Cut Car Keys Online - Okey DoKey Locksmith
Getting a replacement or duplicate car key does not always mean going directly to a dealership or calling a locksmith to cut the key in person. Several companies offer car key cutting online, allowing vehicle owners to order a key that is already cut for their vehicle and have it delivered by mail.
Depending on the vehicle and the service provider, a key may be cut from a manufacturer key code, a clear photograph of an existing key, the vehicle identification number (VIN), or information obtained from the original lock. This can be especially useful when you want a spare key before the original is lost.
This guide explains the different ways to cut car keys online, what information you may need, and when additional transponder or remote programming may still be required.
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Dealer, Locksmith or Online Key Cutting?
Losing your only car key can turn a relatively simple duplicate into a much more expensive car key replacement. Modern vehicles commonly use transponder keys, remote-head keys, laser-cut keys, and smart keys that can require both precise cutting and electronic programming.
A dealer or automotive locksmith can normally handle the complete key replacement process, including identifying the correct key, cutting the blade, and performing required programming. However, when you still have access to the vehicle's key information, an online key cutting service may provide another option for obtaining the physical key.
Ordering a spare while you still have a working key can also be considerably easier than waiting until every key has been lost.
Save Money Cutting Keys Online
Car key blanks and replacement keys are available from many online suppliers. Some companies also offer keys cut to code before shipping them to the customer.
Instead of receiving an uncut blank, you provide the information required by the supplier and receive a key with the blade already cut. Depending on the company and vehicle, this may involve a key code, VIN, photograph of an existing key, or another approved method.
Keep in mind that cutting the blade and programming the electronics are separate procedures. Receiving a correctly cut key does not necessarily mean the key is ready to start the vehicle.
What About Car Key Programming?
Whether programming is required depends on the vehicle and the type of key. Older mechanical keys without an immobilizer chip may require only cutting. Many newer vehicles use a transponder key that must be recognized by the vehicle before it can start the engine.
Some vehicles provide an onboard programming procedure when the owner already has the required number of working keys. Other vehicles require specialized diagnostic or key-programming equipment.
If you are buying a key online, determine the programming requirements for your specific year, make, model, and key system before ordering.
How Can Car Keys Be Cut Online?
There are several methods an online key-cutting company may use. The available method depends on the vehicle, the information you have available, and the services offered by the supplier.
Cut Car Keys by Code
If the vehicle still uses its original locks, the manufacturer's car key code can often be used to reproduce the original blade. The code tells compatible key-cutting equipment how the key should be cut.
The key code may be found in documentation supplied with some vehicles or may be available through an authorized dealer or other approved source after vehicle ownership is verified.
This is generally preferable to copying a heavily worn key because the new blade can be produced from the original cutting specifications rather than duplicating years of wear.
Cut Car Keys by Photo
Some online services can produce a duplicate from a clear key photograph. The service analyzes the visible cuts or tracks of the existing blade and uses that information to reproduce the key.
The photograph generally needs to be sharp, properly aligned, well lit, and detailed enough for the cutting pattern to be interpreted. Requirements vary by supplier and key design.
This method can be useful when a working key is available but the original key code is not.
Cut Car Keys by VIN
A vehicle's VIN can sometimes be used to obtain the original key information. The key provider obtains the applicable key code and uses it to cut the replacement blade.
Because a VIN can identify the original key configuration of a vehicle, legitimate providers normally require proof of vehicle ownership and identification before providing a key or key-code service.
Availability varies by vehicle manufacturer, model, year, and provider. If the ignition or door locks have previously been replaced or rekeyed, the original VIN information may no longer correspond to the locks currently installed on the vehicle.
Cut Car Keys by Door Lock
When no usable key or key code is available, the lock itself can sometimes provide the information needed to originate a key. This is considerably different from ordinary online duplication.
The applicable door or ignition lock may need to be professionally decoded, or in some situations a removed lock cylinder may need to be physically sent to a specialist.
This approach is more relevant to all keys lost situations, older vehicles, changed locks, and cases where normal code information is unavailable.
Online Car Key Cutting Services
The following companies offer online key-related services. Services, supported vehicles, cutting methods, shipping areas, and programming options vary, so check the provider's current requirements before ordering.
Keys in the Post
Online vehicle key service offering keys cut and delivered by mail. Check the provider for supported vehicles, key types, and the information required to produce your key.
Visit Keys in the Post
Car Keys Online
Online supplier specializing in automotive keys and immobilizer-related products. Available products and cutting services depend on the vehicle and key system.
Visit Car Keys Online
CopyKeys
Online key duplication service with options for supported key types. Review its current key-copying process and compatibility before placing an order.
Visit CopyKeysBefore Ordering a Cut Car Key Online
Confirm exactly what you are purchasing before placing an order. A key can have the correct blade and still require additional electronic programming before it will start the vehicle.
Check the key type, FCC or part number when applicable, blade style, vehicle compatibility, programming requirements, and the provider's ownership-verification process. For VIN-based orders, be prepared to provide documentation establishing that you are authorized to obtain a key for the vehicle.
If you have lost every key and are unsure which key your vehicle uses, a local automotive locksmith or dealer may be more practical because the vehicle can be identified, the key cut, and the required programming performed at the same time.
