Frequently Asked Questions
Here are our most commonly asked questions by customers. If you don’t find the answer you are looking for, contact our team today!
How do I know if I have an RFID, magnetic or iButton key?
We copy many types of keys including RFID, iButton
To properly identify your key please use our wizard linked below. It is a guided process that will help you determine if we can copy your key and which options are currently available.
Is it legal to copy my key?
What a surprise! Our legal counsel says we cannot answer this question but here is what we can say.
We have been in business since 2013 and have copied thousands of keys without any legal issues reported by our customers.
CloneMyKey
There is a number printed on my key, can you use it to make a copy?
Yes, with our Snap N’ Send
General Key Copying
The easiest way to identify your key is by using our Key Compatibility Wizard.
In less than a minute, the wizard will help determine whether you have an RFID key fob, access card, iButton® key, magnetic key, smart card, or another supported format. It will also tell you whether your key can be copied and which service is available.
If the wizard can’t identify your key, you can upload a photo through our Upload Center and our team will review it, often within one business hour.
Most self-service kiosks are designed to duplicate older, non-encrypted RFID keys. While they work well for many basic credentials, most apartment, condominium, and commercial access systems installed over the past 20 years use encrypted technologies that kiosks simply aren’t designed to copy. If a kiosk couldn’t duplicate your key, it doesn’t necessarily mean your key can’t be copied—it often means your key requires specialized equipment and expertise. CloneMyKey specializes in these more advanced encrypted access credentials, which is why customers often turn to us after a kiosk couldn’t help.
We built our operation with multiple layers of redundancy so that a single failure doesn’t prevent us from processing and shipping your keys.
When you send your keys to us, we understand that they need to keep moving. That’s why critical parts of our operation have independent backups and alternative ways to keep working.
- Three independent internet connections: hardline, wireless, and satellite internet provide multiple ways to stay connected.
- Redundant phone service: our communications have backup connectivity so we can continue communicating with customers and staff if our primary connection fails.
- Multiple power sources: our facility is connected to three separate power grids. Being located just feet from the Wisconsin State Capitol was an intentional part of choosing our facility.
- Backup power: critical operations can continue during a power outage.
- Backup staff: our operations are not dependent on a single employee. Trained backup personnel are maintained and tested annually.
- Backup facility: in the event our primary facility becomes unavailable, we have an alternate location.
- Redundant production equipment: critical equipment has backup capability so the failure of a single machine does not stop production.
- Redundant shipping capabilities: we have alternative ways to process and ship orders if our normal shipping systems or services become unavailable.
- Redundant payment processing: backup payment capabilities allow us to continue handling orders if our primary payment system experiences an outage.
- Encrypted off-site data backups: critical business and order data is securely backed up off-site, protecting against the loss of our primary systems or facility.
- Regular testing: backup internet and phone connectivity are tested four times per year. Backup power is tested annually, and our off-site data backups are continuously maintained for data integrity. Backup personnel are also tested annually using a written questionnaire.
Our goal is simple: no single failure should prevent us from processing and shipping your keys.
We don’t rely on a single building, utility, internet connection, employee, piece of equipment, payment system, or shipping system to keep your order moving.
Laws and lease agreements regarding duplicate keys vary by location and property. Because we cannot provide legal advice, we recommend reviewing your lease, HOA rules, or building policies before ordering.
In our research, we have never found any laws in the United States that specifically prohibit copying key fobs. Outside the United States, where it is legal to copy traditional metal keys, we have also not found any laws that separately prohibit copying key fobs. However, lease agreements, HOA rules, or building policies may impose additional restrictions.
Since 2013, we’ve helped customers duplicate access keys for authorized use without any reported legal issues involving our service.
If you’re unsure whether your key can be copied, start with our Key Compatibility Wizard to see the available options.
In many cases, yes—but only after your key has been reviewed and approved through our Snap N’ Send service.
Some RFID keys and access cards contain printed serial numbers or other identifying information that allow us to create a duplicate without requiring the original key. Not every serial number contains enough information, so each request must be reviewed individually.
To get started, submit a Snap N’ Send application through our Upload Center. Most applications are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours. Once approved, we’ll let you know if your key can be duplicated using the printed information alone.
Yes, we can copy most RFID key fobs and access cards used in apartment buildings, condominiums, offices, gyms, and other secured facilities.
Some key fobs are simple to duplicate, while others require specialized equipment or advanced techniques. A small number use encryption or security features that currently make them impossible to copy.
The fastest way to determine if your key is supported is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard. If your key isn’t listed, submit a photo through our Upload Center and we’ll review it for you.
Reordering keys you’ve previously purchased is quick and easy.
- Sign in to your account.
- Open the Stored Key Data section.
- Select the key you’d like to reorder.
- Choose your preferred key style and quantity.
- Complete checkout.
Most reorder requests ship within 1 business day, and orders placed before noon often ship the same day.
If you no longer have access to your account or need assistance locating a previous order, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Yes. CloneMyKey operates from a real office and processing facility in downtown Madison, Wisconsin.
Our office is located at:
30 W. Mifflin St., Suite 903Madison, WI 53703
We offer walk-in key duplication services by appointment only. If you’d like to visit us, please schedule an appointment in advance.
If you’d like to verify our location, you can also find us on Google or look up our D‑U‑N‑S® business registration.
We understand your original key may be your only one, so we’ve designed our process to keep it safe.
Since 2013, we’ve successfully processed more than one million keys. We closely track the delivery performance of every mail-in order, and over 99.5% are delivered without delay.
In the rare event that your key is permanently lost or damaged while it’s in our possession, our $265 Key Protection Guarantee helps cover the cost of replacement.
Every mail-in order includes tracking, and you’ll receive automatic email updates when your key arrives at our facility and again when your order ships back to you.
CloneMyKey does not duplicate automotive keys or vehicle key fobs.
We specialize in electronic access keys and key fobs used for apartments, condominiums, offices, gyms, parking garages, and other secured facilities.
If you’re looking to duplicate a car key, transponder key, keyless entry remote, or push-to-start key fob, we’ve created a guide explaining your options and where to have them copied.
If you’re not sure whether your key is for a vehicle or a building, use our Key Compatibility Wizard or submit a photo through our Upload Center, and we’ll identify it for you.
Your privacy is important to us.
Orders are shipped in plain, unbranded packaging with no references to key duplication or CloneMyKey on the outside. The shipping label contains only the information necessary for delivery.
We specifically ship orders via USPS so they can be delivered directly to your locked mailbox, rather than being left in an unsecured package room or at a front desk.
If you have special shipping instructions, please contact us before placing your order.
We recommend placing your key in a small plastic bag or wrapping it securely to prevent scratches or damage during shipping.
Then place it inside a padded envelope or small box with your order information. Avoid taping the key directly to paper or placing loose keys inside an envelope, as they can shift or tear through the packaging during transit.
Once your package arrives, you’ll receive an automatic email confirming that your key has been received.
If we’re unable to duplicate your key, you’ll receive a full refund of the product or service price. For keys with a published 100% success rate, we’ll also refund the original shipping charges.
CloneMyKey has developed proprietary hardware, software, and duplication techniques that go far beyond what’s commercially available. Much of the equipment we use was designed and built in-house specifically to duplicate difficult RFID keys.
Before placing an order, you’ll see the published success rate for your specific key type. These are real-world success rates based on our actual duplication experience. Most supported key types have a 100% success rate, and for those that don’t, you’ll know the expected success rate before completing your purchase.
If we’re unable to duplicate your RFID key, it’s typically because the key uses security features or encryption that cannot currently be copied with today’s technology. We’ll explain why the key cannot be duplicated and promptly return your original key.
Sometimes, but we generally do not recommend duplicating parking garage credentials.
We can duplicate many RFID key fobs and access cards used for parking garages, provided they operate at short range (typically within 12 inches of the reader). We do not duplicate long-range windshield tags or other active vehicle credentials.
Many parking garages use anti-passback, a security feature that prevents the original and duplicate from being used independently. Because of this, a copied credential may not provide the convenience most customers expect.
If you’re unsure whether your parking credential is a good candidate for duplication, use our Key Compatibility Wizard or submit a photo through our Upload Center for a free review.
Sometimes. It depends on the types of keys involved.
If both credentials are compatible and use supported RFID technologies, we may be able to combine them onto a single key fob or access card. However, not all key types are compatible, and some encrypted or proprietary formats cannot be merged.
The easiest way to find out is to submit both keys through our Upload Center. We’ll review them and let you know whether combining them is possible before you place an order.
Damage to original keys during processing is extremely rare.
We have safely processed more than one million keys since 2013 using specialized equipment designed to minimize handling and wear.
In the unlikely event that your original key is permanently damaged while in our possession, our $265 Key Protection Guarantee helps cover the cost of replacement.
Most orders are completed within one business day after we receive your original key. Orders received before noon are often completed and shipped the same business day.
Once your order arrives, you’ll receive an email confirming that your key has been received. After your order is completed, you’ll receive another email with tracking information when it ships.
Expedited shipping options are available at checkout if you need your duplicate as quickly as possible.
Yes. We offer volume discounts for apartment communities, property managers, businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations with larger duplication needs.
Whether you need a small batch or hundreds of duplicate keys, we’ll work with you to provide competitive pricing based on the quantity and type of keys being duplicated.
Contact us for a custom quote, and we’ll typically respond within one business day.
Yes.
Every duplicate key is tested before it leaves our facility to verify that it functions correctly. If a duplicate does not pass our testing procedures, it will not be shipped.
For key types that support advanced verification, we can confirm the duplicate matches the original electronically before your order is returned.
The fastest way to check compatibility is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard.
The wizard will identify your key type, display the available duplication options, and show the actual success rate for your specific key before you place an order.
If your key isn’t listed or you’re unsure which option to choose, submit a photo through our Upload Center. Our team will review it for you, and most submissions are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours.
Many inexpensive RFID copying devices are designed to duplicate only a limited number of simple key types. While they may work well for basic 125 kHz keys, they often cannot duplicate encrypted, proprietary, or more advanced credentials.
CloneMyKey was the first company to offer mail-in RFID key duplication services and has specialized in electronic access key duplication since 2013. Over the years, we’ve developed proprietary hardware, software, and duplication techniques that allow us to duplicate many keys that cannot be copied using off-the-shelf equipment.
Before you place an order, you’ll see the published success rate for your specific key, the available duplication options, and the exact price. Most supported key types have a 100% success rate, and if they don’t, you’ll know the actual success rate before purchasing.
In almost all cases, no.
A properly duplicated RFID key presents the same credential information as the original, so the access control system cannot distinguish between the two.
The only time someone is likely to notice is if they physically see you using a different-looking key. For example, if you choose a different color or style of key fob than the original, a person observing you may notice the difference. If discretion is important, we recommend selecting a duplicate that closely matches the appearance of your original key.
Another popular option is to copy your key to an RFID key card and keep it in your wallet or purse. Many customers simply tap their wallet or bag against the reader, allowing them to access the building without ever removing or displaying the card.
Any duplicates made from your original key will also stop working.
A duplicate contains the same credential information as the original. If your property manager or building administrator deactivates or deletes the original key from the access control system, all duplicates created from that key will be deactivated as well.
If you’re replacing a lost or deactivated key, you’ll need a new active credential from your building before another duplicate can be made.
Yes. We welcome local customers by appointment.
Our office is located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. To ensure someone is available to assist you, please schedule an appointment before visiting.
Contact us as soon as possible.
While issues are uncommon, we’ll work with you to determine whether the problem is related to the duplicate, the original key, or changes made to your building’s access control system.
Our full-time technician has over 18 years of experience in the RFID industry and will work with you to identify the cause and find the best solution.
If the issue cannot be resolved, our products are covered by a 90-day return policy for a full refund of the product price. We provide prepaid return labels for domestic returns.
You’ll receive an automatic email notification as soon as your package is checked into our system.
You’ll also receive another email when your order has been completed and shipped, including tracking information.
No.
While we duplicate more electronic access key types than any other mail-in service we’re aware of, some keys use security features or encryption that cannot currently be duplicated.
Before placing your order, our Key Compatibility Wizard will show whether your key is supported, the published success rate, and the available duplication options.
The fastest way to place an order is to start with our Key Compatibility Wizard.
Once your key has been identified, you’ll see the available duplication options, pricing, and published success rate. Simply choose the option that best fits your needs and follow the checkout instructions.
Yes, we ship internationally to many countries.
International shipping is available to destinations approved by our shipping insurance provider. Canada is fully supported, but availability for other countries may vary.
If you’re located outside the United States or Canada, please contact us before placing your order so we can confirm that shipping is available to your country.
Customers are responsible for any applicable customs duties, taxes, import fees, or other charges required by their country.
We regularly ship to customers throughout Canada.
Multiple shipping options are available during checkout, allowing you to choose the delivery speed that best fits your needs. Please note that customs processing times are outside our control and may affect delivery times.
Yes. We partner with select retail businesses that want to offer electronic access key duplication services to their customers.
Our partner program is designed for locksmiths, hardware stores, security companies, property management suppliers, and other businesses looking to expand their services without developing their own RFID duplication technology.
We’ll work with you to determine the best solution based on your business, expected order volume, and the types of electronic access keys your customers use.
Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities and learn whether your business is a good fit for the CloneMyKey Partner Program.
Yes.
CloneMyKey provides consulting services for property managers, apartment owners, condominium associations, developers, security professionals, and government agencies seeking guidance on electronic access control systems.
We can help with building security assessments, credential technology, access control system selection and upgrades, and key management and resident access policies.
Through our parent company, Badger Access Control inc, we’ve provided consulting and technical assistance to organizations throughout the United States and Canada. Our recommendations are practical, experience-based, and tailored to your specific needs.
Contact us to discuss your project or schedule a consultation.
Yes. This is one of the most common situations we help with.
If you’ve recently purchased an apartment building, condominium, or other multi-unit property and were only provided with a limited number of key fobs, we can often duplicate additional authorized keys for your staff, maintenance personnel, leasing office, or other approved users.
We specialize in duplicating many electronic access credentials—including encrypted formats—and can often help even if other duplication services have been unsuccessful.
If you’re unsure what type of keys your property uses, start with our Key Compatibility Wizard or submit a photo through our Upload Center. Most submissions are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours.
If your property requires a larger quantity of keys or you’re evaluating a long-term access control strategy, contact us to discuss your project.
The good news is that protecting your property is usually straightforward.
The most effective way to prevent former tenants from using original or duplicated keys is to deactivate their credential within your access control system when they move out. Once a credential has been deactivated, both the original key and any duplicates created from it will immediately stop working.
Contrary to popular belief, cloned keys do not create a permanent security risk when a property is managed correctly. The security of an electronic access system depends far more on proper credential management than on whether a duplicate key exists.
If you’re evaluating the security of your property’s access control system or considering an upgrade, contact us. Through our parent company, Badger Access Control, we provide consulting services for property owners, property managers, HOAs, and government agencies throughout the United States and Canada.
No.
CloneMyKey does not clone, duplicate, or provide services for credit cards, debit cards, payment cards, or any other financial credentials.
We specialize exclusively in electronic access credentials, including RFID key fobs, access cards, iButton® keys, magnetic keys, and other building access technologies.
Yes, in most cases.
A properly duplicated electronic access key contains the same credential information as the original. In most situations, we can create additional duplicates from an existing clone just as we would from the original key.
If you’re unsure whether your key is an original or a duplicate, don’t worry. Simply use our Key Compatibility Wizard or submit a photo through our Upload Center, and we’ll determine the best duplication method.
Kinda, but there’s a catch.
If you’d like the convenience of using your phone as your key, our Mobile Key is designed for exactly that. This ultra-thin RFID key fits between your phone and its protective case, allowing you to simply hold your phone up to the reader.
We offer three different Mobile Key variants designed to support most of the original keys we copy. Our website will automatically prevent you from ordering an incompatible variant. Continue through the checkout process, and the Mobile Key will be shown as an available option if it is compatible with your key.
So why can’t your phone usually do this on its own? Most apartment and building access systems use RFID technologies that smartphones cannot directly emulate. While many newer phones include 13.56 MHz NFC hardware, access to that hardware is restricted by the phone manufacturer, preventing it from functioning as a replacement for most RFID building keys.
A small number of newer access control systems support official mobile credentials, allowing residents to unlock doors directly with a smartphone. These systems must be specifically supported and enabled by the building.
It depends on who you’re asking.
Many apartment buildings and property managers charge $50 to over $250 to replace a lost key fob, with some also requiring administrative or activation fees.
If you still have a working key, duplicating it is often a faster and less expensive option. Most electronic access key duplications from CloneMyKey start at around $20, although pricing varies depending on the key type and duplication method required.
The fastest way to see if your key is supported is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard, where you’ll find the exact price, available duplication options, and the published success rate for your specific key before placing an order.
Most electronic access key duplications start at around $20, although pricing depends on the type of key and the duplication method required.
We duplicate hundreds of different electronic access keys, and some require significantly more time, specialized equipment, or proprietary duplication techniques than others. These more complex keys may cost around $50, but they’re relatively uncommon.
The fastest way to get an exact price is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard. Once your key has been identified, you’ll see the available duplication options, the published success rate for your specific key, and the exact price before placing your order.
Many supported key types also qualify for discounted pricing when ordering additional copies at the same time.
CloneMyKey was the first company to offer mail-in RFID key duplication services and has specialized in electronic access key duplication since 2013.
Over the years, we’ve developed proprietary hardware, software, and duplication techniques that allow us to duplicate many RFID keys that cannot be copied using off-the-shelf equipment.
Before you place an order, you’ll see the published success rate for your specific key type, along with the exact price and available duplication options. Most supported key types have a 100% success rate, and when they don’t, you’ll know the actual success rate before you purchase.
Most orders are completed within one business day, with many orders received before noon shipping the same business day. If your key can’t be duplicated, the product or service price is refunded (shipping charges are non-refundable).
Our goal is simple: provide accurate compatibility information, transparent pricing, and the highest-quality RFID key duplication service available.
Sometimes. It depends on the type of encryption and the security features used by the key.
CloneMyKey specializes in encrypted RFID key duplication. Many customers come to us after other key duplication services have been unable to copy their key. Using proprietary hardware, software, and duplication techniques developed over more than a decade, we’re able to duplicate many encrypted key types that cannot be copied using off-the-shelf equipment.
Some encrypted key types can be duplicated with a 100% success rate, while others cannot currently be copied due to their security design. Before placing your order, you’ll see the published success rate, available duplication options, and exact price for your specific key type.
The fastest way to determine whether your encrypted key is supported is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard. If your key isn’t listed, submit a photo through our Upload Center. Most submissions are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours.
## PART 3 — New SEO FAQs to Add (10 approved)
Yes. Apartment key fobs are one of the most common types of electronic access keys we duplicate.
We support hundreds of apartment key fob technologies, including many encrypted formats that other duplication services cannot copy. Before placing your order, you’ll see the published success rate, available duplication options, and exact price for your specific key type.
Start with our Key Compatibility Wizard to see if your apartment key fob is supported.
Yes.
We duplicate many condominium key fobs, access cards, and electronic building credentials used throughout the United States and Canada.
The fastest way to determine compatibility is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard. If your key isn’t listed, submit a photo through our Upload Center for review. Most submissions are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours.
Yes, in many cases.
We duplicate many office access cards used in commercial buildings, business parks, medical offices, and industrial facilities. Compatibility depends on the card technology and security features used by your access control system.
Use our Key Compatibility Wizard to identify your card and view available duplication options.
Yes.
CloneMyKey duplicates both RFID key fobs and RFID access cards. Most supported key types have a published 100% success rate, and you’ll always see the expected success rate and pricing before placing your order.
Start with our Key Compatibility Wizard to determine compatibility.
For most customers, there is no practical difference.
The terms _cloning_ and _duplicating_ are often used interchangeably to describe creating another key that contains the same credential information as the original.
At CloneMyKey, our goal is to produce a duplicate that functions the same as your original key, regardless of the terminology used.
Encryption helps prevent unauthorized duplication.
Many modern electronic access systems use encrypted credentials to make copying more difficult and improve security. The level of protection varies widely between manufacturers.
CloneMyKey specializes in encrypted RFID key duplication and has developed proprietary hardware, software, and duplication techniques capable of duplicating many encrypted formats that cannot be copied using standard equipment.
In almost all cases, no.
A properly duplicated electronic access key presents the same credential information as the original, so the building’s access control system generally cannot distinguish between the two.
The only time someone may notice is if they physically see you using a key that looks different from the original. If discretion is important, we recommend selecting a duplicate that closely matches your existing key or using one of our Mobile Keys that can be carried behind your phone.
They use different technologies and are generally not interchangeable.
125 kHz keys are typically older, lower-frequency credentials, while 13.56 MHz keys support a wider range of technologies, including many encrypted formats.
The frequency alone does not determine whether a key can be duplicated. Two keys operating at the same frequency may use completely different security technologies.
The easiest way to identify your key is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard.
The easiest way is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard.
In less than a minute, the wizard will help identify your apartment key fob, determine whether it can be duplicated, display the published success rate, and show your available duplication options.
If your key isn’t listed, submit a photo through our Upload Center. Most submissions are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours.
Yes—and we highly recommend it.
Creating a backup while you still have a working key is usually faster, less expensive, and more convenient than replacing a lost credential through your property manager.
Many apartment communities charge $50 to over $250 to replace a lost key fob, while most electronic access key duplications from CloneMyKey start at around $20.
Use our Key Compatibility Wizard to see if your key is supported and view your exact price before placing an order.
## PART 4 — Additional SEO FAQs (Now Written)
These were previously “future ideas” and now have finalized answers ready to add.
Yes, many HID® key fobs can be duplicated.
CloneMyKey supports many HID® credential formats, including several encrypted technologies that cannot be duplicated using standard cloning equipment. Compatibility depends on the specific HID® credential technology and security features used.
The fastest way to determine compatibility is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard. Once your key has been identified, you’ll see the available duplication options, the published success rate, and the exact price before placing your order.
If your HID® credential isn’t listed, submit a photo through our Upload Center. Most submissions are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours.
Disclaimer: CloneMyKey is an independent key duplication service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or authorized by HID Global or the original manufacturer. All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and compatibility purposes.
Yes, many MIFARE® credentials can be duplicated.
CloneMyKey specializes in duplicating many MIFARE® technologies, including numerous encrypted formats that other duplication services cannot copy. However, compatibility varies depending on the specific MIFARE® technology and security features used.
Before placing your order, you’ll see the published success rate, available duplication options, and exact pricing for your specific credential.
If you’re unsure which MIFARE® technology you have, use our Key Compatibility Wizard or submit a photo through our Upload Center.
Disclaimer: CloneMyKey is an independent key duplication service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or authorized by the original manufacturer. All product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used solely for identification and compatibility purposes.
Sometimes. It depends on the type of remote.
Most apartment gate remotes use radio frequency (RF) technology, which is different from the RFID technologies used for building access. CloneMyKey does not duplicate RF transmitters or garage door remote functions.
However, many apartment gate remotes also contain a built-in RFID credential that allows you to unlock pedestrian doors or building entrances by simply tapping the remote against a reader. If your remote can unlock a door without pressing any buttons, we can often duplicate that RFID portion of the credential.
The easiest way to find out is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard or submit a photo through our Upload Center. Most submissions are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours.
Not always.
Snap N’ Send is our primary and most popular service, allowing many supported electronic access keys to be duplicated without mailing in the original. Simply submit photos of your key through our Upload Center, and we’ll review your application to determine whether your key qualifies.
If your key isn’t eligible for Snap N’ Send, our traditional mail-in service supports the widest range of electronic access credentials, including many advanced and encrypted formats.
The fastest way to determine which option is available is to use our Key Compatibility Wizard.
Snap N’ Send is CloneMyKey’s primary and most popular service.
Instead of mailing your original key, simply submit photos of your electronic access key through our Upload Center. If your key qualifies, we’ll duplicate it using the information available from the photos and printed markings.
Most Snap N’ Send applications are reviewed within one hour during normal business hours, making it the fastest and most convenient way to determine whether your key can be duplicated.
If your key isn’t eligible for Snap N’ Send, we’ll let you know and recommend the best alternative, including our traditional mail-in service when necessary.
We’ve never encountered an RFID key fob or electronic access credential marked “Do Not Duplicate.”
Unlike traditional metal keys, RFID key fobs, access cards, iButton® keys, magnetic keys, and other electronic access credentials typically do not include wording indicating whether they may be duplicated.
Whether an electronic access key can be duplicated depends on the underlying technology, encryption, and security features—not on any wording printed on the credential.
If you’re unsure whether your key can be duplicated, use our Key Compatibility Wizard or submit a photo through our Upload Center.
CloneMyKey does not notify property managers or building owners when a customer duplicates a key.
However, customers are responsible for ensuring they have the authority to duplicate their credential and for complying with any lease agreements, HOA rules, workplace policies, or applicable laws.
If you have questions about whether you’re authorized to duplicate your key, we recommend reviewing your lease or contacting your property manager before placing an order.
Some electronic access keys require substantially more time, proprietary hardware, specialized software, and custom duplication techniques than others.
While most key duplications start around $20, certain encrypted or highly secure credentials require significantly more processing and may cost around $50.
Before placing your order, you’ll always see the exact price and published success rate for your specific key type.
Our published success rates are based on real-world duplication history—not estimates or marketing claims.
As we duplicate more keys and develop new proprietary techniques, these success rates are updated to reflect our actual performance.
Most supported key types currently have a 100% success rate, and if your key has a lower success rate, you’ll see it before placing your order so you can make an informed decision.
Not all key duplication services have the same capabilities.
Many companies rely on commercially available cloning equipment designed to duplicate only common credential types. CloneMyKey has spent more than a decade developing proprietary hardware, software, and duplication techniques that allow us to duplicate many electronic access keys that cannot be copied using off-the-shelf equipment.
In fact, many of our customers come to us after another service has been unable to duplicate their key.
Before placing your order, you’ll see the published success rate for your specific key, allowing you to make an informed decision before purchasing.
Prices depend on your key’s technology. Most of our keys start around $20 however advanced keys can cost more. To find out your specific cost please identify your keys technology using our key copying wizard.
We also offer automatic bulk discounting, which starts at just two keys. Discounts can exceed 60%, depending on the quantity ordered.
iPhone & Android devices are not capable of transmitting on the frequency common for most RFID keys. Exclusively at CloneMyKey, we offer Mobile Key. We’ve designed this ultra-thin key to fit between your phone and its case. With interference-blocking technology it’s capable of cutting through the interference common with mobile phones, allowing you to simply tap your phone like your original key.
In the rare event of a key malfunction, we stand by our commitment to customer satisfaction. Rest assured, we offer a 90-day return policy with a refund guarantee. For our domestic customers, we go the extra mile by providing a free return label, making the process as hassle-free as possible. Please be aware that shipping upgrades are non-refundable. However, domestic orders over $30 are eligible for free shipping.
We very often can! Our services extend beyond simply matching the competition. We take pride in our ability to copy even the most complex formats. Additionally, our competitive pricing sets us apart. We consistently beat most store and kiosk prices by upwards of 30%. Our commitment to surpassing industry standards is clear in our ability to copy complex formats that others find challenging.
We copy most modern key fob technologies. Copying options depend on the technology your specific fob utilizes. For older technologies, we use images of your key fob’s serial number. However newer high-security key fobs may need to be mailed to our office. Rest assured! We prioritize efficiency and aim to turn most mail-in orders around on the same day we receive them. Check our wizard for your fob’s specific options!
First and foremost, it is essential to review any lease agreement to ensure that copying your key fob is authorized. We guarantee that the data in your key copies is an exact match to your original. Access control systems are incapable of distinguishing whether you’re using a duplicate key fob. If cloned keys were detectable, the system would certainly deny access to the copied key.
We’ve found no laws that distinguish between traditional metal keys and RFID-based key fobs. If it’s permissible to copy a standard metal key in your region, then it’s likely that copying a key fob is also allowed. In our business’s 10+ years of operation, we’ve duplicated more than one million keys and never have received any legal complaints from our customers.
Absolutely! Our team takes meticulous care to preserve your original key. After reading the RFID data, we transfer it onto a new key without altering the original information in any way. The use of isolated reading and programming stations strengthens our commitment to your key’s security, ensuring its integrity throughout the duplication process.
While it may be surprising, the majority of key fobs aren’t encrypted. However, the American market is seeing an increase in encrypted fob technologies. We specialize in copying these technologies.If you’ve been told that making a copy of your high-security or encrypted key fob is impossible, we have good news! Our key copying wizard is designed to identify your key and verify if we can copy your key’s technology.
No, all duplicates will cease to function when your original rfid key fob or card is deactivated. This deactivation occurs when someone reports their key as lost or stolen, and it typically happens as well when a tenant relocates away from the premises.
Creating a visually identical key fob is typically impossible due to manufacturers locking the memory in their fobs before they are sold. The copying & cloning of key fobs usually utilizes a different RFID chip that can emulate the data in an existing fob. We offer a wide variety of blank key styles! Select a design similar to your original or a new aesthetic with our diverse selection that caters to all preferences.
Customers have relayed experiences of other services and kiosks accidentally corrupting their original key. We’ve perfected our service for over ten years and have been trusted in over a million key sales. We have a flawless record; we’ve never damaged a customer’s original key. In fact, we’ve even managed to repair keys that were damaged by previous copying attempts. All orders come with an insurance protection guarantee.
RFID key fobs work on 125Khz, 134Mhz, or 13.56Mhz frequencies without requiring a battery. Upon entering an electromagnetic field produced by a door sensor, the key modifies and returns the signal. Earlier technologies transmit a unique serial number that is compared against an authorized user database. Newer technologies employ encryption for enhanced security and can transmit larger amounts of data. learn more…
There is effectively no difference between copying and cloning; both aim to replicate the data from an original key fob onto another. This allows the duplicate key fob to have the same access rights as the original. However, this is only effective if the data is replicated precisely, ensuring the access control system cannot distinguish between the original key and its duplicate. Often, replication can be challenging due to the data translation required for the duplicate key to accurately emulate the information from the original.
Nearly all modern key fobs are waterproof and designed to survive the rugged conditions often associated with being hung on a key-chain.
For legacy fob technologies, most local hardware stores and locksmiths do not offer duplication services because the local demand is often too low to make RFID key duplication profitable — even in large cities. For modern fobs, the complexity of the technology often necessitates advanced training that exceeds the skill set of the typical store employee.
No, RFID key fobs operate using radio frequencies, avoiding the demagnetization problem that often affects magnetic keys.
iPhones, Androids, and other smartphones typically cannot read legacy (125kHz) key fobs. Modern key fobs that operate at 13.56MHz sometimes can be read by special apps installed on some smartphones since it’s the same frequency used for NFC. However, emulating a key fob on a smartphone is often limited due to developer restrictions from the smartphone manufacturer and/or intellectual property rights.
Key fobs used in apartments, condos, and office buildings typically do not have batteries. They are powered by the electromagnetic field produced by the door sensor.
Passive key fobs generally have a range of only a few inches. The primary factor in the distance that a key fob can be read is the design and installation of the door sensor that reads it. A larger antenna on the door sensor significantly influences how far a key fob can be read. The material on which the door sensor is mounted also plays a large role, as metallic surfaces can greatly diminish its capabilities. Increasing the size of the key fob’s antenna can slightly extend the range by an inch or so and also allow for quicker authentication. There is no way to significantly increase the read distance of a key fob without replacing the door sensor with a different technology.
Key fobs are generally rated for 100,000 scans and rarely malfunction. If a key fob stops working without any visible physical damage, it is most likely an issue with the access control system itself. The most common reason for a key fob to stop working is that its registration has been removed by a property manager or the registration has expired according to a pre-set date.
No, key fobs generally do not utilize NFC. Although NFC is a subset of RFID technology, it is primarily used for financial or contactless payment applications. However, some newer key fobs operate on the same frequency as NFC protocols, making them readable by NFC sensors in modern smartphones.
For RFID-based building access control, key fobs are typically programmed during the manufacturing process with unique data that the access control system can read. Once the manufacturing process is complete, the key fob’s programming cannot be altered. If a key fob comes with a pre-printed serial number, it is likely not truly blank, indicating that the memory in the key fob is write-protected and cannot be modified. Newer formats gaining popularity in the U.S. market may feature modifiable sectors of memory—often called application areas or user blocks. Despite this, like older formats, these newer formats also contain non-modifiable portions of memory that hold, at minimum, a unique identification number—frequently abbreviated as UID—that identifies that specific key.
Manufacturers’ original or “OEM” key fobs are most commonly sold through third-party retailers. To ensure you are purchasing genuine OEM key fobs, we recommend visiting the manufacturer’s website and selecting from one of their authorized distributors. This approach not only guarantees authenticity but also ensures that all manufacturer-advertised warranties are valid. It is industry practice to sell key fobs in lots of 100, 500, or 1,000 units. Distributors who sell smaller quantities often charge a steep premium.
Below are links to the authorized distributor lists for some popular RFID access control manufacturers.
HID® • AWID • Linear • Doorking/DKS • Securakey
Like generic prescription drugs, these keys come at a significantly lower cost. However, unlike generic drugs, there is no regulatory body ensuring equivalent quality. Generic key fobs may break more easily and are sometimes not recognized by the access control system. It is advisable to source generic key fobs through a reputable distributor, one with a solid track record of positive reviews.
For over ten years, our parent company, Badger Access Control, has specialized in providing generic key fobs to customers. We carefully select top manufacturers to guarantee high-quality products at an affordable price. For further details, please get in touch with us.
NFC (Near Field Communication) and RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) are both wireless communication technologies that are used to transfer information between devices over short distances. The principal difference between NFC and RFID lies in their operational range and application use cases. NFC operates at a closer range of typically a few centimeters, which lends itself well to secure transactions and data exchange, such as contactless payments and smartphone pairings. On the other hand, RFID has the ability to operate over longer distances and is widely used in inventory tracking, access control systems, and identification tags, where scanning objects from a distance is required. NFC is generally considered a subset of RFID with a more narrowly defined protocol and frequency for specific close-range communication.
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Badger Access Control, INC
30 W Mifflin St. Suite 903
Madison, WI 53703 USA
Appointment Required