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Losing your car keys can feel like a nightmare, especially if you don’t have a spare. Did you know that car keys can be made from VIN numbers even without the original? In this article, we’ll cover how to get your replacement key and what steps are involved.
Keep reading—it’s simpler than you think!
Every car has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that acts like its fingerprint. This 17-character code is stamped on the vehicle and records key information, such as the make, model, year, and country of origin.
It’s visible near the bottom of your windscreen on the driver’s side or found in documents like registration papers and insurance cards.
Think of it as your car's ID card. A VIN helps track recalls, repairs, or even thefts. For lost car keys, locksmiths or dealerships use this number to figure out key codes for cutting new ones.
But these codes can only be generated once due to security measures.
"A VIN tells a story about every vehicle—it’s not just random numbers."
Car keys can be made using Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). Locksmiths or car dealerships use the VIN to identify key codes. These codes allow them to cut a precise new car key or spare key.
Proof of ownership is required before they proceed, like a title, registration, or insurance card.
Costs for replacing keys with a VIN typically range between $89 and $179. Technology allows locksmiths to produce transponder keys that may need programming for your specific vehicle.
This process works well for most modern cars but can be tricky for older vehicles with outdated systems. Visible through the windshield, the VIN becomes an essential tool in emergencies when you lose your original key and can't access your car boot or door locks without help!
Getting a car key made from your VIN is quick but requires care, proof, and the right tools—read on to see how it works!
Proof of ownership is essential before a locksmith or dealer can cut a key. Documents like your car title, vehicle registration, insurance card, and government-issued ID are required.
These show you have the legal right to have a key made for your vehicle.
If these papers are locked inside your car, an auto locksmith may perform a lockout service to help retrieve them. Dealers follow strict rules too—they won’t cut keys without proper forms and documents completed first.
As they say:.
“No proof, no key.”
After proving ownership, the next step is sharing your VIN. This 17-digit code is vital for making new keys or key fobs for your car. You can find it on your dashboard, near the base of the windscreen, or inside the driver’s door frame.
Sharing accurate details like the year, make, and model (e.g., “2010 Toyota Tundra”) helps locksmiths or dealers cut and programme keys quickly.
If you have a key code from your glove box, mention it. It may reduce costs when getting a spare car key or replacement. Dealerships and locksmiths in Melbourne can cut mechanical keys even if you’ve lost all originals.
For modern cars with immobilisers, though, they’ll need to programme a new key too!
After handing over the VIN, the locksmith or dealer uses it to cut a new key. This process involves precise numerical control machines. These machines ensure the key fits your car’s locks and ignition perfectly.
If it's an older car, cutting might be all you need.
For most vehicles made after 2010, programming is also required. Keys with transponder chips need syncing with your car's computer system. Locksmiths can program keys at your location in 5–10 minutes, saving time and towing costs.
Dealers may ask you to bring the vehicle or tow it in for this step. Programming ensures security by matching the key head with your specific model of vehicle.
Locksmiths are a great option if you’ve lost all car keys and can’t access your vehicle. They use the VIN to cut a key, even when the original is gone. Their services often cost less than dealerships, with rates around $65 for one key or $100 for two, not including fobs or chips. Some locksmiths may also offer mobile services, allowing them to come to your location and cut keys on the spot. It’s important to shop around and compare the cost of car key cutting among different locksmiths to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Additionally, be aware that some locksmiths may charge extra for emergency or after-hours services.
If your car’s locks haven’t been altered by wear or damage, locksmiths can quickly help. They require all 17 digits of the VIN and proof of ownership before cutting keys. With proper tools like key programming devices, they’ll get you back on the road without needing to tow your car anywhere.
High-security systems on some vehicles require dealers. Brands like BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen usually need a dealership to create keys. These cars often involve sophisticated car security systems that locksmiths can't handle.
Proof of ownership is mandatory at dealerships. You may also need to fill out forms before they cut or program the key. In some cases, like ECU or lock cylinder replacements, only the dealer can help you get your keys back for models such as Lexus or Subaru.
"Dealerships are trained for complex key issues requiring advanced tools."
Replacing keys using a VIN can save time and guarantee the right fit, so keep reading to discover how this method improves your experience.
Cutting car keys using the VIN speeds up the process significantly. It avoids decoding locks or disassembling vehicle parts, which can be slow and costly. Many locksmiths can program a key on-site, letting you get back on the road faster.
This method often takes as little as 5-10 minutes once ownership proof is provided.
Dealerships also offer this service without needing your original key. Using the VIN saves time compared to creating a duplicate manually or ordering special equipment. It's one of the fastest ways to replace lost car keys when you're in a pinch.
VIN-based keys match the vehicle’s original blueprint. Specialised codes from the VIN guide precise key cutting. This accuracy reduces ill-fitting or faulty keys, saving headaches down the road.
Locksmiths and dealerships rely on these codes to cut a car key that fits perfectly into your ignition lock and doors. There are various car key cutting guide, including traditional keys, transponder keys, and remote key fobs. Each type of key requires a specific code to accurately cut and program the key. Locksmiths and dealerships use specialized equipment and software to generate these codes and ensure that the key functions properly with your vehicle. This precision is important for ensuring the security and functionality of your car's locking system. Automotive locksmith services can also use these codes to create a new key if you have lost yours or need a spare. This allows them to efficiently cut a key without needing to remove the lock from your car. Access to these codes is essential for providing quick and accurate key cutting services for a wide range of vehicles.
This process keeps your replacement key as reliable as your old one. No guesswork is involved, even for advanced remote keyless systems or fobs that may need to be programmed. Extra care is taken to replicate factory standards without manual errors creeping in during cutting or programming steps.
Making keys from a VIN has limits, like potential misuse or issues with rare car models—learn why it’s not always foolproof.
Thieves can exploit VIN numbers. On 25 October 2023, a Toyota Highlander was stolen using VIN scanning to duplicate its key fob. This shows how easy access to a car’s VIN may lead to theft or hacking.
Scammers use relay attacks and code duplication techniques for illegal access.
In the US, owning a key made from someone else’s VIN without being a qualified locksmith is against the law. Covering your car's dashboard with sun screens or thin materials can help block public view of the VIN.
It’s a simple but effective way to guard against misuse and protect your car keys' security.
Keys made from a VIN might not work for cars manufactured before 1988. Manufacturer records often don’t go that far back. If the ignition or door locks were replaced in older vehicles, the new keys may not fit.
Some foreign and specialised cars also need you to visit a dealership since key details aren’t always shared with locksmiths.
Certain models, like those with "split" years, can complicate things further. For example, two identical-looking cars from one year may use different key types. Specialised brands like Renault or Volvo usually require specific tools or software only available at authorised dealerships to create a new key accurately.
Cover your VIN with a thin metal plate to block scanning. Thieves use tools like scanners to steal information, especially in public spaces. A cheap DIY option is using sun screens or dark materials near the dashboard to hide it from plain sight.
Take extra steps for safety by parking in well-lit areas and securing your car with steering wheel locks. Avoid sharing photos of your vehicle online if the VIN is visible. Protecting this number helps keep scammers and thieves at bay.
Getting a car key made from your VIN is possible and surprisingly simple. It’s handy in emergencies, especially when there’s no original key to copy. Both locksmiths and dealerships can help, but they’ll need proof you own the vehicle.
Each option has its perks—locksmiths bring flexibility, while dealers often stick with exact specifications. Just keep your VIN safe; it’s like the password to your car!
Yes, you can have a car key cut using the VIN number. Automotive locksmiths or dealerships can use this unique identifier to create a new key for your vehicle, even if you don’t have the original.
To make a car key using the VIN, you'll need proof of ownership, like your registration or insurance papers. This is required by locksmiths and dealers for authenticity before they’ll be able to help.
The cost depends on factors like your vehicle's model and whether it’s a simple metal key or one with electronic programming, such as remotes or fobs. A dealership may charge more than an automotive locksmith in Melbourne’s Bayside area.
Both options work but vary in convenience and price. Dealerships often charge higher rates and take longer, while professional automotive locksmith services are faster and usually cheaper when replacing keys.
Not always! Keyless entry systems or hybrid models might need additional programming after cutting the physical key itself via OBD ports—something only skilled professionals like locksmiths can handle properly.
If you already have access to another working spare (like that second set tucked away), then duplicating is quicker and less costly than creating entirely new ones based solely off information tied back into those tricky VINS codes!
Locked out or need a spare key? Call Amit Keys at 1300 135 672. Visit us or reach out today for expert help!
