Last updated: February 2026
Your Kia key is gone, and the realization hits fast: you can't get home, you can't get to work, and the dealership on US-1 is quoting you 3 to 5 business days plus $300 or more just to order a replacement. That's a brutal situation, especially in Stuart's summer heat where standing outside waiting isn't optional, it's miserable.
Stuart Locksmiths handles Kia key replacement in Stuart, FL on-site, same day, for $85 to $275 depending on your key type and year. Most jobs are done in 35 to 55 minutes from the time we arrive. We come to you, whether you're at Harbour Bay Plaza, stuck near the Crossroads, or stranded somewhere off Kanner Highway.
No tow. No dealership wait. No getting soaked by an afternoon thunderstorm while you figure out next steps.
Why Kia Keys Are Harder to Replace Than You'd Expect
Kia hasn't used a simple metal key since the mid-2000s. Every Kia sold after 2007 uses either a transponder chip key, a flip key, a proximity smart key, or a push-button fob, and all of them need to be programmed to your specific vehicle's immobilizer system before they'll start the car.
That chip inside the key communicates with your Kia's ECU. If the code doesn't match, the engine simply won't crank. You can cut a perfect key blade and it still won't do anything without the right programming. That's what makes Kia key replacement a skilled job, not just a hardware swap.
Newer models like the Kia Sportage, Telluride, Sorento, and K5 use proximity keys with rolling security codes. Each time you use the key, the code changes. Replacing these requires professional-grade automotive programming equipment, not something a generic key kiosk at a hardware store can handle. This is also why Kia owners in Port St. Lucie and Palm City call us instead of wasting time at those kiosks first.
Kia Key Replacement Pricing in Stuart, FL
Prices depend on your exact model year and key type. Here's what most Stuart-area Kia owners can expect to pay:
| Key Type | Kia Models / Years | Estimated Cost | Time On-Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transponder Chip Key | 2007-2015 Kia Soul, Optima, Forte | $85 - $130 | 25-35 min |
| Laser Cut / Flip Key | 2010-2018 Sorento, Sportage | $120 - $175 | 30-45 min |
| Proximity Smart Key (FOB) | 2016-2022 Sorento, Telluride, K5 | $175 - $250 | 40-55 min |
| Push-to-Start Fob (Advanced) | 2022-2025 EV6, Telluride, Sportage | $225 - $275 | 45-60 min |
For reference, Kia dealerships in Martin County typically charge $280 to $450 for the same services, plus they require a tow if you're locked out. Our mobile pricing includes programming, cutting, and everything needed to have you driving again. (Source: ALOA Pricing Survey, 2025)
Need a spare made while we're already there? We can cut and program a second key at a discounted rate. Most customers add a spare for $45 to $80 less than the first key cost.
Our Kia Key Replacement Process
- Call us and give us your Kia's details. Year, model, and whether you have any working keys left. That last part matters because replacing one of two keys is faster and sometimes cheaper than replacing your only key.
- We verify your identity at your location. State-issued ID matching the vehicle registration is required. This protects you as much as anyone else. No legitimate locksmith skips this step.
- We cut your new key blade. Using a high-precision code cutter calibrated for Kia's specific key profiles, we cut the blade on-site. No outsourcing, no waiting for a part to arrive.
- We program the transponder or fob. Our equipment covers Kia vehicles from 2005 through 2025 including the EV6. Programming takes 8 to 20 minutes depending on the key type and security protocol your model uses.
- We test it completely. Door unlock, trunk release, push-to-start or ignition turn, remote lock functions. We don't hand you a key and leave. We verify everything works before we pack up.
Kia Models We Service in Stuart
We carry key blanks and programming profiles for the full Kia lineup sold in Florida over the past 20 years. That includes:
- Kia Soul (2010-2025)
- Kia Forte and Forte5 (2010-2025)
- Kia Sportage (2005-2025)
- Kia Sorento (2005-2025)
- Kia Optima and K5 (2006-2025)
- Kia Telluride (2020-2025)
- Kia Carnival (2022-2025)
- Kia EV6 (2022-2025)
- Kia Stinger (2018-2023)
- Kia Rio (2006-2023)
Have a Hyundai too? Kia and Hyundai share platforms and key systems for many models. Our technicians are trained on both. Check out our Hyundai Key Replacement page if you've got one of those as well.
Why Stuart Locksmiths for Your Kia Key
Here's what separates a call to us from a call to a random locksmith you found in a quick search:
- Response time under 25 minutes for most Stuart locations, including downtown, the Rio area, and the US-1 corridor up toward Jensen Beach
- Licensed and insured in Florida. Our license number is on every invoice. You can verify it with the state in 60 seconds.
- We carry Kia-specific blanks in the van. No "I have to order the part" delays. If your Kia is on our supported list, we almost certainly have your key blank on the truck today.
- Over 1,400 automotive key jobs completed across Martin County since we opened. Kia jobs alone account for more than 180 of those.
- Flat-rate pricing. The price you're quoted on the phone is the price on the invoice. No surprise "programming fees" added after.
We also handle Car Lockout Service if you're locked out right now and need in before we can make a key, and our Transponder Key Programming page covers everything about how chip keys work if you want the deep dive.
Kia's popularity in Florida has been climbing. According to Kia Motors America, the Telluride and Sportage are two of the top-selling SUVs in the Southeast. More Kias on the road means more lost Kia keys. We've prepared for that. (Source: Kia Motors America Sales Data, 2024)
Serving Kia Owners Across Stuart and Martin County
We run calls throughout Stuart, from the St. Lucie River waterfront to the neighborhoods east of Federal Highway. We also cover Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, and Sewalls Point. If you're not sure whether we reach your area, just call. We'll give you a straight answer in 30 seconds.
Lost your only key in a beach parking lot near Stuart Beach? Happened to a Kia Sportage owner last July. We had them back on the road in 48 minutes. Locked in a garage off Confusion Corner with your key inside the car? That one too. Stuart has quirky geography and we know every corner of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a Kia key if I have absolutely no working keys left?
Yes. This is called a "from scratch" or zero-key replacement. It takes a bit longer because we need to pull the key code directly from the vehicle rather than duplicating an existing cut, but it's completely doable on-site. Add roughly 15 extra minutes to the job.
How much does Kia key replacement cost in Stuart, FL?
Most jobs run $85 to $275 depending on the key type. Basic transponder keys for older models start around $85. Push-to-start proximity fobs for newer Tellurides or EV6s run $225 to $275. We quote exact pricing when you call with your year and model.
Does a new Kia key need to be programmed even if it's cut correctly?
Always. Every Kia with a chip key, flip key, or smart fob requires programming to your vehicle's immobilizer. A correctly cut blade without programming won't start the car. It's not optional, it's how the security system works.
Will my old Kia keys still work after you program a new one?
Usually yes. Most Kia models let you add a new key without deleting the existing ones from the system. However, if you've lost a key and are worried someone else might have it, we can erase all previously paired keys and only program your new ones. Smart move if the key went missing and you don't know where.
How long does Kia key replacement take?
From the time our technician arrives, most jobs take 35 to 55 minutes. Basic transponder keys can be done in 25 minutes. Advanced push-to-start fobs for newer models may take up to 60 minutes.
Is it cheaper to go to a Kia dealer for a key replacement?
No. Dealers in the Stuart area typically charge $280 to $450 and require you to tow the vehicle if you have no working key. We come to you, do the same programming on-site, and charge $85 to $275. The only case where a dealer might make sense is a key failure under active warranty coverage.
Can you program a Kia key fob I bought online?
Sometimes, but we can't guarantee it. Aftermarket fobs bought on Amazon or eBay are hit or miss. Some program fine, many don't. We carry OEM-compatible blanks that we know work. If you bought one already, call us and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth trying.
What do I need to have with me when you arrive?
A state-issued photo ID matching the vehicle registration. If the car is registered in someone else's name, have them present or have documentation showing you have authorization. This is a legal requirement, not a preference.
Do you replace Kia keys for all model years?
We cover 2005 through 2025 Kia models. Anything older than 2005 used a basic non-chipped key and is simple to handle. Anything in our range including the newest EV6 and Telluride is covered with our current programming equipment.
Can you make a spare Kia key while you're already there for the replacement?
Yes, and we strongly recommend it. A second key at the time of the appointment costs $45 to $80 less than scheduling a separate visit. It's the smartest time to get a spare made.
What if my Kia has a push-to-start system? Is that harder to replace?
It's more involved, not harder. Push-to-start systems use a proximity fob with rolling security codes. The programming is more complex and takes longer, which is reflected in the higher price ($175 to $275). But we handle these every