How Much Is a Replacement Key for a Honda in 2025?
Expect to pay roughly $90–$220 for a basic Honda transponder key, $140–$250 for a remote-head key, and $220–$480 for a smart key/fob (push-button start); dealers typically run $50–$150 higher than mobile locksmiths, and “all keys lost” situations can reach $350–$650+ once programming, codes, and possible towing are included. Prices vary by model year, key type, and where you get the work done; below is a detailed breakdown and ways to save.
Contents
- What determines the price
- Typical price ranges by key type (United States, 2025)
- Dealer vs. mobile locksmith
- Ballpark costs by popular Honda models
- How to tell which key you need
- What you’ll need to get a Honda key made
- Step-by-step: getting a replacement key
- Ways to save
- Timing, warranties, and small extras
- Bottom line
- Summary
What determines the price
Several factors drive the cost of a Honda replacement key. Understanding these helps you estimate realistically and choose the most cost-effective route.
- Key type: mechanical (older models/emergency blade), transponder chip, remote-head, or smart/proximity fob.
- Model year and trim: newer models and higher trims often require pricier proximity fobs and dealer-level programming.
- Where you go: authorized Honda dealer vs. licensed automotive locksmith; dealers are commonly higher.
- Programming complexity: immobilizer pairing and remote functions add labor and equipment costs.
- All keys lost vs. spare: recovering immobilizer codes and potential towing increase the bill when no working key exists.
- Region and availability: prices vary by city and parts supply; same-day mobile service may carry a premium.
Taken together, these factors explain why quotes for seemingly “the same key” can differ widely between markets and providers.
Typical price ranges by key type (United States, 2025)
The following ranges reflect common retail pricing seen at franchised Honda dealers and licensed mobile locksmiths across major U.S. markets.
- Mechanical key (older Hondas; or emergency door blade on smart-key cars): $7–$35 for the blade and cut; does not include immobilizer/chip functions.
- Transponder chip key (most late-1990s–early 2010s keyed ignitions): $90–$220 total (blank + cutting + programming).
- Remote-head key (integrated remote + key blade, e.g., many 2008–2016 models): $140–$250 total.
- Smart key / proximity fob (push-button start; many 2013–2025 models): $220–$480 typical; $500–$650 not unusual at some dealers for certain trims.
- Programming only (you supply the correct new OEM fob/key): $60–$160 depending on tool access and model year.
- All keys lost add-ons: $10–$40 for key/immobilizer code lookup, $80–$150 for security reset; towing can add $0–$150 if the car can’t be reached or started.
Within each category, dealer quotes trend higher; locksmiths often discount the hardware and travel to you, which can offset programming charges.
Dealer vs. mobile locksmith
What to expect from each option
Both can supply genuine or high-quality OEM-equivalent keys and program immobilizers. The best choice depends on convenience, cost, and the specific model year.
- Dealer: access to Honda’s latest software, guaranteed part matching by VIN, and full documentation; typically the highest price.
- Licensed automotive locksmith: on-site service, generally 10–30% less, and faster turnaround; requires proof of ownership to obtain key codes.
- Online purchase + local programming: can save on the fob itself, but ensure the part number matches your VIN and that a local pro will program third-party-supplied parts.
For late-model smart keys, both dealers and well-equipped locksmiths can program successfully; ask about warranty on parts and programming before committing.
Ballpark costs by popular Honda models
These examples illustrate typical U.S. retail ranges for a duplicate vs. an “all keys lost” replacement; exact quotes depend on trim, location, and parts availability.
- Civic (2006–2011, transponder): duplicate $100–$200; all keys lost $200–$350.
- Civic (2016–2025, keyed trims like LX): duplicate $120–$220; all keys lost $220–$380.
- Civic (2016–2025, Smart Entry trims): duplicate $220–$420; all keys lost $320–$600.
- Accord (2008–2012, remote-head): duplicate $140–$250; all keys lost $240–$420.
- Accord (2013–2017, Smart Entry common on higher trims): duplicate $220–$450; all keys lost $320–$600.
- Accord (2018–2025, smart key prevalent): duplicate $240–$480; all keys lost $350–$650.
- CR‑V (2012–2016, mix of remote-head/smart): duplicate $150–$320; all keys lost $260–$550.
- CR‑V (2017–2025, smart key common): duplicate $230–$460; all keys lost $340–$640.
- Odyssey (2011–2017, remote-head): duplicate $150–$260; all keys lost $260–$450.
- Odyssey (2018–2025, smart key): duplicate $230–$470; all keys lost $340–$640.
- Pilot (2009–2015, remote-head): duplicate $150–$260; all keys lost $260–$450.
- Pilot (2016–2025, smart key): duplicate $230–$480; all keys lost $340–$650.
If your trim has factory remote start or hands-free tailgate, verify the exact fob part number by VIN to avoid compatibility issues and repeat programming charges.
How to tell which key you need
A quick self-check can narrow down the right replacement and prevent ordering the wrong part.
- Push-button start = smart/proximity fob (plus a small emergency door blade inside the fob).
- Metal key you insert to start, with a plastic head and no separate remote = transponder key.
- One-piece flip or fixed blade with lock/unlock buttons on the head = remote-head key.
- Older models with a simple metal key and no security light on the dash may be purely mechanical (rare on late-1990s+ Hondas in the U.S.).
If in doubt, a dealer parts counter or locksmith can confirm by VIN which key type your vehicle uses.
What you’ll need to get a Honda key made
Providers must verify ownership and access the correct key/immobilizer codes before cutting and programming.
- VIN (visible at the windshield or on the door jamb).
- Proof of ownership (registration or title) and a matching government-issued photo ID.
- Your exact year/trim, and whether any keys still work.
- For some cases, the key code (dealer/locksmith can retrieve electronically with proper authorization).
Having these ready speeds up code retrieval and helps avoid second trips.
Step-by-step: getting a replacement key
Here’s the typical process whether you choose a dealer or a licensed locksmith.
- Confirm key type and part number by VIN.
- Choose provider (dealer vs. locksmith) and request an out-the-door quote (parts, cutting, programming, travel/towing, taxes, fees).
- Provide documents so they can retrieve key and immobilizer codes.
- Cut the key or blade; then program immobilizer and remote functions on site or at the shop.
- Test starting, lock/unlock, trunk, remote start (if equipped), and proximity features.
- Store the key tag or code (if provided) and consider making a spare immediately.
Most duplicate jobs take 20–60 minutes once the correct part is on hand; “all keys lost” can take longer due to security resets and code retrieval.
Ways to save
Replacement keys can be expensive, but there are practical ways to cut the cost without compromising reliability.
- Use a reputable mobile locksmith for 10–30% savings vs. dealer in many markets.
- Price-match at the dealer using verified local quotes.
- Buy the correct OEM fob online (by Honda part number) and pay a pro to program—confirm they’ll program customer-supplied parts.
- Check insurance, roadside plans, dealer “key replacement” add-ons, or credit card benefits for partial reimbursement.
- Replace the key before you lose the last working one; duplicates are cheaper than “all keys lost.”
- Keep a non-remote mechanical copy (where applicable) as a low-cost door-entry backup.
The biggest savings come from acting while you still have a working key and shopping quotes from both a dealer and a licensed locksmith.
Timing, warranties, and small extras
How long it takes
With parts in stock, a duplicate is often same-day. Special-order smart fobs can take 1–3 business days. Mobile locksmiths frequently provide same-day service for most Hondas.
Warranties
Dealers typically warranty parts and labor for 12 months. Many locksmiths offer 90–365 days on parts/programming. Ask for the policy in writing.
Related small costs
Fob batteries (usually CR2032) run $3–$7 DIY; $10–$25 installed. If you only need a key cut from a working key code or photo, cutting alone is often $5–$25.
Bottom line
For most Honda owners in 2025, a replacement key ranges from around $90 for a basic transponder duplicate to $480 or more for a smart fob at dealership rates, with “all keys lost” scenarios pushing totals into the $350–$650+ range. Verifying the exact part by VIN, comparing a dealer quote with a licensed locksmith, and acting before you lose your last working key are the surest ways to control cost and downtime.
Summary
Honda replacement key costs depend on key type, model year, and provider: about $90–$220 for transponder keys, $140–$250 for remote-head keys, and $220–$480 (sometimes higher) for smart fobs, with dealers generally more expensive than mobile locksmiths. Bring your VIN and proof of ownership, confirm the correct part number, and compare quotes; duplicates are cheaper and faster than “all keys lost” replacements.
Can I get a duplicate key from Honda?
If you wish to purchase an additional key, contact a dealer. If you lose your key and you cannot start the engine, contact a dealer.
How much is a Honda replacement key?
How much does a Honda replacement key cost? There may come a time when you need to replace your Honda key fob or battery. The average price for parts and programming for a key fob is $149.00 to $459.00 plus tax. Prices will vary on the type of key fob (and key) that your Honda requires.
Do Honda dealerships replace keys?
Information. How can I get a replacement key fob for my Honda vehicle? 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.
How much should a replacement car key cost?
Average Cost Estimates
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.