Where and How to Copy a “Do Not Duplicate” Key. This does not apply to keys protected by law.”. If you see a key that says “Do Not Duplicate” on it, then you might wonder if it is actually illegal to copy that key. Another way to provide extra protection for a commercial property is to invest in locks that are designed to be more difficult to pick. Additional features might also be added such as angles or dimples. Will a Locksmith Copy a “Do Not Duplicate” Key? Even though this might seem like a hassle, this is necessary in order to ensure that the security of the key remains intact. Name the individual, who will duplicate the key, Contact details of the person giving the copying permission. In most cases, the producer of the restricted key owns a unique equipment required to cut it. Chris Strauss frequently blogs for This allows the locksmith to do the key duplication without any questions asked. A stamp with a warning may prevent some people from duplicating the key, however more secure options and steps will need to be taken if you truly do not want your keys duplicated. Rather, they simply take the key and have it duplicated. if you have decided to contact the original keys maker, you will need to provide the following information: Unrestricted keys can easily be duplicated as they don’t require any special equipment or instructions. Find a KeyMe kiosk near you. Your local locksmith can duplicate all types of keys and make key copies that work perfectly. Even though there are chain hardware stores that might refuse to cut a copy of these keys due to liability issues, they are no more challenging to duplicate than typical keys. The easiest and most affordable method of indicating that a key should not be copied is by adding the “Do Not Duplicate” stamp to create a DND (Do Not Duplicate) key. However, duplicating keys marked with “Do Not Duplicate” or “Do Not Copy” violates MinuteKey’s Terms of Use policy. Though many chain hardware stores, such as Ace, may refuse to cut a copy of these keys, a locksmith can easily duplicate them. At Express Locksmith, we have the tools necessary to duplicate numerous types of keys. If you do not have control over your keys, you do not have real security. High-security keys are offered by specific brands of lock and key manufacturers and require specialized equipment to cut the keys or close monitoring and control key-blank distribution. That’s why, some companies created locks with extra pins, tight tolerances, dimples and angles. If they are high security keys and you didn't want them, then the guy who came out is trying to lock you into doing business only with him.This happens a lot, unfortunately. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Displaying products 1 - 81 of 83 results: Show: Sort: Page 1 of 2: Page 1 2: 1A1A1 (A Section) Fits Best, Arrow and Falcon I.C. Call Key Smiths. The local hardware store has refused and the "make it yourself" kiosks at big box improvement stores don't work for this type of key. We know how an emergency situation such as locking yourself out of your home or car, can be a stressful and worrying experience especially when you have lost those exact keys. Actually, you can find them at any hardware store and even larger retail chains. This prevents companies from having to rekey their locks whenever an employee leaves or is fired. Our content does not substitute a professional consultation. These are special devices that allow you to lock, unlock doors, program the security system and even monitor traffic in and out of the building – all from your smartphone. In this scenario, the only thing standing in someone’s way of duplicating this type of key is the locksmith and their policies. Locksmiths refer to these keys as “restricted,” meaning that duplication rights are limited to the key’s original manufacturer. A locksmith will be the only way to make a duplicate. Discover what thousands of our customers already know: When you hire Great Valley Lockshop you can expect us to be prompt, passionate and genuinely enthusiastic about your project! Consumers who desire effective security should purchase a patented key control system rather than rely on a ‘Do Not Duplicate’ marking. Of course, it all depends on how badly you wish to protect your assets from unauthorized access. However, the security of the key isn’t guaranteed with the “do not duplicate” engraving. F: 610-889-3837 That’s why we highly recommend buying both a premium lock and a key. etc), Car Key Replacement: Where to Get a Car Key Made. You’re seeing this ad based on the product’s relevance to your search query. You probably wondered if it is illegal to duplicate the key. You can find a locksmith near you on the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) website. Professional Locksmiths Vs. Walmart Key Maker Machines: Why Are Locksmiths More Reliable? A locksmith will usually verify that someone’s name is on the signature card via photo ID. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Below, find out more about copying a do-not-duplicate key. If that person’s name is not on the card, then they are not getting any keys copied. One of the fastest ways to break into a property with a lock is to use blunt force, sometimes this force is referred to as bumping a lock. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information. What are Restricted Keyway and High Security Keys. When you need a do not duplicate key copied, you need to find a qualified locksmith who will be able to determine if you can legally duplicate the key. In most cases, no law prevents you from copying a do-not-duplicate key, although there are a few exceptions. The key requires specialized equipment to copy them. How to Duplicate a “Do Not Duplicate” Key The good people at Metafilter suggest that putting tape over these keys will thwart the guy at the hardware store. Keys with "Do Not Duplicate" engraved on them carry no more additional security features than any other brass key- in fact, the Associated Locksmiths of America has gone so far as to call the use of such markings "deceptive" due to the false sense of security that they provide. The engraved message found on many business keys is not legally binding – it’s just a recommendation. If you have a key for a restricted lock or have a key that might say “Do Not Duplicate” on it, then we might be able to help you out. But, intruders are rarely ever stopped by just a warning message on a key. There are basically two kinds of keys – restricted and unrestricted. Business owners and property owners began stamping “Do Not Duplicate” onto their keys in an attempt to control security violations from, for instance, terminated employees or former tenants. To answer these questions, we must first clarify that there are two types of “do not duplicate” keys, whereas the first group can hardly be copied, while the second requires little to no efforts at all. You can get your existing keys stamped with “DO NOT DUPLICATE” but it doesn’t stop anyone from getting copies without your knowledge. Furthermore, using this lock also requires the person’s name to be on a signature card. The inscription may decrease the number of copies in circulation because of the need to have them copied by a locksmith. That way, companies can rest easy, knowing that there are no unauthorized copies of their keys and that the building is secure. We advise you to read the benefits of owning a fingerprint door lock. If you are wondering how you can duplicate a key, the good news is that there are trained professionals who are available to lend a helping hand. Some locksmiths won't duplicate a key that has been stamped " Do Not Duplicate" out of ethic's and some can't because they are high security keys. With key control, only approved people will have a copy of the key and only a specific locksmith will be able to duplicate them. They aren't special keys it's just a stamp as a way of controlling the keys. Unauthorized key duplication remains a serious threat to security today and is currently the single most violated security policy in business. The minimum order we accept is 10. But they do not include making a duplicate of the key. A stamp with a warning may prevent some people from duplicating the key, however more secure options and steps will need to be taken if you truly do not want your keys duplicated.