You can get a key made at several common places, depending on the type of key and how quickly you need it.

Fast everyday options

  • Large hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware) usually have a staffed key-cutting counter for house, padlock, and some car keys, often done in a couple of minutes.
  • Big-box retailers like Walmart often have a key counter or a self-service key machine near the entrance/exit for standard home and office keys.
  • Grocery stores and supermarkets sometimes have minuteKEY or KeyMe kiosks that copy common house and office keys while you shop.

Best for tricky or car keys

  • Dedicated locksmith shops are the safest choice for car keys, high-security keys, mailbox keys, or “Do Not Duplicate” keys, and they can often cut and program modern car keys and fobs.
  • Automotive parts stores (like NAPA or similar chains) sometimes cut basic car keys and, in some locations, can help with chipped keys as well.

How to decide where to go

  • For a simple house or padlock key: try a hardware store, big-box store, or a self-service kiosk first.
  • For a car key, fob, or if you’ve lost the original: go straight to a locksmith or a specialist car key service, since kiosks usually only copy existing standard keys and can’t generate a key from scratch.
  • For keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” or building/office keys: many kiosks and big chains will refuse, so you’ll likely need a locksmith and possibly proof you’re allowed to copy it.

If you tell me what type of key it is (house, car, mailbox, etc.) and your country or city, I can narrow this down more precisely.