How to Copy a Key Fob

Co-authored by Shawn Fago

Last Updated: October 25, 2022 References

Electronic key fobs make it possible to gain access to buildings, vehicles, and other without having to use a physical key. Duplicating one can be a bit of a hassle compared to making a copy of an ordinary key, however, due to the fact that they have to be specially encoded. Fortunately, getting a replacement fob from an online key fob copying service or locksmith company is cheap and easy. If your fob operates on 125khz, you also have the option of purchasing a device known as an RFID writer that you can use to copy its information onto a blank unit.

Things You Should Know

Search online for a key fob copying service, show proof that you're the owner, and ship the fob to the company. You'll receive a copy in 2-5 business days.
Call a local locksmith or have your key fob copied at a hardware store. Be prepared to prove that you're the fob owner.
If your key fob is specially encrypted for your automobile or residence, contact the manufacturer for a replacement or duplicate.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using an Online Key Fob Copying Service

1
Pull up a list of online key fob copying services. Run a quick search for e-businesses that specialize in copying electronic key fobs. Most of the websites you’ll come across offer the same sorts of services, so be sure to take the time to compare pricing packages and read customer reviews to select the company that best suits your specific needs, timeframe, and budget.^{[1]
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- CloneMyKey, KeyMe, and KeyCardNinja are among the most popular and widely-used key fob copying services on the internet.
- You may also be able to order duplicates of certain types of key fobs and key cards by visiting the original manufacturer’s website.
Tip: Certain well-known services also maintain automated kiosks in larger cities. Many of these kiosks are accessible 24/7 and can print copies of common key fob and key card types with the push of a button.^{[2]
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2
Fill out a copy request application. This form will ask for your full name and address, as well as a reliable email address or phone number that the company can use to get in touch with you. Once you’re finished with your application, hit “Next” or “Send” to get the copying process started.
- Make sure the information you provide is complete and accurate to the best of your ability.
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3
Attach the requested materials to prove that you own the key. Before a given service will copy a key fob for you, they’ll want to confirm that you’re the legal owner. You’ll be prompted to verify your identity by showing proof of residence or ownership of the property that the key fob opens. This usually means scanning an old utility bill or providing the unique VIN number for your vehicle.
- Some services may also stipulate that their customers be at least 18 years of age.
- All key fob copying services are required by law to verify the identities of their customers. Doing so prevents unauthorized individuals from stealing and copying keys that don’t belong to them.
4
Search for your key's serial number to check its copying compatibility. In some cases, key fob copying services can reproduce certain types of key fobs remotely without actually having the dysfunctional key in their possession. Enter the serial number printed on the backside of your key fob into the indicated field on the website you’re using to see whether they can copy your exact model right away.
- Due to technological limitations, not all key fobs will qualify for remote copying. If yours doesn’t, you’ll need to mail it to the company in order to have a new one made.
- Key fobs with standardized serial numbers are typically easier to duplicate than those without. You’ll find a complete list of compatible models on most companies’ websites.
5
Pay for a replacement key fob. Once you’ve verified your identity and provided all the necessary info about your key fob, you’ll be directed to a new page where you can pay for your replacement key. Enter your full name, shipping address, and payment information, then hit “Order” to complete the transaction.^{[3]
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- On average, having a single copy of a key fob or key card made will cost you around $20. Bulk discounts may apply if you order multiple duplicates at one time.
- If you need your replacement key fob as soon as possible, consider paying a little extra for overnight or expedited shipping.
6
Pack up your key fob and send it to the company. Slip the key into a padded mailer envelope or small shipping box, seal it up, and drop it in the mailbox. Some companies request that you also include a copy of your order form along with your key fob when you ship it, so be sure to follow the shipping instructions outlined on the website.^{[4]
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- It’s recommended that you ship your key fob using one of the major certified mail handlers (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.). That way, you’ll be able to track your shipment both ways.
7
Wait 2-5 business days to receive your replacement key fob. Depending on which shipping method you went with, your key should be delivered to you in less than a week’s time. When it arrives, you can immediately begin using it the same way you used your original fob or card.
- Upon receiving your duplicate key fob, test it to make sure that it works properly. If it doesn’t, contact the company you ordered it from to see about getting a second replacement or refund.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Going Through a Locksmith or the Manufacturer

1
Call a local locksmith to ask about getting a copy of your key fob made. These days, most traditional locksmiths have all the tools needed to duplicate basic unencrypted electronic key fobs. Get online and run a search for “locksmith” plus the name of your town or city to track down a qualified locksmith in your area, or check your local directory to find one closer to home.^{[5]
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Federal Trade Commission
Website with up-to-date information for consumers from the Federal Trade Commisson
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- Rather than risking a wasted trip, save yourself some time and try to find out over the phone whether the locksmith will be able to copy a particular type of key fob.
- Be prepared to answer any questions the locksmith has concerning the style, model, or serial number of the key you want copied.
2
Have your key fob copied at a hardware store. Lots of major chain hardware stores have begun introducing automated kiosks to their stores that can read and write key fobs instantly. Before you bring your key fob in, call the store and describe its basic appearance and function to a knowledgeable associate. They’ll be able to tell you whether they have the means to reproduce it.^{[6]
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- Even if your preferred hardware store doesn’t have a key fob-copying kiosk, there may still be a locksmith on staff that can handle the job.
- Big name hardware stores may refuse to duplicate key fobs other than those that go to private property.
3
Contact the key fob’s manufacturer to get a replacement home or vehicle key. If your key fob is specially encrypted for your automobile or residence, only the original manufacturer will be able to reproduce it for you. Look for a name or number somewhere on the backside of the key fob and use this information to get in touch with the maker directly. Once you’ve got someone on the line, inquire about what you need to do to go about getting a copy.^{[7]
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Trustworthy Source
Consumer Reports
Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
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- Buying a duplicate key fob straight from the manufacturer can be quite costly. It’s not unusual for a company to charge between $50 and $400, depending on the number of functions the specific model performs.^{[8]
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  Consumer Reports
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing
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Warning: The key fobs for most newer vehicles are encoded with proprietary information, and therefore cannot be copied by anyone but the original dealer. If you need a new key fob for your car, you’ll have no choice but to purchase a replacement from the place where you bought it.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using an RFID Writer

1
Shop around for an RFID writer online. Browse various websites for an affordable handheld RFID unit and go with a model that comes recommended by users. As their name suggests, these handy little devices are capable of both reading and writing unencrypted 125khz key fobs and cards.^{[9]
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- A basic handheld RFID unit will run you somewhere between $20 and $50.
- “RFID” stands for “Radio-Frequency Identification”, which is a fancy term for the process by which electronic key fobs are able to lock and unlock doors.
2
Purchase a blank 125khz key fob if you don’t have one already. In order to duplicate an existing key fob, you’ll need a “clean” fob to copy its information onto. You can usually buy blanks from the same website you get your RFID writer from. They don’t cost more than a couple dollars apiece.^{[10]
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- 125khz key fobs are the kind most commonly used to gain access to office buildings and apartment complexes.
Tip: Some higher-end RFID writers come complete with a number of blank key fobs, allowing you to get right down to business.
3
Press the chip on the key fob to the RFID writer and push the “Read” button. Hold the backside of the key flat against the “barrel” of the gun-shaped device and keep it there for a few seconds after you pull the trigger button. After a brief moment, the device will emit a loud beep or chirp to indicate that it has scanned the key fob successfully.^{[11]
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- Using most RFID copying devices is literally as easy as point-and-click.
- If you’re trying to copy a key card, hold the strip or chip containing the card’s encoded information against the RFID reader to scan it.^{[12]
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4
Hold the blank key fob up to the device and hit the “Write” button. Now, press the chip on the backside of the new key to the RFID unit, the same way you did the original key. When you push the “Write” button, the information copied from the source fob will be imprinted on the blank fob, which will then act as an exact copy of the original.^{[13]
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- Test the cloned key fob immediately after copying it to confirm that it works. If not, give it another shot, starting with reading the original key again.
- You can make as many duplicate copies of your key fob as you like by using the “Write” function on multiple blank key fobs.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can a fob key really be copied?

Shawn Fago
Master Locksmith
Shawn Fago is a Master Locksmith and the Founder of Noble Locksmith, a nationwide locksmith company based in San Diego, California. With over seven years of experience, he provides commercial, residential, and automotive locksmith services to customers. Shawn attended California State University, Fullerton.

Shawn Fago

Master Locksmith

Expert Answer

Well, there's not a simple answer here. Yes, some of those fob keys can be cloned , but some of them are multifrequency and those cannot currently be cloned.

Warnings

Never make a copy of a key that doesn’t belong to you, even if it’s on behalf of a friend or loved one. Doing so is a crime punishable by serious fines or even jail time.

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