Last updated: February 2026
Here's something most people get wrong: you don't need the GMC dealership to replace your key. Stuart Locksmiths programs GMC replacement keys on-site, anywhere in Stuart, for $95 to $350 depending on your vehicle and key type. Most jobs are done in 30 to 60 minutes, right in your driveway or parking lot.
GMC trucks and SUVs, especially models from 2015 onward, use encrypted transponder chips and proximity fobs that require specific OBD-II programming equipment. Not every locksmith has it. We do.
Lost your only key? That's actually harder to deal with than losing a spare, because the vehicle has no reference key to clone from. We cut and program from scratch. No towing required.
What Kind of GMC Key Do You Have?
GMC has used at least 4 different key technologies over the past 25 years, and mixing them up is the fastest way to waste money. Knowing which one you have saves time and sets the right expectations on cost.
Basic metal keys (pre-2003 models) are cut and done. No programming. Transponder keys (2003 to 2014) need both cutting and chip programming. Smart key fobs for newer Sierras, Acadias, Terrains, and Yukons require proximity pairing through the vehicle's BCM. And some models use a switchblade-style key with a fold-out blade plus integrated transponder. All four types are in our wheelhouse.
Not sure which one you have? Tell us your year, make, and trim level when you call. We'll know before we arrive. Need general Car Key Replacement info for other makes? That page covers the full picture.
GMC Key Replacement Pricing in Stuart, FL
Dealerships in the Treasure Coast area typically charge $250 to $500 just for the key, plus labor, plus a tow if you're stranded. We charge less and come to you. Here's the honest breakdown:
| GMC Key Type | Stuart Locksmiths Price | Dealer Estimate | Avg. Time On-Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Metal Key (pre-2003) | $95 - $120 | $150 - $200 | 15 - 20 min |
| Transponder Key (2003-2014) | $145 - $200 | $250 - $350 | 25 - 40 min |
| Smart Key / Proximity Fob (2015+) | $225 - $300 | $350 - $500 | 35 - 55 min |
| Switchblade Key w/ Transponder | $175 - $250 | $275 - $425 | 30 - 45 min |
Prices above include cutting, programming, and on-site labor. No hidden trip fees within the Stuart city limits. Pricing may vary for exotic trim levels or fleet vehicles with custom programming.
For context, automotive key replacement costs have risen about 18% industry-wide since 2022 due to semiconductor shortages affecting key blank supply. (Source: Automotive Locksmith Association of America / ALOA 2024 Member Survey)
Our Process: How GMC Key Replacement Works
- Call us at (772) 362-5731. Tell us your GMC model, year, and trim. We confirm parts availability on the spot. No surprises when we show up.
- We dispatch from Stuart. Our mobile unit is typically rolling within 10 to 15 minutes. We cover all of Stuart, from Kanner Highway to the St. Lucie River corridor and everything near US-1 and SR-714.
- VIN verification and ownership check. We verify you're the registered owner before any work starts. Standard industry practice, not negotiable.
- Key cutting on-site. We use laser-cut key machines in the van. No waiting for a blank to get ordered.
- OBD-II programming and test. We pair the new key to your vehicle's ECM/BCM and test it 3 times before we pack up. If the key doesn't start the car, we don't leave.
GMC Models We Service in Stuart
We program keys for every GMC model on the road in Martin County. That includes the Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500HD, Sierra 3500HD, Terrain, Acadia, Yukon, Yukon XL, Canyon, and Envoy. Older Jimmys and Suburbans with basic ignitions? Covered too.
Stuart's proximity to I-95 and Florida's Turnpike means a lot of work trucks and towing rigs pass through or park here. Sierra HD owners, we're familiar with your key profile and the specific programming steps GM uses for commercial fleet configurations. Need help with a related GM product? Check our Chevrolet Key Replacement page for Chevy-specific info.
Also worth knowing: GMC and Chevy share GM's key platform, but the pairing procedures can differ by region and model year. Don't assume what worked for a Silverado works identically for a Sierra. It usually does, but not always.
Why Stuart Locksmiths for GMC Key Replacement?
Flat-rate pricing. No "we'll tell you when we get there" nonsense. You know the cost before we dispatch.
We've handled over 1,400 automotive key jobs in Stuart and Martin County. GMC trucks and SUVs represent a big chunk of that, which makes sense given how many contractors and tradespeople work along the US-1 corridor and out toward Indiantown Road.
Our technicians carry manufacturer-grade key blanks for GM vehicles. Not cheap aftermarket shells that fail in Florida's heat. OEM-quality blanks that hold up when your Sierra sits in a Publix parking lot off Monterey Road all day in 95-degree sun.
We're also licensed by the State of Florida and carry full liability insurance. You can verify our license through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. That matters, because locksmith licensing is required in Florida and not every shop you find online is compliant.
Need automotive help beyond keys? Our Car Lockout Service and Transponder Key Programming pages cover those specific scenarios. For all other vehicle services, visit our Automotive Locksmith page.
Lost vs. Spare vs. Broken: Does It Change the Process?
| Situation | What It Means for Programming | Typical Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Have a working spare key | Can clone or use dealer-style add-a-key procedure | Low |
| Lost only key, no spare | Requires full from-scratch programming, may need BCM reset | Medium-High |
| Broken key in ignition | Extraction first, then cut/program new key | Medium |
| Fob works but blade won't turn | Likely an ignition issue, not the key | Low (different service) |
If your fob locks and unlocks the doors but the car won't start, the key itself is probably fine. That's an ignition cylinder issue. See our Ignition Repair & Replacement page for that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a GMC key in Stuart, FL?
Expect $95 to $300 depending on the key type. Basic metal keys for older models run $95 to $120. Smart key fobs for 2015 and newer GMC models are $225 to $300. We give you an exact quote before dispatch.
Can you replace a GMC key without the original?
Yes. If you've lost your only key, we program a new one from scratch using your VIN and ownership documentation. It takes about 40 to 55 minutes depending on your model year.
Do I need to tow my GMC to a dealer for key replacement?
No. Stuart Locksmiths comes to you. We program GMC keys on-site with mobile equipment. No tow, no dealer wait times that often stretch 3 to 5 days in Martin County.
How long does GMC key replacement take in Stuart?
Most jobs are done in 30 to 60 minutes after we arrive. Our typical response time in Stuart is 15 to 25 minutes from your call.
Will my new GMC key work for both starting the car and locking/unlocking doors?
Yes, if you're replacing a smart key or switchblade fob. We program both the transponder chip and the remote functions in the same session. Basic cut keys only start the car; they don't control remote locks.
Can you program a replacement GMC key fob I bought online?
Sometimes, but it's risky. Aftermarket fobs from Amazon or eBay are hit-or-miss for compatibility. About 30% of the ones customers bring us don't pair correctly. We recommend using our blanks so we can guarantee the result.
Do you service GMC Sierra HD trucks, including 2500 and 3500?
Yes. Sierra HD trucks are one of our most common GMC jobs in Stuart, partly because of the contractor and trade traffic along US-1 and Kanner Highway. We carry blanks for HD configurations specifically.
What proof of ownership do I need for GMC key replacement?
Vehicle registration, title, or insurance documents showing your name matching a valid photo ID. If you're locked out without documents in the car, we can sometimes verify through DMV-linked databases on-site.
My GMC key starts the car but the fob buttons stopped working. Is that a key replacement?
Probably not. That's usually a dead battery in the fob (CR2032, costs about $3) or a damaged fob shell. Bring it in or describe the issue over the phone before assuming you need a full replacement.
Can you replace a GMC key at night or on weekends in Stuart?
Yes. Stuart Locksmiths offers after-hours and weekend service. Call (772) 362-5731 any time. Emergency rates may apply for calls after 10pm.
Is there a difference between replacing a GMC Terrain key vs. a Sierra key?
Mechanically, the ignition cut differs slightly between car-based platforms (Terrain, Acadia) and truck platforms (Sierra, Canyon). The programming steps also vary by BCM version. We account for those differences before we cut anything.
Do you replace GMC keys in areas near Stuart, like Jensen Beach or Palm City?
Yes. We serve all of Martin County, including Jensen Beach and Palm City. Travel time and pricing may vary slightly for locations outside the Stuart city limits.
Need a GMC key replaced in Stuart, FL right now? Call Stuart Locksmiths at (772) 362-5731. We'll quote you in 2 minutes and be on the road in 10.