How to get a duplicate key for Honda

The quickest way to get a duplicate Honda key is to contact a Honda dealership or a licensed automotive locksmith with your VIN and proof of ownership; they can cut and program a replacement key or smart fob, typically within the same day, with costs ranging from about $5–$25 for a basic metal key to $250–$600 for a smart key fob. The exact process depends on your model, year, and whether you still have a working key.

What you’ll need to get started

Before anyone can cut or program a Honda key, you’ll be asked to prove you own the vehicle and to provide details that let the dealer or locksmith identify the correct key blank and immobilizer procedures. Having these items ready speeds things up and helps avoid repeat trips.

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), found on the dash plate at the base of the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb
• Proof of ownership (registration or title) and a government-issued photo ID
• Existing working key or fob (if you have one), which may allow cheaper cloning or faster programming
• Key code (if available), often printed on the original key tag or stored in dealer/NASTF databases
• Model, trim, and year information to determine key type (metal, transponder, remote head, or smart/proximity)
• For motorcycles/powersports: the key code tag, and model year to check if HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) is present

With these details, a dealer or certified locksmith can source the correct key blank or fob, cut the blade to factory specs, and complete immobilizer registration without guesswork.

Where to get a duplicate key

Several legitimate channels can produce a Honda duplicate key. Each option balances convenience, cost, and capability, especially for anti-theft programming on newer models.

• Honda dealership: Access to OEM parts, key codes, and factory immobilizer software (i-HDS). Often the most straightforward route, especially for 2014+ smart keys.
• Licensed mobile automotive locksmith: Usually faster on-site service and competitive pricing; can cut laser/sidewinder keys and program transponders and smart fobs using approved tools. Look for NASTF-registered Vehicle Security Professionals in the U.S.
• Big-box/hardware kiosks: Suitable for non-transponder metal keys and some older transponder “cloning,” but typically cannot program late-model smart keys or integrate immobilizers.
• Online OEM/aftermarket fobs and blanks: Buy the correct part by part number, then pay a dealer or locksmith to cut/program. Some dealers won’t program third-party parts; confirm policies in advance.

For most owners, a certified locksmith or dealer provides the best blend of reliability and security, particularly for transponder and smart keys that require immobilizer pairing.

Typical costs and timelines (2024–2025)

Costs vary by key type, parts availability, and local labor rates. The following ranges reflect common U.S. market pricing for Honda vehicles.

• Non-transponder metal key (older models): $5–$25 to cut
• Transponder key (chip key, many 1998–2013): $120–$300 total (cut + program)
• Remote head key (blade + buttons): $180–$400 total
• Smart key/proximity fob (push-button start, many 2014+): $250–$600 total
• Motorcycles/powersports: $50–$300, more if HISS immobilizer programming is required
• Cutting a laser/sidewinder blade: typically $30–$75 if priced separately
• Programming labor: often $80–$160 of the total; 15–60 minutes, longer if all keys are lost
• Towing (if no working key and dealer is required): $0–$150, location dependent

Having at least one working key usually reduces both time and cost. Losing all keys can add diagnostic wait times for immobilizer resets and, occasionally, towing.

Step-by-step: Duplicating a Honda car key

Although specifics vary by model year and key type, most duplicate key jobs follow a similar sequence. This roadmap helps you anticipate each step and avoid common pitfalls.

1. Identify your key type: metal only, transponder chip, remote head, or smart/proximity fob.
2. Call a Honda dealer or licensed automotive locksmith with your VIN, model/year, and proof of ownership to confirm parts and programming requirements.
3. Order or source the correct OEM (preferred) or high-quality aftermarket blank/fob; verify FCC ID and part number compatibility for remotes/smart keys.
4. Have the key blade cut by key code or by duplicating your existing key; laser/sidewinder blades need specialized machines.
5. Program the immobilizer/fob: dealers use Honda i-HDS; qualified locksmiths use approved tools and security credentials to access key/immobilizer codes.
6. Test everything: engine start, remote lock/unlock, trunk, panic, and proximity functions (for smart keys). Check that the immobilizer light behaves normally.
7. Store the key code and part numbers securely (not in the glovebox) to streamline any future replacements.
8. Consider making a second spare while the tools are connected—it’s typically cheaper and faster when done in the same session.

If any step stalls—commonly due to incorrect part numbers or missing documents—pause before cutting or programming to avoid nonreturnable parts or extra labor charges.

Special cases and practical tips

If you’ve lost all keys

All-keys-lost scenarios require “key origination,” which means creating a key from your VIN/key code and registering it to your immobilizer. Expect a longer visit and possibly towing if a mobile locksmith isn’t available.

• Have your VIN and proof of ownership ready so the provider can retrieve the key code and immobilizer data.
• Plan for immobilizer resets and a security “wait time” during programming; newer Hondas often require dealer- or VSP-level tools and credentials.
• For some older motorcycles with HISS or bikes that once used a red “master” key, procedures can be stricter; consult a Honda motorcycle dealer.

Most modern Honda ECUs do not require replacement for lost keys, but smart key systems will usually erase all old keys and register new ones for security.

Push-button start and Smart Entry notes

Smart key (proximity) systems introduced broadly across Honda lines in the mid-2010s need specialized programming. Keep in mind:

• The emergency metal key inside the fob must be cut to your car to unlock doors if the fob battery dies.
• In many Hondas, you can start the car with a weak/dead fob battery by holding the fob near the start button and pressing it with the brake applied.
• Programming new smart keys typically requires erasing and re-adding keys via i-HDS or equivalent; DIY programming isn’t supported.

Verify the correct fob by FCC ID and part number; visually identical fobs may not be compatible across years and trims.

Honda motorcycles, scooters, and powersports

Key procedures for Honda bikes vary by market and model year. Some models feature HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) immobilizers, especially outside North America.

• If you have the original key code tag, a dealer or locksmith can cut a new key without the bike present.
• On HISS-equipped models, replacement keys may need to be registered to the ECU; some procedures require two keys. A dealer visit is often necessary.
• When no code is available, locksmiths can originate a key from the ignition or seat lock; costs rise if immobilizer programming is involved.

Call a Honda motorcycle dealer with your VIN to confirm whether your model year has HISS and what documentation is required for key origination.

Older models and DIY programming

For many pre-2014 Hondas with a separate key and remote, owners can sometimes program the remote lock/unlock functions with an ignition/door-lock sequence described in the owner’s manual. However, the immobilizer chip still requires dealer/locksmith programming unless a locksmith performs a transponder “clone,” which duplicates the chip ID from a working key. Cloned keys will both appear as the same key to the car, which means a lost clone can’t be individually removed from the vehicle’s memory.

Security, legality, and avoiding scams

Reputable providers will require proof of ownership and ID. In the U.S., look for NASTF-registered Vehicle Security Professionals and check state locksmith licensing where applicable. Be cautious of unusually cheap online offers that don’t include immobilizer programming or that promise to “bypass” security systems.

FAQs

These are the most common owner questions about getting a duplicate Honda key and what to expect during the process.

• Can a hardware store copy my Honda key? For non-transponder keys, yes. For most 1998+ cars with chips or smart keys, you’ll need dealer/locksmith programming.
• Do I have to go to a dealer? Not necessarily. A qualified automotive locksmith can cut and program most Honda keys, including laser-cut and smart keys.
• Will my insurance or roadside plan cover this? Some plans reimburse key replacement or towing—check your policy or membership benefits.
• How long does it take? Cutting can take minutes; programming ranges from about 10–45 minutes. All-keys-lost jobs may take an hour or more.
• Can I use a used fob from another Honda? Often not; many used fobs can’t be re-registered, or they require advanced re-flashing. It’s safer to source new OEM or compatible aftermarket fobs.

Confirm your exact model-year requirements before buying parts—mismatched fobs or chips are a common cause of delays and added cost.

Summary

To duplicate a Honda key, gather your VIN, ID, and proof of ownership, then work with a Honda dealer or licensed automotive locksmith to cut and program the correct key or smart fob. Expect modest costs for older, non-transponder keys and higher prices for transponder and smart keys that require immobilizer pairing. If you still have one working key, act now to create a spare—it’s faster, cheaper, and far less stressful than starting from scratch after a loss.

How to get a replacement key for a Honda?

In order to get a new key fob, you must visit your dealership with a copy of your Driver’s License and Registration to offer proof of ownership. The vehicle must be with you.

Can AutoZone duplicate car keys?

Does AutoZone cut or program Keys? Currently, AutoZone does not provide key cutting and programing services.

Can Home Depot copy a Honda key?

Most Home Depot locations can duplicate car key fobs for the most popular car makes like Honda, Ford, and Toyota. It’s best to ask your local Home Depot for these particular services.

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.