How to Get a Replacement Key for a Honda

To replace a Honda key, contact a Honda dealership or a licensed automotive locksmith with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and proof of ownership; they can cut and program a new key or fob, typically costing anywhere from about $20 for a basic metal key to $450+ for a smart key, depending on model and year. The process and price depend on the type of key you have—traditional, transponder, remote head, or push-button smart key—and whether you’ve lost all keys or still have a working spare.

What You’ll Need—and Why It Matters

Honda keys have evolved from simple metal blades to immobilizer-equipped transponder keys and proximity smart fobs. Most Hondas from the early 2000s onward have immobilizers that require electronic programming, not just cutting. That means your VIN and proof of ownership are essential to generate a key code and authorize programming. Your options and costs will hinge on these security features.

Identify Your Key Type

Understanding your key type helps you pick the right provider and estimate cost and timing. Below are the common Honda key formats you’ll encounter.

• Standard metal blade: Older Hondas without immobilizers; no chip, cut-and-go.
• Transponder chip key: A metal blade with an embedded chip; requires cutting and immobilizer programming to start the engine.
• Remote head key: A transponder blade with integrated buttons for lock/unlock/panic; requires immobilizer programming plus remote pairing.
• Smart Entry/Proximity fob (push-button start): No visible blade for starting; uses proximity to start the car; includes an emergency blade for manual door entry; requires advanced programming.

If you’re unsure, check your owner’s manual, look for a key icon light on the dash when starting, or send your VIN to a dealer/locksmith for confirmation.

Gather Required Information and Documents

Before you call anyone, assemble the details they’ll require. This short prep can save time and avoid multiple trips.

• VIN: Found on the dashboard (driver-side windshield), driver door jamb sticker, registration, or insurance card.
• Proof of ownership: Vehicle registration or title; for leased/financed vehicles, account details may be needed.
• Government-issued photo ID: Must match the name on the ownership documents.
• Key code (if available): Sometimes on a small metal tag that came with the original keys; otherwise a dealer can retrieve it with your VIN and documents.
• Working spare (optional): If you have one, some keys can be cloned or used to speed programming and reduce cost.

Having these in hand lets a dealer or locksmith cut a precise key and access the immobilizer system to authorize programming.

Your Replacement Options

Through a Honda Dealer

Dealers have direct access to Honda key codes and official programming tools. They’re often the most reliable option for newer smart fobs or models with stricter security.

Here’s how a typical dealership process unfolds:

1. Call the parts/service department with your VIN to confirm key type, price, and parts availability (OEM fob vs. blade).
2. Bring your ID and proof of ownership; if the car is immobilized and you’ve lost all keys, arrange towing or on-site verification per dealer policy.
3. Dealer cuts the key to factory spec using the key code.
4. Technician programs the immobilizer and pairs the remote/fob; for security, lost keys may be erased from the system.
5. You test mechanical entry (if applicable) and electronic functions (start, lock/unlock, trunk, panic, remote start if equipped).

Dealers typically charge more than independent locksmiths but are best positioned for late-model Push-to-Start systems and complex immobilizer generations.

Through a Licensed Automotive Locksmith

Reputable mobile locksmiths can cut and program most Honda keys on-site, often faster and for less than a dealer. For newer Hondas, confirm they have the right OEM-level tools and security credentials.

Use this checklist when choosing a locksmith:

1. Verify they can program your exact model-year and key type (transponder vs. smart fob).
2. Ask whether they use OEM or high-quality aftermarket fobs and the warranty coverage for each.
3. Request an all-in estimate (cutting, programming, service call, taxes, towing if needed).
4. Confirm licensing, bonding/insurance, and—if in the U.S.—that they’re registered for secure data access (e.g., NASTF/LSID).
5. Ensure they will erase lost keys from memory on request and provide the count of active keys after programming.

A vetted locksmith is often the quickest path if you’re stranded, especially if they can come to your vehicle for on-site programming.

Costs and Timing: What to Expect

Prices vary by region, model-year, and part type (OEM vs. aftermarket). The ranges below reflect common U.S. retail ballparks.

• Standard metal blade (no chip): About $10–$50 for cutting.
• Transponder chip key: About $75–$200+ total (key, cutting, programming).
• Remote head key: About $120–$250+ total.
• Smart Entry/Proximity fob: About $200–$450+ total; some late models can exceed this.
• Programming labor: Often $75–$150, sometimes bundled.
• Key code retrieval: Free to $50, depending on provider.
• Tow or mobile service: $0–$150+, depending on distance and coverage.

Lead times range from same-day (if parts are in stock) to a few days if the fob must be ordered. Doing two keys at once can be cheaper per key.

Situational Guidance

If You’ve Lost All Keys

For transponder and smart key Hondas, you’ll need programming to the car. Many locksmiths can do this on-site; some push-button models may require dealer-level tools or towing. Expect the shop to erase missing keys from memory to protect against theft. If your documents are locked inside the car, request a lockout service first so you can present proof of ownership.

If You Still Have a Working Spare

Duplicates are faster and cheaper. A locksmith can often clone a transponder without accessing the car, and remote functions can be paired quickly. For smart keys, having a working fob may simplify programming.

If the Ignition or Locks Were Replaced

Replacing or rekeying cylinders may be necessary to match a new key, or you can carry separate keys for doors and ignition. This adds labor and parts cost; ask for a quote that includes rekeying all locks to a single key if desired.

After You Get the Key

Before leaving the shop or letting the technician depart, verify everything works and your vehicle’s security is set the way you want.

• Test door, trunk, and glovebox (if applicable) with the new key/blade.
• Start the vehicle several times; ensure the immobilizer light behaves normally.
• Check remote functions (lock/unlock, trunk, panic, remote start if equipped).
• Ask the technician to confirm how many keys are stored and to erase lost keys.
• Store the spare key in a separate location and note the key code for future use.

A quick function check now can save another service call later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program a Honda key myself?

You can sometimes pair remote buttons on older models using an in-car sequence, but immobilizer programming for transponder and smart keys generally requires professional tools and security authorization. Most post-2001 Hondas cannot be fully programmed by DIY methods.

Will insurance or roadside assistance cover it?

Many roadside plans cover lockouts and may dispatch a locksmith, but key replacement and programming are often out of pocket unless you have a key protection add-on. Some dealers sell optional key replacement plans. Check your policy and benefits.

How many keys can my Honda store?

Most systems support multiple keys (commonly up to 6). A dealer or qualified locksmith can read the count and remove lost keys from memory during programming.

Are there special considerations for newer models?

Late-model Hondas with advanced immobilizers and smart entry may require OEM-level software and security credentials. Reputable locksmiths with current tooling or dealerships can handle these; availability may be limited in some areas, so call ahead.

Summary

To replace a Honda key, gather your VIN, proof of ownership, and ID, then choose between a Honda dealer or a licensed automotive locksmith. Costs and timelines depend on key type—basic blades are inexpensive, while smart fobs require specialized programming and cost more. If you’ve lost all keys, be prepared for on-site programming or towing and ask to erase missing keys for security. Always verify all functions before concluding the service and store a spare in a safe place.

How do I get a replacement key for my Honda?

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.

Can AutoZone cut Honda keys?

Currently, AutoZone does not provide key cutting and programing services.

How to get a duplicate key for Honda?

Visit a Honda dealer or certified locksmith with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership. The new key must be cut and programmed to match your car’s security system, which may require specialized diagnostic equipment. Always verify key functionality before leaving.

Can Honda make a key with the VIN number?

Yes, Honda can make a key using your vehicle’s VIN number, but you’ll need to provide proof of ownership and the vehicle’s VIN to an authorized Honda dealer or an automotive locksmith. The key will be cut based on the key code associated with the VIN, but for modern vehicles, the transponder chip in the key head will also need to be programmed to the car’s computer to function correctly.
 
What you will need

• Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This is a unique code for your Honda. 
• Proof of Ownership: You will need to show documentation that you own the vehicle. 
• Contact an authorized Honda dealer or automotive locksmith: These professionals can access your vehicle’s build sheet for the key code. 

The process

1. Verification: The dealer or locksmith will verify your ownership using your VIN. 
2. Key Code Lookup: They will look up the specific key code associated with your VIN. 
3. Key Cutting: A new key will be cut to match your car’s lock mechanism. 
4. Programming: For modern vehicles with transponder keys, the key’s chip needs to be programmed to your car’s computer. This is a necessary step for the new key to start the engine. 

Important considerations

• Vehicle Towing: . Opens in new tabIf your car isn’t at the dealership, you may need to have it towed for the programming service. 
• Changed Locks: . Opens in new tabIf the original locks have been changed, the key code on file may not work, and manual decoding of the locks might be necessary. 
• Cost: . Opens in new tabKey replacement costs can vary, especially for keys with transponder chips.