cost $20–$50, whereas a duplicate key is under $5. The value becomes even clearer when you factor in the convenience of having a spare.

Pricing at major retailers

  • Home Depot – $1.50–$10 for standard keys (Savings Grove consumer blog)
  • Lowe’s – $1.50–$10, similar range (Savings Grove)
  • Walmart – $2–$6, a low-cost walk-in option (Savings Grove)
  • Ace Hardware – $1.50–$8, including some specialty keys (Savings Grove)
  • AutoZone – $20–$100 for basic transponder car keys (Savings Grove)
  • Advance Auto Parts – $20–$90 for automotive keys (Savings Grove)
  • Minute Key kiosk – $1.00–$4.00 (LatestCost)
  • KeyMe kiosk – $3.99–$5.99 (The Pricer)
The upshot

Hardware stores and self-service kiosks are the cheapest for standard keys. For car keys, you pay a premium for the blank and the programming — AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts are the most affordable automotive options.

Bottom line: Standard key copying costs $1.25–$5 at most retailers. For car keys, expect $20–$100. The trade-off: convenience vs. cost — kiosks are fastest, locksmiths handle complex keys.

Which retailers offer key cutting services?

Most major home improvement and automotive stores cut keys, but the range of key types varies. The table below shows who does what.

Retailer Standard house keys Car keys Padlock keys
Home Depot Yes Limited (basic) Yes
Lowe’s Yes Limited Yes
Walmart Yes No Yes
Ace Hardware Yes Some Yes
AutoZone No Yes (transponder) No
Advance Auto Parts No Yes No
Minute Key kiosk Yes No Yes
KeyMe kiosk Yes Some (fobs) Yes

The pattern shows a clear split: general retailers serve house and padlock keys, while automotive specialists handle the pricier car key market.

Home Depot

  • Cuts standard house, padlock, and some specialty keys.
  • Pricing ranges from $1.50 to $10 (Savings Grove).

Lowe’s

  • Similar service to Home Depot, with comparable pricing.
  • Offers key duplication at the service desk.

AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts

  • Specialize in automotive keys, including transponder and basic remote fobs.
  • AutoZone reportedly charges $20–$100; Advance Auto Parts $20–$90 (Savings Grove).

Self-service kiosks (Minute Key, KeyMe)

  • Minute Key: $1.00–$4.00 per key (LatestCost).
  • KeyMe: $3.99 for simple keys, $5.99 for more complex types (The Pricer).
  • Available 24/7 in many locations (e.g., inside Walmart or 7-Eleven).
What to watch

Not all retailers cut every key type. Car keys with transponders require programming — only automotive stores and locksmiths can handle those. Check before you go.

Bottom line: Home Depot and Lowe’s cover basic and specialty keys, AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts handle car keys, and kiosks offer 24/7 convenience but no transponder support. The catch is that complex car keys require a specialist visit anyway.

Is it illegal to clone a key?

Key cloning is legal when you own the key and are making a personal copy. However, keys marked “Do Not Duplicate” or “Restricted” cannot be legally copied without authorization from the manufacturer or property owner. Locksmiths may refuse to copy such keys to avoid liability.

What is the difference between cloning and copying?

  • Copying: physically cutting a duplicate from the original key’s shape.
  • Cloning: electronically copying a transponder chip’s code to a new key fob. Often requires specialized equipment.

Legal restrictions in the US

  • No federal law prohibits key copying, but states may have specific regulations.
  • Copying a restricted key (e.g., “Do Not Duplicate”) may violate the manufacturer’s terms and could be considered trespassing if used to enter a property.
  • Locksmiths are trained to verify ownership before duplicating certain keys.

Are there anti-theft laws?

  • Most states have laws against possessing burglary tools, and a copied key used for theft can be evidence.
  • For car keys, cloning a transponder without the owner’s consent is illegal under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in some cases.
Bottom line: Copying your own keys is legal. Copying a restricted key or cloning a car key without permission is not. When in doubt, ask the locksmith.

“Basic house key duplication is commonly priced around $1.25-$2 at local hardware stores.”

— CostHelper (consumer price guide)

“A standard house key copy is often about $2-$5 overall in consumer cost guides.”

— HomeGuide (home services cost estimator)

The implication for anyone looking for a key copy near them is clear: for standard keys, head to a hardware store or kiosk and spend under $5. For car keys, expect to pay a premium and plan ahead. The convenience of a spare key far outweighs the cost of being locked out.

How long does key cutting take?

In-store cutting typically takes 5–15 minutes, depending on the queue and key complexity. Self-service kiosks are even faster — often under 60 seconds for a standard key. Mobile locksmiths can arrive within 30 minutes for an emergency call.

Typical turnaround at retailers

  • Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart: 5–15 minutes at the service desk.
  • Minute Key and KeyMe kiosks: instant self-service.
  • Automotive key programming: 30–60 minutes, as it may require diagnostic tools.

Mobile locksmith service times

  • Response time: 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on location.
  • Service fees: $85–$175 before the key cost (HomeGuide).
The trade-off

Kiosks are fastest and cheapest, but they can’t cut car keys with chips. For those, you wait longer and pay more — but you get a working key that actually starts the car.

Bottom line: For standard keys, kiosks deliver in under a minute. For car keys, expect at least 30 minutes plus programming time. Mobile locksmiths respond within an hour but add a service fee.

Are there key copy services open now near me?

For immediate needs, self-service kiosks offer 24/7 availability in many locations. Mobile locksmiths also provide after-hours emergency service. The map below shows typical options.

24-hour key cutting services

  • KeyMe kiosks are available around the clock inside many 24-hour stores.
  • Mobile locksmiths like Dyno Locksmiths national locksmith network offer 24/7 emergency callouts.
  • Local locksmiths in urban areas often list their hours on Google Maps.

Finding cheap and reliable services near you

  • Use Yelp or Google Maps to search “key cutting near me” and check reviews.
  • Compare prices: hardware stores are cheapest, kiosks are convenient, locksmiths handle complex keys.
  • Call ahead to confirm the key type and price — especially for car keys.

Upsides

  • Low cost for standard keys ($1.25–$5)
  • Fast turnaround (5–15 minutes in-store, instant at kiosk)
  • Wide availability at major retailers
  • 24/7 options via kiosks and mobile locksmiths

Downsides

  • Car key duplication is expensive ($20–$500)
  • Not all retailers cut all key types
  • Restricted keys may be refused
  • Kiosks cannot duplicate transponder keys
Bottom line: KeyMe kiosks and mobile locksmiths like Dyno give you 24/7 access, while hardware stores offer the lowest prices during business hours. The catch is that convenience costs extra for car keys.

Related reading: key copy prices and provider comparison · where to get keys made near you

Additional sources

latestcost.com, latestcost.com, angi.com, latestcost.com, art-of-lockpicking.com, thepricer.org

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Frequently asked questions

Can I cut a key myself with a file?

It’s theoretically possible, but highly impractical. Key cutting machines are precise to within thousandths of an inch. A hand-filed key is unlikely to work reliably and may damage the lock.

What types of keys cannot be copied?

Keys marked “Do Not Duplicate,” “Restricted,” or those with a patent-protected design cannot be legally copied without authorization. Many high-security keys (like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock) require special blanks only available from the manufacturer.

Do I need ID to get a key copied?

Most retailers do not require ID for standard house keys. However, for car keys or keys marked “Do Not Duplicate,” some locksmiths may ask for proof of ownership or registration.

How do I find a mobile locksmith near me?

Search “mobile locksmith near me” on Google Maps or Yelp. Check reviews and ask for a pricing estimate before they arrive. Expect a service fee of $85–$175 (HomeGuide).

Is key cutting the same as key duplication?

Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Key cutting refers to the physical process of cutting a blank to match the original key’s pattern. Key duplication is the outcome — a copy that works.

How do I know if a key is “Do Not Duplicate”?

Look for an engraving on the key head that says “Do Not Duplicate,” “Restricted,” or “Patent Pending.” Some keys also have a unique shape or keyway that prevents unauthorized copying.

Does Home Depot cut keys in Ireland?

Home Depot does not operate in Ireland. For Irish residents, retailers like Woodies, Tesco, and local locksmiths offer key cutting services. Prices vary — check with the specific store.