What Kind of Car Key Do I Have? Transponder, Laser-Cut and Smart Keys Explained

Basic metal key

A plain metal key with no plastic head, mostly on older cars. It only needs to be cut. Most cars from the late 1990s on have a chip instead.

Transponder (chip) key

Looks like a regular key with a thick plastic head. Inside the head is a chip the car must recognize, or the engine won't start. A new one has to be cut and programmed to your car.

Sign you have one: a cheap copy opens the door but the car won't start.

Laser-cut (high-security) key

The cut is a groove milled into the flat side of the blade instead of teeth on the edge. Most have a chip too. It needs a special cutting machine plus programming.

Remote-head key

Key and remote in one piece: lock and unlock buttons on the head of the key. The key part is cut and the chip and remote are both programmed.

Flip key

The blade folds into the remote and pops out with a button. Same work as a remote-head key: cut, then program the chip and the buttons.

Smart key (push-to-start)

No blade to turn. You keep it in your pocket and press a button to start. Most have a small emergency key hidden inside. A new smart key is programmed to the car; the emergency key is cut to match.

Not sure which one you have?

• Send us a photo of your key by text.
• Or tell us the year, make and model, and we'll tell you.

We make all of these at your car, 24/7, for most American and Asian makes. Call or text (443) 699-8083.

More: Transponder Keys · Laser-Cut Keys · Push-to-Start Keys · Key Fob Programming