Car Key Replacement in Rochester, NY

When the only key is gone

Losing the only key strands the car where it sits, and Rochester's street rules keep running while you sort it out. A vehicle may not stay parked on any city street for more than 12 hours, except where alternate parking rules apply. During a declared Parking Emergency, parking is restricted on announced residential streets so crews can clear them curb to curb. If the car may need to move before a new key is ready, mention that deadline in your request. This is general information, not legal advice.

If the car is missing rather than where you left it, check the Rochester Police Department's online Auto Impound vehicle lookup before assuming it was stolen. Release from the impound requires a valid registration or title and a valid driver's license, the same papers that matter for a new key.

Proof of ownership

Expect to show that the car is yours. Have ready:

• The title or current registration, in your name.
• Photo ID that matches it.
• If those papers are locked inside the car, they can be checked once it is opened; see car lockout.
• If the title or registration itself is lost, ask your state motor-vehicle agency for a replacement.

Details about the car and its keys

• The vehicle identification number (VIN), printed on the registration and visible on the dashboard at the base of the windshield.
• Make, model and year, and whether the car uses a turn key, a remote-head key or push-button start.
• How many keys the car had, and whether any working key or fob remains. If one does, key fob programming may be part of the job.
• Where the car is parked: the street and side, a driveway or a lot, and how long it has been there, since the 12-hour street limit applies.
• Whether house keys were on the same ring. If they were stolen, plan to rekey the house locks as well.

The wider city picture is on the Rochester page, and the service is described under car key replacement.