How to Get a Second Car Key for a Honda

The fastest, most reliable way to get a second Honda key is to contact a Honda dealership or a certified automotive locksmith with your VIN and proof of ownership; they will cut and program a key matched to your car’s immobilizer. Expect total costs to range from about $90–$180 for basic transponder keys and $220–$450 for smart keys, with same‑day service often available from mobile locksmiths and 1–3 days if a dealer has to order an OEM key.

Identify Your Honda Key Type

Before you choose where to go and what it may cost, determine which key your Honda uses. Newer Hondas rely on immobilizer systems that require electronic programming; the key type influences price, lead time, and whether DIY is possible.

• Traditional mechanical key (older models, no chip): metal key with no immobilizer; rarely found on late‑model Hondas.
• Transponder key: metal key with an embedded chip that talks to the immobilizer (common on early‑2000s to mid‑2010s models).
• Remote head key: the remote buttons are built into the key head plus a transponder chip.
• Separate fob + key: a transponder key plus a separate remote for lock/unlock.
• Smart Entry/proximity key (push‑button start): keyless fob recognized by the vehicle; includes an emergency metal insert key for the door.

Knowing the exact type prevents ordering the wrong blank and helps you compare accurate quotes across providers.

Your Options: Dealer, Automotive Locksmith, or Online

You can obtain a second key through multiple channels. Each has tradeoffs in cost, convenience, and authenticity of parts.

• Honda dealer: Access to OEM keys, factory software (Honda HDS) and immobilizer codes; usually the most seamless but not always the cheapest. May need to order a cut‑to‑VIN key.
• Certified automotive locksmith (mobile or shop): Often faster and less expensive; many can cut by VIN and program immobilizers on‑site. In the U.S., look for NASTF/SDRM‑registered Vehicle Security Professionals (VSP) for code access.
• Online purchase + local cutting/programming: You buy an OEM or high‑quality aftermarket key/fob, then pay a locksmith or dealer to cut/program. Savings vary; some providers refuse to program customer‑supplied parts.
• Roadside/insurance/warranty add‑ons: Some policies include key replacement or discounts; coverage varies by provider and plan.

If you still have one working key, most providers can duplicate and program a second key easily. If all keys are lost, expect higher costs and potentially a tow (especially for push‑button start models) unless a mobile locksmith can come to you.

What You’ll Need

Security requirements mean providers must verify ownership and vehicle details before cutting or programming a key.

• VIN (visible at the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb; also on registration).
• Proof of ownership: registration, title, or insurance card with your name and VIN.
• Government‑issued photo ID matching the ownership document.
• Existing key(s), if you have them (bring all keys to the programming session—old keys may be erased and re‑registered).
• Key code tag (if you still have it from new) can speed up cutting, but dealers/qualified locksmiths can retrieve codes by VIN.

Having these documents ready shortens the process and may reduce your trip count to a single visit.

Step‑by‑Step: Getting a Spare Key

Use this sequence to minimize downtime and surprises, whether you choose a dealer or locksmith.

1. Identify your key type and confirm your model/year and trim.
2. Call two or three providers (dealer and local VSP locksmiths) to compare availability, total price (cutting + programming + any fob fees), and turnaround time.
3. Decide on OEM vs quality aftermarket. For 2018+ Hondas with newer encryption, OEM is strongly recommended.
4. Schedule service; ask whether the vehicle must be present. Many push‑button start models require the car on‑site for programming; mobile locksmiths can usually handle this at your location.
5. Bring ID, proof of ownership, VIN, and all existing keys. Expect the technician to erase and re‑register keys as a set for security.
6. Test everything before leaving: engine start, lock/unlock, trunk release, remote start (if equipped), and proximity functions on all doors.
7. Store the spare separately and note battery type for fobs (many Hondas use CR2032, but check your manual).

This process typically takes 15–60 minutes once parts are on hand; ordering keys cut to VIN can add 1–3 business days.

Costs and Timing (2025)

Prices vary by model year, key type, region, and whether you use a dealer or locksmith. These are common U.S. ranges to help you budget.

• Mechanical key (no chip): $5–$25 cutting only.
• Transponder key: $80–$180 total (key/blank $30–$80; cutting/programming $50–$120).
• Remote head key: $140–$280 total.
• Separate fob + transponder key: $160–$320 total.
• Smart Entry/proximity key (push‑button start): $220–$450 total; some late‑model vehicles can exceed $500 with OEM parts.
• Programming labor alone: typically $80–$150 at dealers; locksmiths may be similar or slightly lower.
• All‑keys‑lost surcharge/tow: add $75–$250 depending on situation and distance.

Mobile locksmiths often provide same‑day service if they stock your fob. Dealers usually quote 1–3 days for OEM cut‑to‑VIN keys if not in stock.

Can I Program a Honda Key Myself?

For most Hondas with immobilizers (early 2000s onward), key programming requires specialized tools and immobilizer authentication via Honda’s systems. Owners generally cannot self‑program a new transponder or smart key. Some older models allow DIY programming of the remote lock/unlock functions—but not the immobilizer chip.

• Immobilizer/transponder: typically dealer or qualified locksmith only; uses Honda HDS or equivalent and secure codes (via Honda iN/NASTF SDRM in the U.S.).
• Remote functions (older models): may be user‑programmable; check your owner’s manual. Even if the remote pairs, the car won’t start without immobilizer registration.
• Newer smart keys (approx. 2014+): require professional registration; DIY is not supported.

If a guide claims full DIY programming of a modern Honda immobilizer or smart key without pro tools, treat it skeptically.

If You Lost All Keys

All‑keys‑lost situations take longer and cost more because the vehicle must be placed into a secure registration mode and old keys are typically erased for security.

• Verification: provider confirms ownership and retrieves key/immobilizer data by VIN.
• Access: push‑button start vehicles often need the car present; you may need a tow if no mobile service is available.
• Programming: all keys are registered as a new set; bring any found keys so they can be included or explicitly disabled.
• Cost/time: expect the higher end of the ranges and possible 1–3 business days if parts must be ordered.

To avoid repeat emergencies, make two spares once you’re back up—keep one at home and one with a trusted person.

Tips to Save Money and Avoid Problems

A few preventive steps can reduce costs and hassle with Honda keys.

• Make a spare now while you still have one working key—duplicates are cheaper than all‑keys‑lost recovery.
• Ask for OEM for late‑model smart keys; compatibility is best and resale value is preserved.
• Verify quotes include cutting and programming, and whether customer‑supplied parts are accepted.
• Check insurance, credit card perks, or extended warranty for key replacement benefits.
• Keep your key code and VIN handy (but secure); photograph the original key tag if you still have it.
• Replace fob batteries proactively and test both the remote functions and the emergency mechanical insert.

These practices can save you time, prevent towing, and ensure every feature works after programming.

Regional and Security Notes

Security procedures and code access differ by country. In the U.S., licensed locksmiths with NASTF/SDRM access can retrieve key and immobilizer codes; dealers access Honda’s iN system. Requirements for ID and ownership proof are strict everywhere. If you bought a used Honda with only one key, prioritize making a second immediately.

Summary

To get a second Honda key, contact a Honda dealer or a certified automotive locksmith with your VIN and proof of ownership. They will cut and program the correct key—transponder or smart—so it starts the car and operates remote functions. Expect $90–$180 for basic transponder keys and $220–$450 for smart keys, with same‑day mobile service often available. Make the spare while you still have a working key, test all features before you leave, and store the backup separately for peace of mind.

How to get a spare key for a Honda?

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 do I get a second set of car keys?

1. An Auto Locksmith. Cheapest – This is usually the least expensive as an auto locksmith will have all the equipment to replace all types of keys and for most vehicle manufacturers models as well. For example, some garage’s charge a fee just to use their diagnostic software which is used to programme car keys.

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 I program a 2nd car key myself?

If your car is equipped with onboard programming, you will be able to program a new transponder key or a keyless entry remote by yourself. If you own a newer vehicle, most likely it would not be equipped with onboard programming, and it will require a professional key programmer.