Since replacing a car key is possible through the use of the VIN number, losing a key is not the end of the world as it can be easily replaced. The most important thing is knowing where to make the replacement, therefore, where can I get a key made from a VIN number?
You can get a key made from a VIN number from a car locksmith. All you have to do to contact a car locksmith and have them make the key using the car’s vehicle identification number.
Where Can I Get a Key Made from a VIN Number?
There are two places where you can get a key made from a VIN number, they are:
1. A Car Locksmith
Contacting a car locksmith is the fastest and cheapest way to make a car key using the vehicle identification number (VIN). The locksmith will use the VIN number to generate a special code for the vehicle that will enable him to cut the original key for the car.
There are so many locksmiths out there who are good at what they do. All you have to do is to contact them and explain your situation to them. There are also those online, you can get their information from their online platforms and contact them for the replacement.
Most car locksmiths can work on all kinds of car keys irrespective of the brand, so you don’t have to worry about driving a German or Japanese car. Once they get the necessary information needed to have the key made, they will get the key made for you.
However, before a car locksmith proceeds with making a car key from a VIN number, they will require you to prove the ownership of the car. They will ask you to provide proof of ownership to ascertain the ownership of the car before they proceed.
If the vehicle you want to make the key for uses a transponder key, the key made from the VIN number can only turn the ignition on and open the car door. It won’t start the car. The locksmith will have to reprogram the keys to enable it to start the car.
Meanwhile, for you to want to have a car key made using the VIN number means you lost all the keys. However, if you lost the original keys and still have the spare key, you can just contact a locksmith for key duplication.
All you have to do is purchase a new spare key, drive the car to the locksmith workshop using the spare key, and have him use it to make a duplicate for you. Doing this will save more money than making another key using the VIN number.
This is because the cost of making a key using the VIN number may be high depending on your state of residence. The fact that it is cheaper with a locksmith doesn’t mean it is almost free.
If you meet a locksmith for a key replacement using the VIN number, he will have to consider the cost of getting the key to use, the labor to cut the key, what it will cost him to get the code he needs to cut the key, as well as the cost of mailing the key to your address. They all determine how much the locksmith will charge for the work.
2. Car Dealership
The car dealership can also make a car key using the VIN number. All you have to do is contact them and have them do the job for you.
There are reasons why people choose car locksmiths over dealerships, but in all, it depends on where you want. If you prefer to make the key from your car dealership, you are good to go.
Difference Between Using a Locksmith and Dealership
The difference between using a car locksmith and a dealership to make a key using the VIN number is:
| Locksmith | Dealership |
| The locksmith can make the key as fast as possible and have it mailed to your address | They are not as fast as locksmiths. It might take some time before the key will be ready |
| They are cheap and don’t charge too exorbitantly | They are not that cheep when it comes to charging for the job |
| You will need to provide proof of ownership of the car | You may or may not need to provide proof of ownership if you bought the car from them |
| The VIN number has to be in the insurance, car title, and registration | If they know you and you bought the car from them, you are good to go |
Nevertheless, since the locksmith obtains a special code that allows him to make the key through the VIN number, you can save cost by providing that code to him. If you provide the code to the locksmith, he will remove the cost of getting the code thus saving you some money.
If you can get the code that is usually provided when you purchase a car, you can give it to them instead of the VIN number. But you must be certain to avoid giving them the wrong code. Sometimes, the code can also be found in the glove box of the car.
Final Thoughts
You can easily have a key made using the VIN number by contacting a car locksmith or your dealership. Contacting a locksmith is cheaper and faster compare to car dealership but at the end of the day, you will have your key ready for use.