How much is a new Honda key?

In the U.S. as of 2025, a new Honda key typically ranges from about $5–$20 for an old-style metal key, $60–$180 for a transponder key, $120–$280 for a remote-head key, and $250–$450 for a modern smart key (push-button start), with mobile locksmiths often on the lower end and dealers on the higher end. Actual cost varies by model year, key type, whether all keys are lost, and where you source programming, cutting, and parts. Below, we break down the factors, typical price ranges, and ways to save.

What determines the price

Several variables influence what you’ll pay for a replacement Honda key or fob. Understanding these will help you compare quotes accurately.

• Key type: plain metal, transponder chip, remote-head (key with buttons), or smart key/proximity fob (push-button start).
• Model year and trim: newer Hondas (roughly 2013–2025) commonly use smart keys that require specialized programming.
• All keys lost vs. adding a spare: “all-keys-lost” jobs often cost more due to security procedures.
• Where you go: dealer service departments tend to be pricier; mobile automotive locksmiths can be cheaper and come to you.
• Programming and cutting: fees to cut the key blade and program the immobilizer/remote can be separate from the part price.
• Part type: OEM new fobs cost more than aftermarket; used fobs are hit-or-miss and dealers often won’t program them.
• Security code/VIN key code retrieval: there may be a fee to look up codes; proof of ownership is required.
• Towing or mobile service: dealers may require the vehicle on-site; locksmiths typically program on location.
• Regional labor rates and taxes: prices vary by city and state.

Taken together, these factors can swing the final price by a few hundred dollars, especially for smart keys and all-keys-lost situations.

Typical price ranges by key type (2025, U.S.)

Here are common ballpark figures for Honda key types, including typical parts and labor where noted. Your quote may differ based on market and model.

• Plain metal key (older models without immobilizer): $5–$20 for the blank and cutting.
• Transponder chip key (common on late-1990s to early-2010s trims): about $60–$180 total (blank $25–$60; cutting/programming $40–$120).
• Remote-head key (integrated buttons, many 2008–2016 models): about $120–$230 via locksmith; $160–$280 at a dealer.
• Smart key/proximity fob (push-button start, most 2013–2025 models): about $180–$350 via locksmith; $250–$450 at a dealer; add $10–$40 to cut the emergency key blade and $5–$10 for a fresh battery.
• Higher-end smart fobs (e.g., recent Pilot, Passport, Odyssey with remote start): frequently $280–$450+ depending on options and availability.
• All keys lost surcharge: commonly add $50–$150 for additional security procedures; towing to a dealer can add $100–$250 if required.

These ranges reflect typical U.S. retail pricing for parts plus labor; taxes, regional labor rates, and part availability can widen the spread.

Dealer vs. locksmith vs. buying online

Your sourcing choice can affect both price and convenience; consider the trade-offs before committing.

• Honda dealer: OEM parts, up-to-date software, and full support; usually the highest price. You may need to tow the vehicle if no key works.
• Mobile automotive locksmith: often 10–30% cheaper than dealers, with on-site cutting/programming. Many stock OEM or high-quality aftermarket fobs.
• Buy online and have it programmed locally: potential savings on the part, but ensure exact compatibility (FCC ID, part number, frequency). Some used Honda fobs cannot be reprogrammed or are unreliable; many dealers won’t program used fobs.

If you buy a part yourself, verify the exact FCC ID and Honda part number for your VIN to avoid compatibility problems and return hassles.

What you’ll need to get a new Honda key

Replacement keys involve security controls. Having the right documentation and details ready speeds things up.

• VIN and proof of ownership (registration or title) plus photo ID.
• Vehicle on-site or accessible for programming (smart keys typically require the car to be present).
• Existing working key (if duplicating) to reduce time and cost.
• Model year, trim, and features (e.g., remote start) to match the correct fob.
• FCC ID/part number from an existing fob (if available) for exact matching.

Dealers and licensed locksmiths use secure systems to retrieve key/immobilizer codes; expect them to verify ownership before proceeding.

Ways to save without sacrificing reliability

A few practical steps can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket cost while keeping OEM-level function.

1. Call at least three sources (dealer and two mobile locksmiths) with your VIN to compare out-the-door quotes.
2. Ask about OEM vs. aftermarket pricing and warranty; OEM is safest for smart keys, but some aftermarket options are solid.
3. If you still have one working key, duplicate it now; “all keys lost” is almost always more expensive.
4. Consider buying an OEM blank/fob from a reputable seller, but confirm part numbers first and ensure a local pro will program it.
5. Request a non-remote transponder spare for emergencies; it’s cheaper than a full remote/smart fob.
6. Check benefits: roadside assistance, credit card perks, auto insurance key replacement riders, or dealer plans can offset costs.
7. After replacement, store a second spare safely to avoid future “all keys lost” premiums.

A little planning—especially keeping a spare—can cut future replacement costs by hundreds of dollars.

Quick model-specific notes (2020–2025)

Recent Hondas lean heavily toward proximity smart keys; here are typical U.S. ranges seen in the field. Always verify for your exact trim.

• Civic (2022–2025): smart key; about $220–$360 via locksmith, $280–$420 at dealer.
• Accord (2018–2025): smart key; remote-start variants require specific fobs; about $240–$400 locksmith, $300–$480 dealer.
• CR‑V (2017–2025): most trims use smart keys; about $200–$370 locksmith, $260–$440 dealer.
• Pilot/Passport/Odyssey (2018–2025): higher-spec smart fobs; about $280–$450+ depending on features.
• HR‑V (2023–2025): smart key on most trims; typically $220–$360 locksmith, $280–$420 dealer.
• Ridgeline (2017–2025): smart key; commonly $250–$450 total.

Feature packages (like remote start or power tailgate) can change the required fob and price; quoting with your VIN prevents mismatches.

What the process looks like

Whether you choose a dealer or a locksmith, the workflow is broadly similar for modern Hondas.

1. Confirm the correct part by VIN (and FCC ID/part number where applicable).
2. Get an out-the-door quote that includes the part, cutting, programming, and any code/tow fees.
3. Provide ID and proof of ownership; schedule mobile service or bring/tow the car in.
4. Cut the key blade (if applicable) and program the immobilizer/remote functions.
5. Test lock/unlock, trunk, remote start (if equipped), and engine start; get a receipt and warranty details.

From appointment to final testing, most jobs take 30–90 minutes once the part is in hand; ordering a fob can add days if not in stock.

Summary

Expect to pay roughly $5–$20 for a basic metal Honda key, $60–$180 for a transponder key, $120–$280 for a remote-head key, and $250–$450 for a smart key, with locksmiths often undercutting dealers. Prices depend on year, trim, key type, and whether all keys are lost. To minimize cost and downtime, confirm the exact part by VIN, compare dealer and mobile locksmith quotes, and keep a spare on hand to avoid “all keys lost” surcharges.

How much does a replacement key cost?

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. The immobilizer chip in the key will also need to be programmed.

Can Honda cut a key from Vin?

With your VIN, and verification of ownership, such as a copy of your vehicle registration, our parts department will have no trouble at all making you a new key.

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

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.

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.