Is it legal to copy a fob? (2024)

We get this question a lot. Many people assume that, because a fob is electronic and doesn’t look like a key, copying a fob is somehow different to copying a key.

But really, if you think about it, a fob is a key in every sense of the word. It opens a door, therefore it’s a key.

And so the answer to the above question is pretty much a resounding yes.

Just like your local key-cutter will copy your keys for you, no questions asked, we can copy your fobs, too.

Are there any exceptions?

Of course, there will always be exceptions.

Many regular keys are copy-protected. Copy-protection often (but not always) makes it illegal to make copies of the key unless certain criteria are fulfilled.

While I don’t know of any fobs being illegal to duplicate, I am aware of many forms of copy-protection.

Many landlords deliberately install copy-protected systems to their properties as a way to prevent copies being made, even if it’s not illegal. Haringey Council, for example, has over the last three-or-so years installed tonnes of light-grey PAC fobs to its estates, which, unlike the black PAC fobs, are fully copy-protected, and no machine on the market can clone them. (Yet…?)

What happens if my fob is copy-protected? Is there no hope?

‘Copy-protected’ doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get a new fob. It just means that you can’t copy the fob.

If your fob is copy-protected, then you’re fully at the mercy of the building manager or building’s landlord. They won’t be able to copy your fob, but they’ll be able to add a totally new fob to the system.*

The catch is that many landlords (a) don’t want to provide new fobs; (b) will charge you a fortune for new fobs (the average I’ve heard is upwards of £80 each, ranging to £250!); or (c) won’t know how to program new fobs. None of these scenarios is good if you have only one fob and lots of dependents…

* The distinction between copying and programming a brand new fob is important, if boring. A copy of a fob is exactly identical to your existing fob. This means that, were your landlord to de-program your original fob from the system, all copies of that fob would cease to work, too. A newly programmed fob is a distinct fob on the system. Find out more about how fob copying works on our Canadian partner Fob Toronto’s website.

To make a copy, you need special machinery that can de-crypt and copy the data from one fob to the next. If a fob is copy-protected, most likely a machine doesn’t exist that can copy them. To add a new fob to the system, you usually just need so-called ‘enrolment cards’ for the system.

Is it legal to copy a fob? (2024)

FAQs

Is it legal to copy a fob? ›

The legality of cloning depends on the purpose for which it is done. However, cloning someone else's key fob without their permission is illegal and could be considered a form of theft or breach of security in any industry.

Can someone tell if you copied a FOB? ›

Access control systems cannot identify the difference between a duplicated fob and the original device, so if there are multiple copies of the same fob, it is hard to determine who exactly is entering the property.

Can building fobs be copied? ›

And so the answer to the above question is pretty much a resounding yes. Just like your local key-cutter will copy your keys for you, no questions asked, we can copy your fobs, too.

Can you make a copy of a work key? ›

The legal right to make a duplicate key is complex and varies from state to state. While there are no specific laws that prohibit copying keys without permission, it is possible to break the law while making a copy of keys belonging to the company or individual for which you work.

How to copy car key fob? ›

Search online for a key fob copying service, show proof that you own the fob, and ship the fob to the company. You typically receive your new fob in 2-5 days. Call a local locksmith or copy your key fob at a kiosk at a hardware store.

Is it legal to copy fobs? ›

Technically, it is possible to clone key fobs, but the ethical path involves obtaining permission from the property owner or management. Obtaining a key fob copy without permission can become problematic and may violate the terms of your lease or the policies set by the property management.

Can a FOB be duplicated? ›

The process involves sending the original fob's data to the provider, who then creates a duplicate fob and sends it back to the user. You can contact them in their office location and this method is convenient and requires minimal effort from the user.

Can Flipper Zero copy key fobs? ›

Along with NFC, the Flipper Zero can read and clone RFID cards and fobs, including hotel cards as shown in the picture above. RFID cards and tags can be locked to prevent them from being overwritten or having their security keys extracted, but the Flipper Zero can bypass many of these mechanisms.

Can you copy a key fob to your phone? ›

We can copy your existing key fob to your iPhone or android. The new key fob will work exactly like the original and you will always have it with you on your phone. It's much more convenient for you to use! This process is compatible with all phones!

What to do if your car key has been cloned? ›

In order to resolve this issue you would need to visit a dealer or contact a local locksmith and ask them to erase the key/remote programming from the computers in your vehicle and to reprogram your key/remotes to the vehicle. This will wipe out any previously programmed remotes and relearn the ones you have now.

What keys cannot be duplicated? ›

These are non-duplicable keys:
  • Transponder Key.
  • Laser Cut Car Key.
  • VAT Key.
  • Abloy keys.
  • Tubular Keys.
  • Internal Cut Keys.
  • Four-Sided Key.
Apr 29, 2021

Do you need permission to copy a key? ›

Key Takeaways:

There is no law prohibiting them from doing so. A “Do Not Duplicate” key offers a false sense of security to owners. They do not add any layer of security, as they can easily be duplicated.

Can you tell if a key has been duplicated? ›

A key audit will quickly tell you if duplicates have been made, what keys are missing, and if your facility is at risk. Keys with Serial Numbers: Keys with individual serial numbers provide another layer of accountability.

Can electronic key fobs be copied? ›

Fobs are smaller than keycards and therefore easier to carry around. However, like key cards, fobs pose a risk for copying. Copying a key fob is easier than many people realize. Although you won't be able to have it copied at a hardware store like a traditional key, you can have a key fob copied online or at a kiosk.

Can you program a key fob without going to the dealership? ›

If your car is equipped with onboard programming, you will be able to program a new transponder key or a keyless entry remote by yourself. If you own a newer vehicle, most likely it would not be equipped with onboard programming, and it will require a professional key programmer.

How much does AutoZone charge to program a key fob? ›

Yes, AutoZone can help you find and replace the battery in your key fob. 2. How much does it cost to program a key fob? The cost can vary widely, but typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your vehicle and where you get it programmed.

Can you tell if someone copied your key? ›

If you need to tell if a key was copied, hire a professional locksmith. They can look into the: Key cutting. Keyway profile.

Can someone copy my car fob? ›

One of the biggest risks car keys with key fobs are exposed to is unauthorized key cloning. Some cars can have flaws in their encryption which hackers can use to get access. Using an RFID transmitter, they can copy the signal produced by the key fob and unlock the car.

Are key fobs traceable? ›

Despite their high-tech nature, there's no way to track your key fobs out-of-the-box… yet. Luckily for you, there are plenty of third-party options you can use to keep tabs on your key fobs until then! Key finders in particular are a great option.

Does copying a key leave a mark? ›

When a key is duplicated with a stylus-based key machine a mark is left on the side of the original key. This is due to the stylus being gently dragged against the key, and resembles a long, straight, polished line.

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