How Much Is a Honda Replacement Key in 2025?

Expect to pay roughly $5–25 for an old metal key, $100–250 for a transponder (chip) key, $150–350 for a remote-head key, and $300–600 (sometimes up to $700+) for a modern smart key fob, depending on your Honda’s year, model, and where you get the key made and programmed. Prices vary by region, availability, and whether you use a dealer, a mobile automotive locksmith, or buy the part online and pay only for cutting/programming. Below is a detailed breakdown to help you estimate your cost and choose the best route.

What You’ll Likely Pay by Key Type

Honda uses several key technologies across model years. The type of key your vehicle requires is the biggest driver of cost. Here’s what owners typically pay in 2024–2025.

• Non‑transponder (older, metal-only keys; mostly 1990s models): $5–25 to cut at a hardware store or locksmith; $20–60 if a key code lookup is needed.
• Transponder (chip) key (common on early 2000s–2010s models): $100–200 total at an automotive locksmith; $150–250 at a dealer (includes cutting and programming).
• Remote‑head key (key + built-in remote): $150–300 total, depending on model and provider.
• Laser‑cut/sidewinder blade (common on later models): add roughly $25–90 for cutting if not included in the quote; often bundled in the totals above.
• Smart key/proximity fob (push‑button start; common on 2013–present Accords, Civics, CR‑Vs, Pilots, Odysseys, etc.): $220–450 for the part; $300–600 all‑in at a dealer or qualified locksmith. Certain late‑model trims can run $600–700+ in high‑cost areas.
• Emergency insert key for smart fobs (the metal blade inside the fob): $20–60 to cut.

As a rule, the newer and more secure the key system, the higher the total cost—especially when programming advanced anti-theft features.

Dealer vs. Locksmith vs. Online: Which Route Costs What?

Your provider impacts price, convenience, and parts certainty. Here’s how the main options compare for most Honda models in 2025.

• Honda dealer: Highest likelihood of correct OEM parts and up-to-date software. Typical total: $150–250 for transponder keys; $300–600 (or more) for smart fobs. Expect possible key-code lookup and programming fees. Appointment and proof of ownership required.
• Mobile automotive locksmith: Often 10–30% cheaper than the dealer and can come to you (helpful if all keys are lost). Capable of cutting and programming most Hondas on-site, including smart keys. Ask for an all-in quote (part, cutting, programming, service call).
• Buy OEM/compatible fob online + pay for cutting/programming: Potentially the lowest cost for a spare if you already have a working key. You must match the exact part/FCC ID for your model/year, and not all used fobs can be reprogrammed. A locksmith or dealer still needs to program it.

Dealers offer the most straightforward path; locksmiths often win on price and convenience; DIY parts can save money if you source the exact correct component.

Extra Costs to Consider

Quotes can exclude add-ons. Factor in these common line items when budgeting for your Honda key replacement.

• Programming fee: $60–150 for transponders/remote-head keys; $100–200 for smart fobs.
• Cutting fee: $10–50 for standard; $25–90 for laser/sidewinder blades.
• Service call/mobile fee (locksmith): $50–120, depending on distance and timing.
• Key code/VIN lookup: $25–50 at the dealer with proof of ownership and ID.
• All-keys-lost procedure: $50–150 extra for immobilizer reset; towing to the dealer can be $100–250 if on-site programming isn’t available.
• Battery replacement (fob coin cell): $3–10.

Clarify up front whether the quoted price includes all parts, cutting, programming, service calls, taxes, and any immobilizer resets.

What Determines Your Price

Several practical factors influence where your total lands within the ranges above.

• Model and year: Newer Hondas with smart entry/push-start are the most expensive to rekey.
• Do you still have a working key? Adding a spare is simpler and cheaper than recovering from an “all keys lost” situation.
• Local labor rates and availability: Urban areas and dealer-only markets tend to cost more.
• Part sourcing: OEM fobs usually cost more than aftermarket; compatibility is critical.
• Security features: Some late-model systems require additional pairing steps or module re-learns.

In short, complexity, convenience, and geography drive final pricing as much as the key type itself.

How to Get a Honda Replacement Key

These steps help ensure you get the correct key quickly and at a fair price.

1. Gather your VIN, registration, and photo ID to prove ownership—dealers and reputable locksmiths require this.
2. Choose a provider (dealer, mobile locksmith, or parts-online-plus-programming) based on cost, timing, and convenience.
3. Match the exact part: verify blade type and, for fobs, the correct part number/FCC ID for your year, trim, and features.
4. Get an all-in quote in writing: include part, cutting, programming, service call, taxes, and any immobilizer reset or key-code fee.
5. Schedule service: most programming must be done with the vehicle present; mobile locksmiths can come to you.
6. On delivery, test everything: lock/unlock, trunk, remote start (if equipped), and engine start. If a key was lost, request disabling it in the system.

Proper documentation and part verification prevent repeat trips and surprise charges.

Quick Model-Year Guidance

Not sure which key you have? This high-level timeline helps set expectations.

• 1990s and earlier: Many Hondas used simple metal keys without chips; cheapest to replace.
• Late 1990s–early 2010s: Transponder (chip) keys became standard across most models; moderate cost.
• 2013–present: Widespread smart entry/push-button start on popular models (Accord, Civic, CR‑V, Pilot, Odyssey), driving higher fob and programming costs.

There are exceptions by trim and year; when in doubt, check your owner’s manual or consult a locksmith/dealer with your VIN.

FAQs

Here are answers to questions Honda owners frequently ask about replacement keys.

• Can I program a Honda key myself? Remote lock/unlock on some older models can be user-programmed, but immobilizer and smart keys generally require dealer- or locksmith-grade tools.
• Will a used fob work? Sometimes, but success varies. Many used fobs can’t be reliably reprogrammed; new or “virgin” fobs are safest. Always match the exact part/FCC ID.
• How long does it take? Cutting takes minutes; programming typically 15–45 minutes. Dealer appointments can add lead time, especially if parts must be ordered.
• Do I need to tow the car? Only if all keys are lost and on-site programming isn’t available. Mobile locksmiths can usually handle this without a tow.

When time is critical, a mobile locksmith is often the fastest path, especially if you’ve lost all keys.

Bottom Line

Budget $100–250 for a Honda transponder key, $150–350 for a remote-head key, and $300–600 (sometimes more) for a smart key fob in 2025. You’ll usually pay the most at the dealer, less with a qualified mobile locksmith, and potentially least by sourcing the correct OEM fob online and paying only for cutting and programming. Having a working key, the exact model/year, and local labor rates will determine where your total lands.

How much is a new key for Honda?

With brand new Honda keys cut and programmed from just £80 you would be mad not to get a spare from us today. We can even supply a full remote locking key when all keys are lost from as little as £140.

How much does it cost to replace a key on a Honda Accord?

There may come a time when you need a replacement Honda key or simply need a new battery. It’s a good idea to learn about the price and process beforehand. The average price for parts and programming for a replacement key is $160-$240.

How much does it cost to replace a key?

Traditional keys – Replacement costs typically range from $25 to $100. There’s no programming involved, a locksmith, or dealership cut the key for you. Transponder keys – Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 for a transponder key replacement.

Can Honda replace a lost key?

Any Honda dealer can make you a replacement key fob. Please be advised that the price for a replacement key fob is dependent upon your vehicle model as well as the dealership’s pricing. Each dealership is independently owned and operated and therefore sets their own pricing on parts and services they offer.