It is possible to get a car key made from just the Vehicle’s VIN Number. Many locksmiths and dealerships can help replace your broken or lost key with a new one simply by checking out the VIN number of your vehicle. For those who were wondering, the service is referred to as a “car key origination” service. The locksmith will use the VIN to generate a code, which is then used to cut a new key. Sometimes, the locksmith will use another lock on the car to read the cutouts for a new key or make a lock on the car to make one that works.

Most automotive locksmiths should also be able to replace key FOBs and remotes with information gleaned from the VIN number. While we mentioned that dealers would do this for you too, but you don’t need to visit a dealer, and honestly, dealers are more expensive than automotive locksmiths. Also, you don’t have to tow the vehicle to a mechanic or dealership, which alone saves you a bundle of cash.

What Information Is Needed to Replace A Lost Key?

One of the most important things you’ll need to do is prove ownership of the vehicle to the locksmith or dealership, whoever you choose. In addition, you will need to have the make, year and model of the vehicle—for instance, the “2010 Honda Civic”.

You will also need to provide the locksmith with a VIN number if the dealer is making the key using the VIN number. It is a unique identifier that carries a bit of information about your vehicle.

The VIN number isn’t hard to find on a vehicle. Usually, it should be located on the front of the dashboard on the driver’s side near the bottom of the windshield. In most vehicles, it can be read from the outside.

If you can’t find the VIN on the vehicle for whatever reason, the user’s manual should have it.

How Locksmiths Make A Key Without the Original?

Locksmiths use the vehicle’s VIN to retrieve the original code of the keys which are cut for the vehicle. It tells them how to cut the keys. However, as the vehicle owner, you need to know a couple of things about cutting the keys using a VIN number, such as:

  • The VIN number will provide specifications for the original key for the vehicle. That means if your ignition has been replaced or the locks on the vehicle replaced, then this method will not work.
  • If you have a very old vehicle, then this technique will not work. The code needed is often not available for the vehicle. However, there are other methods that locksmiths can use to make a key.

Conclusion

Making a car key using a VIN number isn’t difficult for most modern locksmiths. However, the important part is to call a locksmith who has experience doing it and who will do it at your location. That way, you save on having the vehicle towed to their location.