Does Walmart still copy car keys?

[VonRebecca]

Yes, Walmart provides car key copying services through KeyMe kiosks inside its stores, but this service is limited to traditional double-sided car keys and some basic remote head keys. Minute Key kiosks, also found in Walmart, do not copy car keys at all—they only handle house keys. For a successful copy, you must have the original key, and some remote keys with transponder chips cannot be made functional through kiosk copying alone.

The two main kiosk brands, KeyMe and Minute Key, serve completely different purposes regarding car keys. KeyMe kiosks are explicitly designed for automotive keys. According to industry data and KeyMe's own service descriptions, their machines can replicate most standard laser-cut double-sided car keys (also called "sidewinder" keys) commonly found on vehicles from the 1990s to early 2010s. They can also create a physical copy of the blade for some basic integrated remote head keys (the type where the key folds into the fob). In contrast, Minute Key's official FAQ clearly states its machines cannot copy car keys currently, focusing solely on residential and padlock keys.

However, there are significant limitations to what Walmart's KeyMe kiosks can achieve with modern automotive technology. They cannot program the essential transponder chips or proximity sensors found in most cars produced in the last 15-20 years. While the kiosk can cut a perfect physical duplicate of a key, if the original key contains a chip, the new copy will not start the car without professional programming. This service is typically offered by automotive locksmiths, dealerships, or through KeyMe's subscription "KeyPro" service for mail-in programming, not the in-store kiosk itself.

The types of keys you cannot copy at a Walmart kiosk include:

• Transponder Keys (Chip Keys): The vast majority of cars since the early 2000s.
• Smart Keys / Proximity Fobs (Keyless Entry): Keys where you push a button to start; there's often no traditional blade to copy.
• High-Security Keys: Keys with proprietary cuts from brands like BMW, Mercedes, or Volkswagen that require specialized equipment.
• Tibbe Keys, VATS Keys, or Other Specialist Automotive Keys.

For a simple, non-chip double-sided car key, the in-store process is straightforward and costs between $20 to $60, depending on the key type. You insert your original, the machine scans it, you choose your blank key from available options, and the machine cuts it on the spot. It's a solution primarily for older vehicles or for creating a spare physical blade for a remote fob. For anything more complex, Walmart's kiosk service acts as a first step—cutting the blade—but you will need to seek additional, separate programming services to make the key fully operational.

[OEleanor]

I was just at Walmart trying to get a spare for my 2008 Toyota. The KeyMe kiosk near the entrance did the job for my basic key. It cost about $25 and took five minutes. The employee at the service desk pointed me right to it. But he did ask if my key had a chip—mine doesn't, so it worked. My neighbor tried with her newer Honda’s remote key, and the kiosk could only make the metal part; she still had to get it programmed elsewhere to start the car. The other little green kiosk, Minute Key, only does house keys. So, yes, for a simple old car key, Walmart does it fast and cheap.

[ElainaLee]

As a car owner who’s done the research, here’s the clear breakdown. Walmart’s current car key service is powered by KeyMe, not Minute Key. Minute Key machines explicitly do not handle car keys. KeyMe kiosks are useful for a specific niche: duplicating the physical metal blade of a key.

This is perfect for older models without transponder chips or for making a physical backup of the cutting on a basic flip-key remote. The machine scans your original, cuts a new blank, and you’re done. However, if your car was made in the last 15-20 years, the key likely has an RFID chip that communicates with the car’s immobilizer. The kiosk cannot program that chip.

You’ll walk out with a key that fits the door and ignition but won’t start the engine. For that, you need a specialist. So, Walmart’s role is often just the first step in a two-part process for modern keys—cutting here, programming elsewhere.

[DiAniyah]

My perspective is from someone who drives an older vehicle. For my 2005 pickup truck, which uses a plain metal key, Walmart is my go-to solution. It’s incredibly convenient. I don’t need to find a locksmith or wait for an appointment. I run my errands, swing by the KeyMe station near customer service, and have a new spare in under ten minutes for less than thirty dollars.

It’s a straightforward, no-fuss service for a straightforward key. This covers a lot of cars still on the road. If your key looks like a classic house key but for your car, chances are high the Walmart kiosk can copy it. Just double-check you’re at the right machine—look for the KeyMe logo, not Minute Key.

[DiEmerson]

Let’s talk about the real-world convenience versus limitations. The main advantage of using Walmart is accessibility and speed for basic needs. Stores are everywhere, and kiosks are often available outside of typical locksmith business hours. The cost for a standard double-sided key copy is consistently lower than most automotive locksmiths’ minimum service call fees.

The trade-off is the limited scope. You’re relying on a self-service machine with a fixed inventory of key blanks. If your car model uses a less common blank, it might not be in stock. The major limitation, as mentioned, is the lack of programming. This makes it crucial to know what kind of key you have before you go.

For a non-chip key, it’s a definitive solution. For a chip key, it’s a partial solution that requires further steps and potentially negates the time and cost savings if you need immediate programming from another provider. It’s about managing expectations—Walmart solves a specific, common problem very well but is not a universal car key replacement center.