How Long Does It Take to Get a New Key Made for a Honda?


Getting a new key made for your Honda usually takes anywhere from 10 minutes up to an hour, depending on the type of key and where you go to get it made. A traditional, non-chipped key can be cut in just a few minutes at most hardware stores or locksmiths. However, if you have a newer Honda with a transponder chip key or smart key, it will take longer and you’ll likely need to visit a dealership or automotive locksmith to have it programmed.

What Do I Need to Get a New Key Made for My Honda?

To get a new key made for your Honda, you will need:

  • Your vehicle’s year, make and model
  • Proof of ownership (vehicle title or registration)
  • Your VIN (vehicle identification number)
  • A form of ID
  • Your current key, if you have one

If you don’t have a current key, a locksmith or dealership can still make you a new key using your vehicle’s VIN, but it may take longer and cost more than if you had an existing key to duplicate.

Do I Need to Go to a Honda Dealership to Get a New Key Made?

For most newer model Hondas that use transponder chip keys or smart keys, it’s recommended to go to a Honda dealership to get a replacement key. The dealership will have the necessary equipment to cut and program the key to your specific vehicle.

However, for older Hondas that use traditional, non-chipped metal keys, you have the option of going to a locksmith or even a hardware store to get a duplicate key made more affordably. Just make sure you have your registration to prove ownership.

Can I Get a New Key Made at an Auto Parts Store or Hardware Store?

Yes, you can get a new Honda key made at some auto parts stores like AutoZone or hardware stores like Ace Hardware – but only if you have an older model Honda that uses a basic, non-chipped metal key. These types of keys can be quickly duplicated in store.

However, if your Honda uses any of the following key types, you will need to go to the dealership or a specialized automotive locksmith instead:

  • Transponder chip key
  • Laser cut key
  • Switchblade key
  • Smart key

Auto parts stores and hardware stores do not have the equipment needed to program these high-tech keys.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a New Key Made for a Honda?

The cost to get a new Honda key made varies depending on the key type:

Key TypeAverage Cost
Traditional, non-chipped key$7 – $25
Transponder chip key$50 – $250
Laser cut key$150 – $250
Switchblade key$200 – $300
Smart key$220 – $500

Additional factors that can affect the price include:

  • Your location
  • Where you go (dealership, locksmith, hardware store)
  • Time of day (after hours may cost more)
  • Whether you need the key delivered

In general, getting a key from the dealership tends to cost the most, while a basic hardware store duplicate will be the least expensive option, if available for your Honda’s key type. Calling around to compare prices can help you find the best deal.

How Long Does It Take to Get a New Key Made for a Honda?

The time it takes to get a new Honda key made depends on the key type and where you go:

  • Traditional, non-chipped metal key – 5-15 minutes at hardware store, locksmith, or dealership
  • Transponder chip key – 15-30 minutes at dealership or automotive locksmith, after they have the key blank in stock
  • Laser cut key – 1 hour at dealership or automotive locksmith, if key blank is in stock, longer if it needs to be ordered
  • Switchblade key – 1 hour at dealership or automotive locksmith, if key blank is in stock
  • Smart key – 1-2 hours to program at the dealership

If you need a transponder, laser cut, switchblade or smart key, and the dealership or locksmith doesn’t have the key blank in stock, it may take 3-5 business days before they can cut and program your key. Overall, most people can get a new Honda key in under an hour, unless you have a rare key type that needs to be special ordered.

Is It Faster to Get a New Key Made at a Dealership or a Locksmith?

In most cases, a locksmith can cut and program a new Honda key faster than the dealership, as long as they have the needed key blank in stock. Locksmiths are specialists in key cutting and programming and may offer mobile service to your location.

Dealerships often need to order key blanks before they can cut them, which can add several days to the process. They may also have limited hours. However, for the newest high-security Honda keys, the dealership is sometimes the only option for proper programming.

Can I Program a New Key Myself or Do I Need a Professional?

Most Honda keys made after 1998 have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed. You cannot program a new Honda transponder key yourself – it requires professional equipment that is only available at a dealership or locksmith shop.

Trying to program your own key can actually cause the key to lock up, requiring even more expensive repairs. It’s always best to leave Honda key programming to the professionals.

The only exception is if you have an older Honda that uses a basic, non-chipped metal key. In that case, you can easily get a duplicate made at a hardware store or locksmith and it will work without any programming needed.

What If I Have a High-Security Key or a Smart Key?

If you have a high-security laser cut key, switchblade key, or smart key for your Honda, expect it to take longer to replace than a basic key or transponder key. These keys have more complex programming requirements.

You will need to tow your vehicle to the Honda dealership if you have lost all copies of your smart key, as they are the only ones with the equipment to pair a new smart key from scratch. Locksmiths can program a spare smart key, but they need to have an existing key to work from.

High-security laser cut and switchblade keys are harder to duplicate as the key blanks are more rare. Not all locksmiths will have them in stock, so it may take a few days to order before they can cut and program your new key. Dealerships are more likely to have these key blanks on hand.

Are There Any Additional Steps I Need to Take After Getting a New Key?

After getting a new Honda key programmed, you should test that it works smoothly in the ignition and doors before leaving the dealership or locksmith. Make sure you can start the car, turn it off, and restart it again. Also check that the key fob buttons are working to lock, unlock, and open the trunk.

If you have any problems with the new key, let them know right away so they can resolve it. Once you’ve confirmed the new key is working properly, it’s a good idea to get a spare made so you always have a backup.

Consider where you will store your spare key. It’s best not to keep it in the vehicle, in case your main key gets locked inside. Many people keep a spare at home or give one to a trusted friend or family member. You can also get a magnetic key holder box to store a spare key securely under your vehicle.

Can I Get a Spare Key Made or Should I Only Get One Key?

It’s always wise to have at least one spare Honda key made, in case you lose or damage your main key. Having a spare will save you the hassle and expense of getting stranded without a key.

You can get a spare key made at the same time as you replace your main key, or you can have a spare made later on if you prefer. The process is the same either way. Dealerships and locksmiths can use your existing key to duplicate a matching spare.

If you only have one key left, consider getting two spares made while you’re at the dealership or locksmith. That way you’ll have a backup at home even if you lose the spare you carry with you. It’s a small additional cost for extra peace of mind.

Wrapping Up

In summary, how long it takes to get a new Honda key made depends mostly on they key type and where you go to get it done. Traditional metal keys can be duplicated in minutes almost anywhere. But if you have a transponder key, expect it to take 15-30 minutes at a dealership or locksmith. High-security laser cut, switchblade, and smart keys can take an hour or more to program. Always get a spare key made to avoid getting stranded if you lose your main key.

Justin

Hi, I'm Justin, a car enthusiast turned mechanic. The garage is my second home, where each engine and part tells a unique story. Seeing car owners frustrated with issues inspired me to start DIY Car Expert, offering reliable solutions to tackle problems with ease. 🚗✨

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