Car Key Replacement in Albany, NY

Proving the car is yours

A replacement car key is cut to the lock and, on most newer cars, programmed to the vehicle's immobilizer. Because a new key gives full access to the car, expect to show proof of ownership before work starts:

• photo ID
• the vehicle registration or title in the same name, issued by your state motor-vehicle agency
• the vehicle identification number (VIN), printed on the registration and on a plate at the base of the windshield

For a leased or financed car, the lender may hold the title, so bring the registration and the lease or loan paperwork. If the papers are locked inside the car, mention that in your request.

Where Albany cars are parked

Permit parking under Section 359-74 of the City Code covers designated streets around the Empire State Plaza and in Center Square, Hudson/Park and Park South. A car with no working key cannot be moved to a better spot, so the block, the side of the street and whether the space is permit-only all matter when you ask for help.

A car in a private driveway, a garage or a lot is usually easier to reach, but say whether there is room to open the driver's door fully and whether a garage has low clearance. This is general information, not legal advice.

What to have ready

1. The car's year, make and model, and whether it uses a turn key, a flip key or push-button start.
2. How many working keys are left, if any. A spare that still works can make the job simpler.
3. Whether the lost key was on a ring with house keys, in which case consider rekeying those doors too.
4. Whether the lost key included a remote for the locks or trunk.

For remotes and push-button fobs, see key fob programming. The car key replacement page covers the service, and the Albany page has the city notes.