Car Key Replacement in Knoxville, TN

When the only key is gone and the car is at the curb

Lose every key and the car stays where it was last parked until a new one is made. In a driveway, that is an inconvenience. On a Knoxville street, the city keeps its own clock.

The City of Knoxville's Neighborhood Codes Enforcement takes reports of inoperable vehicles illegally parked on public property for more than 48 hours, vehicles left unattended on public property for more than 30 days, and vehicles not moved under their own power in 15 days. Old North Knoxville has only a few driveways or garages, most built after 1920, so cars there are likely to be at the curb. Say whether yours is on a public street, in a private lot, in a driveway or in a garage, and how long it has been there. This is general information, not legal advice.

Proof that the car is yours

A new key lets someone drive the car away, so have proof of ownership ready: a photo ID plus the registration or title in your name. If the papers are in the locked car, say so. If the car is registered to a relative, a business or a lender, ask beforehand what written authorization is needed.

What to have ready

For a car key replacement request, gather:

• The VIN, printed on the registration and visible at the base of the windshield on the driver's side
• Year, make and model
• The key type: plain metal key, key with a remote in the head, flip key or push-button start fob
• Any key you still have, even a worn or broken one
• Where the car is parked and whether the driver's door opens fully there

Replacing a key often includes programming. If you still have one working fob and want a spare, see key fob programming. Local rules for parked cars are also on the Knoxville page.