How Much Does a Key Cost at a Locksmith?

By Michael Anderson, 27 years of experience · November 9, 2026 · 7 min read

A car key replacement starts at $110, key fob programming starts at $70, and a car lockout starts at $55. Call (805) 977-6159 now; we come to you, and our mobile locksmith service is open 24/7.

Our Starting Prices in San Luis Obispo

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How Much Does a Car Key Cost at a Locksmith?

The starting price depends on which service you need: making a replacement key, programming a fob, or getting back into a locked car are different jobs. Our listed starting prices put car key replacement at $110, key fob programming at $70, and a car lockout at $55.

You can also review our prices before arranging service.

A replacement fob and programming are not the same task. The programming price covers programming; it does not state a price for the fob itself. Tell us whether you have a working key, a replacement fob, or no keys at all so the requested service is clear.

Choose the Car Key Service That Matches the Problem

Compare a New Car Key, Fob Programming, and Key Repair

• New car key — Choose this when a key is missing or you need another key made. Tell the locksmith whether you have a working key or whether all keys are lost; that changes which situation the request describes.
• Fob programming — Choose this when the fob is present but needs programming. Ask separately about the cost of a replacement fob if yours is missing or damaged, because the listed programming price does not price the fob itself.
• Key or fob repair — Choose this when you still have the key or fob but something is damaged or unreliable. Explain exactly what happens when you use it; a repair request is different from asking for a newly made key.
• Car lockout — Choose this when the key is inside the vehicle and your immediate problem is access. If the key is also lost or broken, say so before the locksmith travels so the request reflects both issues.

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

The Car and Key Details That Make a Price Check Useful

• Vehicle identification — Have the vehicle year, make, and model available. These details let you describe the vehicle accurately when asking whether the requested key service fits your situation.
• Your current key situation — Say whether you have one working key, a damaged key, a fob that needs programming, or no keys. “I need a new key” can describe several different jobs, so explain what is missing or not working.
• The key or fob you already have — If you have a replacement key or fob, describe it and keep it with you. This helps separate a request to program something you possess from a request to make or replace a key.
• Where the vehicle is — Give the exact location and mention any access issue that could affect reaching the vehicle. A mobile locksmith comes to you, so clear location details help direct the service to the right place.

How to Arrange Car Key Service Without Guessing at the Job

1. Call and state the immediate problem — Say whether you are locked out, have lost every key, need another key, or have a fob that needs programming. Starting with the problem helps distinguish an access call from key-making work.
2. Identify the vehicle — Share its year, make, and model, along with your location. Use the vehicle information you have rather than guessing at a key type.
3. Explain how many working keys you have — Be specific about whether even one key still works. If every key is gone, say that directly; we make a new car key on site when all keys are lost.
4. Describe the key or fob — Tell us whether you have a physical key, a fob, both, or neither, and whether anything is damaged. Do not assume that fob replacement and fob programming mean the same service.
5. Confirm the requested service and total — Ask which service matches your situation and confirm the total before work begins. The listed service call and starting prices do not, by themselves, establish the total for every request.
6. Keep the vehicle accessible — Make sure the locksmith can reach the vehicle at the location you gave. If the location or access changes, provide the updated details rather than sending the locksmith to the wrong spot.
7. Check the key before leaving — After the work, check that the new key or fob performs the function you requested. If it does not, point out the exact issue while the service details are still clear.

Three Car Key Situations and the Starting Price for Each

When all keys are lost, the relevant starting price is car key replacement or lost car keys, both from $110. Tell us plainly that no working key is available; that is different from asking for a duplicate while you still have a working key.

When you have a replacement fob but need it programmed, key fob programming starts from $70. If you also need the fob replaced, ask about that separately; the programming price does not include a stated fob replacement price.

When the key is locked inside the car, a car lockout starts from $55. That price is for the lockout service, not for making a replacement key, so mention any separate lost-key or damaged-key issue when you call.

Need help now? (805) 977-6159

When a Car Key Problem Calls for a Locksmith

Call a locksmith when every key is lost, the key is locked inside the vehicle, or the key or fob is damaged and you cannot use it as intended. Avoid forcing a damaged key or trying to manipulate the vehicle’s lock or ignition; that can turn a key problem into damage to another part of the vehicle.

For a missing key, tell us whether all keys are gone or one still works. For a fob issue, distinguish a fob you have that needs programming from one that needs replacement. Those details help direct you to the relevant car key replacement service or another offered auto locksmith service.

A locksmith can also program keys; see whether an automotive locksmith can program keys for more on that service. If the vehicle is in San Luis Obispo, our typical arrival time there is within 15 minutes; towns farther out get the next free locksmith.

What to Check After Your Replacement Key or Fob Is Ready

Test the function you asked the locksmith to address while the vehicle is at hand. For a new key, check that it works for the intended use; for programming, check the fob function you requested rather than assuming that a successful programming step means every possible feature was included.

If something does not work, describe the exact symptom: whether the key will not operate, the fob does not respond, or only one requested function is affected. A specific description makes it easier to identify whether the original request was for a new key, programming, or repair.

Keep the service details and any supplied key or fob together so you can refer to them if you need follow-up. For mobile service, call (805) 977-6159 or use contact us to arrange service at your location.

Frequently asked questions