Can AutoZone Duplicate Car Keys?

Yes—AutoZone can duplicate many car keys, including basic metal keys and a wide range of transponder keys and key fobs, though availability depends on your vehicle and the store’s equipment. In practice, they can cut standard keys in-store and sell/program compatible transponder keys and remotes for many popular makes and models, but high-security, push-button-start smart keys and some European brands often require a dealership or specialized locksmith.

What AutoZone Typically Can Duplicate

AutoZone stores commonly offer key cutting and can supply/program electronics for many mainstream vehicles. Here are the types of keys and remotes they most often support.

• Standard non‑transponder metal keys: Older vehicles that don’t use a chip (and many household keys) can usually be copied on the spot.
• Transponder (chipped) car keys: For many late‑1990s and newer vehicles (especially common U.S. and Asian brands), AutoZone can cut a compatible blank and provide a way to program it.
• Key fobs and remote keyless entry remotes: AutoZone sells compatible fobs for numerous models; programming is often DIY with an included handheld programmer or via in‑vehicle procedures.
• Select high‑security/later model keys: Some locations can handle “laser‑cut/sidewinder” keys if they have the correct machine and inventory.

Coverage is broad for everyday models, but it varies by store inventory, cutting equipment, and the programming methods your vehicle supports.

What AutoZone Generally Cannot Do

There are important exceptions. Certain key systems require specialized tools, security credentials, or dealer-only coding.

• Smart keys for push‑button start/proximity systems: Many late‑model proximity keys require dealer or advanced locksmith programming.
• European/luxury brands: BMW, Mercedes‑Benz, Audi, VW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, and some Subaru models often need dealer-level tools and security access.
• All‑keys‑lost on some immobilizer systems: If you have no working key, some vehicles need immobilizer resets or PIN codes not available in retail settings.
• Every laser‑cut/sidewinder key: Not all stores have sidewinder machines; even when cutting is possible, programming support may still be limited.

If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, a mobile automotive locksmith or dealership is usually the fastest path to a working key.

How the Process Works at AutoZone

The exact steps vary by vehicle, but most customers will follow a similar flow. Planning ahead helps ensure the store has the right blank and programming option for you.

1. Call ahead with your year, make, and model: Confirm that the store has the correct key blank or fob and whether they can cut it.
2. Bring documentation: Have a valid photo ID, your vehicle registration or title, and the vehicle’s VIN. An existing working key speeds things up.
3. Key cutting: The associate will duplicate your key using your original or a key code, when appropriate and available.
4. Programming, if needed: For transponder keys/fobs, many solutions include a DIY programmer or on‑vehicle steps you complete. Some stores may assist where permissible.
5. Test everything: Verify the blade turns the ignition/door and that immobilizer and remote functions work before leaving.
6. Consider a spare: Once you have one working electronic key, making an additional duplicate is usually quicker and cheaper.

Expect the cutting to be quick; programming time depends on your vehicle and whether DIY steps are involved.

Pricing Expectations

Costs vary by vehicle, part type, and location. These ballpark ranges reflect typical retail pricing for parts plus cutting/programming support.

• Standard metal keys: About $3–$10 for the blank and cutting.
• Transponder keys: Roughly $30–$80 for the blank; total with programming commonly $60–$150.
• Key fobs/remotes: Approximately $50–$200+ depending on model and features (e.g., remote start).
• Laser‑cut/sidewinder keys: If available, expect higher cutting charges and potentially higher blank costs.

Final pricing depends on your specific vehicle and the solution (in‑store assistance versus DIY programmer). Always confirm upfront.

What to Bring to the Store

Coming prepared helps the associate identify the right parts and ensures a smooth process, especially for any programming steps.

• Vehicle year, make, model, and trim (and engine if relevant).
• Existing working key (if you have one) for duplication or reference.
• VIN, photo ID, and proof of ownership (registration or title).
• Any instructions included with a replacement fob/programmer you purchased.
• Payment method and time to test the key/fob on site.

These details help the store verify compatibility and complete cutting accurately, and they may be required for security reasons.

Alternatives If AutoZone Can’t Help

If your vehicle’s key system isn’t supported at your local AutoZone, you still have several options.

• Automotive locksmith: Often the best balance of speed, cost, and capability for high‑security keys and all‑keys‑lost situations.
• Dealership: Necessary for many smart keys and brands with dealer‑only programming; typically pricier but guaranteed compatibility.
• Other retailers/hardware stores: Some have cutting and limited programming, particularly for basic and some transponder keys.
• Manufacturer or reputable online vendors: You may buy OEM or high‑quality aftermarket keys/fobs and then use a local pro to cut/program.

Compare total cost, turnaround time, and warranty coverage before deciding, especially for smart keys.

Frequently Asked Points

Can AutoZone program key fobs?

For many models, yes—often via a DIY programmer included with the fob or through in‑vehicle procedures. Availability depends on your vehicle; some systems require a locksmith or dealer.

Can they replace a lost key if I have no originals?

Sometimes. For many mainstream vehicles, AutoZone can provide a compatible key/fob and a way to program it. However, certain immobilizer systems and brands require dealer‑level tools or a locksmith, especially in all‑keys‑lost cases.

How long does it take?

Basic key cutting can take minutes. Programming can range from a few minutes to about 30–45 minutes depending on the vehicle and whether you perform DIY steps.

Do they duplicate house keys too?

Yes—most stores can duplicate common house keys and other standard metal keys.

Summary

AutoZone can duplicate many car keys and supply programming options for a wide range of transponder keys and key fobs, especially for common U.S. and Asian models. Limitations apply to high‑security, smart, and many European keys, where a locksmith or dealership is often required. Call your local store with your vehicle details to confirm availability, pricing, and programming steps before you go.

How much does AutoZone charge to replace a key?

AutoZone stores do offer key programming services, and the typical charge can vary but may range from $30 to $80, depending on the complexity of the programming process.

How much does it cost to duplicate a key?

If you’ve lost your house keys, a professional locksmith can easily make new keys for you. Replacing normal door keys ranges from R500 to R700. If the key is stuck in the lock or you want the lock replaced, the price ranges from R650 to R1000.

Does O’Reilly’s cut car keys?

You can order the keys online. With thousands of stores all over the United States, it is easier and less time-consuming to head to an O’Reilly Auto Parts store to get a key made than to locate a locksmith. They offer key-cutting services and have self-serve kiosks.

Can I make a copy of my car key at AutoZone?

while AutoZone does not offer cutting or programing services, you can find a wide selection of key fobs at your local AutoZone store.