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Car Key Copy Walmart? | Can Walmart Make Car Key Copies?

If you need almost anything done, Walmart feels like the first logical stop for your problems. But for those of us who need to give our loved ones an extra key so they can drive the car, do they have a solution for this? In this article, we will answer the question “does Walmart allow you to make copies of your car keys?”

The short answer is yes. Walmart’s service allows you to make duplicate car keys. You need to bring them a copy of your current key. Their self-service system, known as MinuteKey, will allow you to get this key in under five minutes.

What Do I Need In Order To Get Walmart To Make A Copy Of My Key?

If you want Walmart to make a copy of your key, bring an original version. By having an original copy of the key, Walmart will have something to duplicate. If you do not have a key to copy, Walmart cannot help you.

You can find Walmart’s key maker in front of larger Walmart. Sometimes you will need to go to the hardware section. Look for MinuteKey, the name of Walmart’s automated key making service.

How Do I Use Walmart’s Key Making Service (MinuteKey)?

Simply insert your original key into the available slot and wait until the self-service machine takes care of you. This will only take a couple of minutes. Please wait for the entire process to finish before you leave. Leaving too early will give someone an opportunity to steal your car keys. Below is a video that will teach you how to use MinuteKey.

What Keys Are Best Used With MinuteKey?

MinuteKey does not work with all key types. Below is a list of keys you should avoid putting into this key maker:

  • Broken or bent keys
  • Car keys with chips
  • Keys that say “Do not duplicate”
  • Keys of new cars

When it comes to cars, MinuteKey is most effective when being used for cars produced before the 1990s. Those vehicles do not have the same chip-based protection as modern vehicles. As a result, you can also use MinuteKey for any standard lock key, house key, and any other key with simple locking.

How Much Does MinuteKey Cost?

If you use Walmart’s key maker, you can expect to pay no more than $6. Compared to locksmiths, dealerships, and hardware stores, Walmart offers the least expensive service available. If your key doesn’t work, you can typically get a refund with no questions asked.

Walmart may prioritize customer service, the quality of its keys is questionable. If you make a key copy in Walmart, do not expect it to be made of the highest quality metal. Instead, look for dealerships and locksmiths who pride themselves on long-lasting keys.

Why Can’t Walmart Duplicate Transponder Keys?

Walmart cannot duplicate transponder keys because car dealerships will not provide them the right coding to do so. Recoding locks requires well-guarded industry knowledge that companies like Toyota, Ford, and Mazda cannot trust Walmart. As a result of this, Walmart also cannot fix remote key fobs or proximity keys. Head to a dealership if you have these issues.

Where Else Can I Get Keys Made?

If you don’t think Walmart can meet your needs, you have three other options to choose from:

  • Car dealership
  • Locksmith
  • Hardware store

Below, we will give you instructions for how to get keys made from each of these locations.

How Do I Get A Copy Of My Keys From A Local Car Dealership?

If you have a Toyota vehicle, you will be able to easily get a copy of your keys at a Toyota dealership. Dealerships are known to copy keys fairly often, but you should give them a call before assuming.

To get a copy of your keys, you will need the following items:

  • The old key
  • Proof of ownership
  • Permission from the owner

Dealerships are one of the few entities that can make keys when you do not have the original. As a result, you can bring proof of ownership inside and request a copy made. If you don’t own the vehicle, you will need to bring the owner with you.

You will need to provide a signature providing them permission to make a copy of their key. Without a signature from the owner, you will not be able to get them to make a new key. Dealerships are the only group that is able to handle transponder keys. If you have a transponder key, dealerships are the only place you can use to reproduce the specialized coding needed to access your car.

How Do I Get New Car Keys From A Locksmith?

Locksmiths are well known for being able to break into vehicles. Veteran locksmiths have the ability to make car keys. Locksmiths are not skilled with transponder keys, so you should only contact them if you have one of the following conditions:

  • You have locked yourself out of your car and your keys are inside
  • It is a time-sensitive situation
  • Your vehicle was made before the 90s.

If you are having trouble locating a local locksmith, you may see if your insurance company has access to a database. Out of all of the options on this list, locksmiths are typically the most expensive. A locksmith will charge you $75 per hour. This price does not include the cost of producing new keys, which can add an extra $25 to $100 depending on the materials used.

How Can I Get Replacement Car Keys From A Hardware Store?

Hardware stores like Home Depot have self-service key production machines on the inside. Simply treat them as you would Walmart’s MinuteKey and you will be out of the store within minutes. Below are a few popular hardware stores that support this kind of service:

  • Ace Hardware
  • AutoZone
  • Lowes
  • Home Depot
  • Napa

When buying keys from a hardware store, they can vary anywhere from $6 to $50. That price depends on the quality of metal used to produce the new key.

What Should I Choose To Get A New Car Key?

Below is a table that lists out the strengths and weaknesses of each option we’ve suggested.

Walmart Hardware store Car dealership Locksmith
Cost of keys? $6 per key Up to $50 per key $75 to $200 per key $50 per key + $75 hourly rate
Can they handle the transponder key? No No Yes Not likely
Great for older cars Yes Yes No Yes

What If My Car Has A Push-Button Start?

If your car is among the newer models that have a start button, lost or destroyed keys should be replaced by a dealership. That is because push-button starts are a relatively new medium, meaning that cars with a start button also most likely have a smart key.

Which Car Keys Cannot Be Duplicated?

  • Transponder or chip keys (unless you go to a dealership)
  • Four-sided keys
  • Abloy keys
  • Laser-cut car keys
  • Do Not Duplicate Keys (unless you have explicit permission)
  • Blank keys

If you aren’t certain whether or not your key can be duplicated, contact the key’s manufacturer. Also, local locksmiths may be able to get in contact with specialists who can tell you. There are technically no laws telling you to not duplicate keys that say “do not duplicate.” However, good locksmiths will always contact the key’s manufacturer to check on their permission to duplicate the key.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking to make a key copy at Walmart, all you need to do is bring a copy of your old key to The MinuteKey kiosk. If you don’t have a copy of your old key, Walmart won’t be able to help you.

 

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