Car Key Replacement in Portland, OR

Proving the car is yours

A key made for a car can start that car, so have proof of ownership ready. Bring or photograph:

• a photo ID
• the registration or title in your name, or a letter from the lender or leasing company if the car is financed or leased
• the VIN, which is visible through the windshield at the base of the driver's side and printed on the registration

If those papers are locked in the car, say so in your request. If they are lost, your state motor-vehicle agency can replace them.

Where the car is parked

• On the street. Portland City Code 16.20.170 bars storing a vehicle on the public right-of-way for longer than a full day without the permission of the City Administrator. A vehicle that has not moved off its block face within that day counts as prima facie evidence of storage, which may be abated. A lost key does not stop that clock, so note when you parked and ask early. This is general information, not legal advice.
• Off an alley. Ladd's Addition, laid out on a diagonal plan in 1891, has alleys. If your house has a garage or gate facing the alley, say which side the car is on.
• Off the street. The rule concerns the public right-of-way, so say whether the car sits on the street or in a garage or lot.

What kind of key you need

Say what the car used before: a plain metal key, a key with a transponder chip, or a push-to-start fob. Newer cars usually need the key programmed to the car after it is cut or ordered. If every key is gone, say so. If one key still works and you only want a spare, see key fob programming.

Details to gather

For car key replacement, send the make, model, year and VIN, the key type if you know it, whether any working key or fob remains, and where the car is. If the car is locked with the key inside, start with car lockout.