We get calls every week from Burbank residents asking about key fob programming. A lot of those calls start the same way: “My spouse needs their own fob, and the dealer wants how much?!” So we put together this Q&A based on what people actually ask us.
How Much Does Key Fob Programming Cost in Burbank?
For most vehicles, you’re looking at somewhere between $120 and $250 for a spare key fob programmed by a mobile locksmith. That range depends on your car’s make, model, and year. A basic remote for a 2015 Honda Civic is going to cost less than a proximity fob for a 2023 BMW.
Compare that to a Burbank dealership — we’ve heard quotes from $350 to over $600 for the same job. One customer on Olive Avenue told us their Toyota dealer on Auto Drive quoted $480 for a second fob. We did it for $180 in their driveway. Same fob, same programming, half the price.
If you want an exact quote for your vehicle, check out our key fob programming in Burbank page or just give us a call.
Can I Get a Second Key Fob Without Going to the Dealership?
Yes — and honestly, this is the number one reason people call us. One spouse has the only fob, and they need a duplicate. Maybe you just bought a used car from a private seller near Magnolia Park and it only came with one key. Maybe your partner is tired of texting you to unlock the car from inside the house.
A licensed automotive locksmith can program a second fob for most makes and models right at your location. We bring the equipment, the blank fob, and handle the full programming on-site. No tow truck. No waiting room at the dealership on Victory Boulevard.
How Long Does Key Fob Programming Take?
Most jobs take 20 to 40 minutes. We’ve done them in parking lots on San Fernando Boulevard, in driveways off Verdugo Avenue, and even at office buildings near the Burbank Media District. The process is straightforward: we verify your ownership, match the correct fob to your vehicle, and sync it to your car’s onboard computer.
Some newer vehicles with advanced encryption — think 2020+ Kia, Hyundai, or certain European models — can take closer to an hour. We’ll let you know the timeframe before we start.
Will Programming a New Fob Erase My Existing One?
This is a great question, and it comes up a lot — especially from couples getting a second fob made. The short answer: no, your existing fob will keep working. When we program a new fob, we add it to your vehicle’s system alongside the ones already registered.
Most cars can hold between 4 and 8 programmed key fobs. So adding one for your spouse isn’t going to knock yours offline. Both fobs will lock, unlock, and start the car independently.
If your car uses a , the same applies — we program the new proximity key without affecting the original.
Do You Come to My Location in Burbank?
We do. Our mobile locksmith unit covers all of Burbank — from the Rancho neighborhood near Chandler Bikeway up to the hillside streets by Wildwood Canyon. We regularly serve customers near the Burbank Town Center, along Glenoaks Boulevard, around Bob Hope Airport, and through the residential blocks between Alameda and Buena Vista.
You don’t need to drive anywhere or take time off work. We come to your home, your office, or wherever your car is parked. For a full list of what we offer in the area, visit our Burbank locksmith services page.
What Information Do I Need to Have Ready?
Three things make the process faster:
- Your vehicle’s year, make, and model — for example, “2021 Toyota Camry LE.”
- Proof of ownership — registration or title. This is a security requirement, and any legitimate locksmith will ask for it.
- Your existing working key or fob — having at least one working key on hand simplifies programming and keeps the cost lower. If you’ve lost all keys, we can still help, but it’s a different process and price point.
If you’ve got that info, we can usually give you a firm quote over the phone in under two minutes.
Ready to Get That Second Fob?
If you and your spouse have been sharing one key fob and it’s driving you both crazy, we can fix that fast. The Locksmith HQ Team handles key fob programming in Burbank every day — quick, affordable, and right at your door. Give us a call at (818) 398-9391 and we’ll get you set up.
