How Much Does It Cost to Copy a Key?

By Michael G., 22 years of experience · November 6, 2026 · 6 min read

How much does it cost to copy a key? Our listed starting price is $15 for the service call; that is not a stated key-copy total. Call MD Locksmith at (240) 366-2739 first, and tell us what kind of key you need copied.

Our Starting Prices in Silver Spring

Need help now? (240) 366-2739

How Much Does It Cost to Copy a Key With MD Locksmith?

The listed $15 starting price is for the service call, not a stated total for copying a key. We do not list a separate key-copy price, so the service-call amount should not be mistaken for the full cost of a copy. For key duplication service, tell us whether you need a house key, a car key, or another kind of key so we can discuss the request clearly.

The kind of key matters because a plain mechanical key and a key with electronic features are different jobs. A car key may need programming as well as a physical copy, while a damaged key may need attention before it can be copied. Ask what applies to your key before approving work, and check our prices for the listed charges.

Which Key-Copying Situation Matches Your Need?

Think about what the copy needs to do, not just how the original looks. These common situations help you explain the job and understand what our listed starting price does—and does not—cover.

Choose the Right Kind of Key Copy

Gather a few details before calling. They help distinguish a straightforward duplicate request from one that may need replacement, repair, or programming.

• Original key — Bring the key you want copied if you still have it. A copy request based on an existing key is not the same as replacing a lost key.
• Lock or vehicle details — Tell us what the key operates: a home door, another lock, or a vehicle. For a car key, describe whether it has buttons or other electronic functions without taking the key apart.
• Visible condition — Check whether the key is bent, cracked, or badly worn. Mention damage before requesting a copy; a damaged original may need a different next step.
• Markings or restrictions — Point out any wording such as “Do Not Duplicate” or a label showing that the key is restricted. Do not try to alter or work around a marking; ask what information or authorization is needed.

Need help now? (240) 366-2739

Prepare a Key-Copy Request in Seven Steps

These steps help you describe the job and check the result safely. They are preparation steps for the owner, not instructions for cutting a key yourself.

1. Decide what the copy is for — Name the lock or vehicle the key needs to operate. This helps separate a home-key duplicate from a car-key replacement or programming request.
2. Find the original key — Bring the original if you have it. If you have lost every car key, say so at the start rather than describing the request as a duplicate.
3. Check the key’s condition — Look over the key for cracks, bends, or heavy wear. Keep it intact; do not try to straighten or reshape it before asking for help.
4. Note visible markings — Read any label or restriction printed on the key and share it with the locksmith. Do not remove a marking or assume it has no bearing on the request.
5. Describe electronic features — For a car key, mention buttons or other features you use. Keep the key fob together, and explain whether you need a physical key, working remote functions, or both.
6. Ask what the request includes — Before work begins, ask whether the job is copying, replacing, repairing, or programming the key. Also ask which charges apply, since the listed service-call starting price is not a separate key-copy total.
7. Check the copy in your own lock — If a copy is made, check it gently in the lock it is meant to operate. Do not force it; if it sticks or does not work, stop and contact the locksmith who handled the request.

What to Do if a Key Copy Does Not Work

A copy that sticks, turns roughly, or fails to operate the lock is a reason to stop testing it. Forcing a key can make the problem worse, especially if the original was already bent or worn. Keep both the original and the copy so the locksmith can compare them.

If the key is cracked or breaks in the lock, do not dig at it with a tool or try to turn the remaining piece. Call a locksmith for help with the lock or broken key. If you are locked out, ask about the appropriate locksmith service rather than treating the situation as an ordinary copy request.

When a Duplicate Is Not the Right Next Step

A duplicate makes sense when you have a usable key and want another one for the same lock or vehicle. If you have lost the original, have a key that is too damaged to use, or need a car key’s electronic functions restored, explain that instead. The right request may be replacement, repair, or programming rather than duplication.

If you are unsure which category fits, call MD Locksmith and describe what you have and what you need the key to do. We can help clarify the type of service to discuss before you arrange the work.

Need help now? (240) 366-2739

How Our Listed Starting Price Applies to These Situations

For a key-copy request, we do not list a separate copying total. The listed starting price of $15 applies to the service call, including car, house, and business lockouts; it is not a quoted total for making a copy. A spare house key, a spare car key, and a replacement when all car keys are lost are different requests, so describe your situation before authorizing work.

If you are comparing a copy with another kind of locksmith job, check the applicable charge and ask what the work includes. Do not assume that the starting price for a service call also covers a key blank, key cutting, or programming unless that is confirmed for your request.

Frequently asked questions