Need a Spare? Here’s Whether Your Car Key Fob Can Be Copied in South Africa

 

Can Car Key Fobs Be Duplicated?

Imagine losing your car key fob, or just wanting a spare. You might wonder: Can I duplicate that fob? Could someone else make a copy without me knowing?

Yes — car key fobs can be duplicated. But how easy, how legal, and how safe it is depends on the type of fob, its security features, and the tools used.

In this post, you’ll learn:

·         What a key fob is and how it works

·         Different types of keys/fobs

·         The steps to duplicate or clone a key fob

·         Where to get it done and how much it costs

·         How thieves clone fobs and how to protect yourself

·         What to do if your fob is lost or might have been copied

By the end, you'll understand whether duplication is safe, possible, or risky for you.

 

What Is a Car Key Fob and How Does It Work?

A car key fob is a small electronic gadget you carry. It uses radio signals to talk to your car to lock/unlock doors, maybe start the engine.

 

Here are the simple parts:

·         A chip inside the fob stores a code.

·         The fob has an antenna (often built in).

·         When you push a button (or sometimes automatically when you approach), it sends the code to the car.

·         The car checks: is the code valid? If yes, it unlocks or starts.

Some fobs are “keyless entry” — you don’t insert a metal key. Others have both physical key + remote functions.

Security is added by things like encryption (scrambling the code), rolling codes (code changes each time), sometimes NFC or RFID standards.

 

Different Types of Car Keys and Fobs

Not all keys or fobs are the same. Which one you have affects whether duplication is easy or hard.

Here are the common types:

1. Traditional Metal Keys

·         Purely physical. No chip.

·         Just cut the metal shape.

 

2. Transponder Keys

·         Metal key + chip. The chip sends a signal (RFID) when you put the key in ignition.

·         Car checks the chip before starting.

3. Remote Key Fobs / Keyless Entry

·         You press a button to unlock or lock remotely.

·         Often also has remote start/or unlock.

 

4. Smart Proximity Keys

·         You carry the fob in your pocket. Car senses proximity and unlocks or lets you start with a button.

 

·         Which one matters: more features = more complexity = more cost or difficulty in duplication.

 

Can All Car Key Fobs Be Duplicated — Yes, but with Conditions

Short answer: Yes, many key fobs can be duplicated, but not all, and often not easily or cheaply.

Here’s what affects this:

·         Does the fob have chips / encryption? If yes, you’ll need programming tools. Simple copying won’t work.

·         Does the fob use rolling codes? If so, the code changes with each use. That makes old recorded codes useless. But there are some attacks that still work.

·         Is the fob sealed or soldered? Some fobs cannot be opened or have non-replaceable batteries or parts. That makes servicing harder.

So yes, but the “how” depends on your key type, your car model/year, and how strong its security is.

 

How Do Duplications & Cloning Actually Work? (Step-by-Step Process)

If you want to know how duplication or cloning happens—legally or illegally—here are the steps.

Step 1: Identify the Key Type

·         Is it just metal?

·         Does it have a chip inside?

·         Does it talk to the car remotely (buttons, proximity)?

·         Does the manual say anything about encryption, rolling codes, or sealed fob?

 

Step 2: Cut the Physical Key (If It Has a Blade)

·         Traditional or laser-cut keys need a machine to cut the metal.

·         The blank key is matched to the original.

 

Step 3: Capture or Copy the Chip / Signal

If there’s a chip or remote part:

·         Use a reader (RFID, NFC) or specialized tool to read the code.

·         For fobs with rolling codes, sometimes attackers need to capture more than one signal.

 

Step 4: Program the New Fob

·         After copying the physical key or signal, it needs to be “told” to work with the car (this is programming or syncing).

·         Dealerships or specialized locksmiths often have the needed equipment.

 

Step 5: Test It

·         Try unlocking, locking, maybe starting (if applicable).

·         Make sure remote features work.

 

These steps are followed by both legitimate services (for spares) and by criminals (to make illegal clones).

 

Where & How to Get Your Car Key Fob Duplicated

If you need a legitimate duplicate or replacement, you have several options:

·         Automotive Locksmiths – They often have the tools for chip programming, fob configuration. Usually cheaper than dealers.

·         Dealerships – Official replacements, coded for your car. Cost more. Requires proof of ownership sometimes.

·         Online Services – Buy blank key or key fob, send info, they ship. Might still need local programming.

·         Mobile Locksmiths – They come to your car’s location and do the duplication/programming.

 

When choosing, check: cost, how fast, whether programming is included, whether guarantee is given.

 

Cost Ranges for Different Types of Key Duplications

Here’s roughly what different duplication tasks cost. The exact cost depends on region, car model, how advanced the key/fob is.

Key Type	Approximate cost range
Traditional metal key	R100 – R150
Transponder key (chip)	R800 – R1,500
Remote key fob/ Keyless entry	R1,500 – R3,000
Smart proximity key	R3,000 – R7,000

 

These are approximate. Prices vary by country, car brand, whether dealership or independent locksmith.

 

What Is Key Fob Cloning? And How Thieves Use It

Cloning goes beyond legal duplication. It means making an unauthorized copy. Thieves do this.

 

Some common cloning methods:

·         Relay Attacks: Thieves use two devices. One is near your fob (maybe inside your home), the other near the car. They relay the signal so the car believes the fob is close. Then they unlock/start the car. 

·         RollBack and RollJam: These are more advanced. They are attacks against rolling code systems. E.g. RollBack is a way to replay previously captured signals and force the system back to a prior code state, making clones viable. 

·         Replay Attacks: Capture a fixed code or signal and play it later. Older systems were low-security like this.

·         RFID/NFC Skimming: Using devices to read signals from a fob when close by, clone them onto blanks.

 

Examples:

·         Researchers showed vulnerabilities in Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia key immobilizers (DST80 system), allowing cloning via a device called Proxmark.

·         Relay attacks: It has been documented that thieves can use cheap relay tools (battery powered) to open many cars parked close to homes. 

 

Real-Life Risks: Could Someone Clone Your Fob While It’s in Your Pocket?

This is a big worry for many — can someone copy your fob signal while it's in your pocket?

Yes, but under certain conditions:

·         The thief needs equipment (RFID reader/copier, relay devices) that can pick up the signal. Some old fobs are more vulnerable.

·         Distance matters. Usually, skimming or copying needs close proximity (a few centimeters or within a few meters under strong tools).

·         Relay attacks make this easier: one device near you, one near your car. They match up signals.

·         Newer fobs with rolling codes, encryption, or distance checks are much harder to copy this way.

So it’s possible, but not always easy. It depends on your fob’s tech and how well protected it is.

 

Legal vs Illegal Duplication: What’s Permitted and What’s Not

Here’s what you need to know:

·         It’s usually legal to duplicate your own fob or key, or to get a spare.

·         It may also be legal to duplicate a fob if authorized by the owner (business settings, landlords, etc.).

·         It is illegal to duplicate someone else’s fob without permission — that could be theft or breach of property access laws.

·         Many countries require proof of ownership for dealership services (show ID, registration) before duplication/programming.

So always go through legitimate services; keep your fob secure; report lost/stolen ones.

 

How to Protect Yourself Against Key Fob Duplication and Cloning

You don’t have to live afraid, but these steps help protect you:

1.       Store your fob securely

Don’t leave it near doors/windows or outside.

Keep it inside your house, far from outer walls.

 

2.       Use a Faraday pouch or signal-blocking case

These pouches block the radio signals so thieves can’t read your fob.

It might cost a bit, but it adds security. 

 

3.       Check if your fob has rolling codes or encryption

If yes, you have extra protection.

If no, your fob is more vulnerable to replay or cloning attacks.

 

4.       Disable passive/keyless entry if you can

Some cars allow you to turn off automatic unlock or proximity features.

Using manual locks sometimes reduces risk.

 

5.       Use added security tools

Steering wheel locks, immobilizers, alarms.

PIN-to-drive features (some cars require a PIN even after unlock). 

 

6.       Update firmware/software

Some car brands update their systems to patch vulnerabilities. If yours offers updates, install them.

Be aware of where you get duplicates and spare keys made

Use certified locksmiths.

    Make sure duplicate services require proof (ownership, VIN, etc.).

 

What to Do If You Lose Your Fob or Suspect It’s Been Cloned

If you think your fob is lost or someone has already cloned it:

·         Contact your car manufacturer or dealership. They may be able to reprogram or disable keys.

·         Report to your insurance if required.

·         Get a backup fob ready or replace the fob.

·         If clones exist, you may need to update your car’s security system (firmware, encryption) if possible.

 

Conclusion

Let’s wrap this up:

·         Yes, car key fobs can be duplicated, both legally (spare) and illegally (cloned by thieves).

·         Duplication: depends on key type, security features, whether the fob has encryption, rolling codes, etc.

·         Cloning is more serious: relay attacks, RollBack, RFID copying are real threats.

·         But you can protect yourself with signal-blocking pouches, secure storage, strong encryption, turning off vulnerable features, and using trusted locksmiths.

If you know your key type and take a few precautions, you reduce risk a lot. It’s not about living in fear—it’s about being smart and prepared.