What to have ready before you call or text
- Year, make and model — plus a photo of your current key if you still have one.
- What kind of key it is — a push-to-start smart key, a remote-head or flip key, or a key you turn in the ignition. A photo settles it.
- Your VIN — on the driver-side dash (look through the windshield), on the driver's door jamb, and on your registration or insurance card.
- Proof of ownership — your title or registration and your ID. We verify ownership before decoding a key from a VIN.
- Whether you still have a working key — it changes the job and the price.
- Where the vehicle is, and how soon you need it.
Send that to 307-206-4218 and we'll reply with a free quote. The more of it we have up front, the more accurate the quote, because a push-to-start smart key and a turn-key transponder are very different jobs. The questions below cover the rest.
Common car key questions
What do you need to get a car key made?
The year, make and model, the VIN, proof of ownership, and where the vehicle is. A photo of your current key helps, and if you still have a working key, have it with you.
What counts as proof of ownership?
Usually your vehicle title or registration plus your ID. We verify ownership before decoding a key from a VIN. If your situation is unusual, text us first.
Can a locksmith make a car key?
Yes. An automotive locksmith like our team can cut and program car keys, remote fobs and smart keys for most makes, including when every key is lost. That covers most vehicles up to about 20 years old.
Can a locksmith program a key fob?
Yes. We supply and program remote fobs, remote-head keys and push-to-start smart keys at your vehicle. See key fob replacement and programming.
Does the vehicle need to be there?
Yes. Keys and fobs are programmed to the vehicle itself, which is why we come to wherever it's parked: at home, at work or on a job site.
Do you need a working key to make a new one?
No. Your VIN holds a factory key code we can cut from, and when that isn't enough we decode the lock itself, then program the new key. See lost car keys with no spare.
Is it easier to get a key while you still have one?
Much easier. Making a key while you still have a working one is simpler, and all keys lost is a lot more expensive and more inconvenient, because the vehicle is stuck until it's handled. If you're down to one key, get a spare car key now.
Will adding a new key stop the old keys from working?
It depends on the vehicle, so bring every key you want to keep using to the appointment. If a key was lost or stolen, ask us about erasing it from the vehicle's memory so it can no longer start the car.
How long does it take?
Most jobs are done in under an hour once we're at the vehicle. European vehicles and all-keys-lost jobs can take a bit longer, and we'll give you an honest estimate up front.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the key type and the vehicle, and quotes are free. We're typically around 25% less than the dealer, and there's no travel fee on a scheduled visit. See our car key replacement cost guide for what drives the price, or our dealer vs. locksmith comparison.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. There is a 3-year warranty on every key from us.
Can you save money by buying a key online?
It often backfires. Online keys can fail or turn out to be the wrong part, some brands' keys have to be ordered by part number and VIN, and Volkswagen, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz keys usually need pre-processing or a special programmer key. Getting the key from our team is the safer choice: we source the correct key, come to you, program it and back it with a 3-year warranty on every key from us. More in why buying your own key online often backfires.
Where do you go, and how often?
We're based in Riverton. Riverton and Lander are on our daily schedule, Casper weekly, Jackson and Thermopolis–Worland every two weeks, and Cody–Powell, Gillette, Rock Springs–Green River and Sheridan–Buffalo monthly. See Lander & Riverton, Casper, Jackson, Thermopolis & Worland, Cody, Powell, Gillette, Rock Springs & Green River, Sheridan and Buffalo.
What if the vehicle needs a key before you're next in the area?
If you've lost every key and can't wait for the next scheduled visit, emergency priority service is available for a $500 trip charge.
What are your hours?
Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM MT. Saturday and Sunday by appointment.
Do you work on Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi?
We can supply and program Mercedes-Benz keys up to the 2013 model year; Mercedes-Benz models after 2013 have to go to the dealer. BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Volvo, Land Rover and other European makes are case by case, so text 307-206-4218 with your year, make, model and VIN and we'll let you know.
Can you cut laser-cut and high-security keys?
Yes. We cut just about every key type on a Triton Ultimate key machine, including laser-cut (sidewinder) and high-security keys. See laser-cut and high-security car keys.
Can a key kiosk or hardware store copy a car key?
Sometimes, for a basic key, and only if you have a working key to copy. A kiosk can't make a key when every key is lost, and many keys still have to be programmed to the vehicle before they will start it. That programming is what our team does at your vehicle.
Do you make house or business keys?
No, we do vehicle keys only. For homes and businesses, visit Spare Me Locksmith at sparemelocksmith.com.
Do you work with car dealerships?
Yes. See dealership services.
Ready for a quote?
Call or text 307-206-4218 with your year, make, model, VIN and a photo of your key, or use the quote form on this page. Spare Me Car Keys is veteran owned and fully insured, our work is 100% satisfaction guaranteed, and there is a 3-year warranty on every key from us.