Replacement car keys in St. Johns County

Replacing a key without towing the car

Many St. Johns County residents drive I-95 or US 1 toward Jacksonville every weekday from World Golf Village, St. Johns or Nocatee. Losing the only key to that car stalls the whole household. Visitors have their own version: a fob that went into the ocean in a pocket, or keys dropped somewhere between the Castillo and the car. An automotive locksmith can often cut and program a replacement where the car is parked.

Salt water and sand

A fob that went swimming may still work once it's dried out, but salt water often ruins the circuit board over time. If it stops responding after a beach day, a new battery might fix it; if not, the locksmith can test it and program a replacement. Keys lost in the sand at Crescent Beach or St. Augustine Beach are usually lost for good — plan on a new key rather than a long search.

What the locksmith needs from you

To make a key for your car, the locksmith will confirm ownership with your photo ID and the registration or title. The VIN, visible through the windshield on the driver's side, helps identify the correct key blank and programming.

Make, model and year matter

Some newer vehicles can only be programmed with dealer equipment. Give the exact make, model and year when you call, and you'll be told honestly whether the job can be done on site. If the car is in a garage at home in Nocatee or parked at a workplace lot, say so; the locksmith needs room beside the driver's door and a little time with the car's computer to program the new key.

Golf bags, beach bags and spare fobs

Around World Golf Village and the Ponte Vedra courses, keys tend to vanish into golf bags and cart baskets; at the beaches they vanish into towels. Before assuming a key is lost, empty every bag completely. If the household has only one working fob for a second car, get a spare programmed now — it's a much easier job while you still have a key that works.

Rental cars are different

If you lose the key to a rental car, contact the rental company before anyone else. The car belongs to them, and they decide how a replacement is handled.

Need something else in St. Johns County?

See everything on the St. Johns County locksmith page, or browse Florida locksmiths.

Want the background first? Read our guide: Car Key Replacement.