Last updated: February 2026
It's 9pm on a Friday and you've just walked out of Harbor Bay Plaza, arms full of groceries, and your Lexus smart key is nowhere. Not in your pocket, not in your bag, not on the seat. Gone. Here's what that means in practical terms: Lexus key replacement in Stuart, FL runs $150 to $450 depending on your model and key type, Stuart Locksmiths can get to you anywhere in the 34994 or 34996 zip codes in roughly 25 to 45 minutes, and the whole programming process takes another 30 to 60 minutes on-site. No dealership appointment. No tow truck.
Lexus uses some of the more sophisticated key technology on the market. From the proximity smart keys on newer RX and ES models to the older transponder-chip keys on early 2000s IS and GS vehicles, every generation requires specific programming equipment to pair the key to your car's ECU. A blank cut at a hardware store won't start your car. It won't even try.
Stuart Locksmiths has programmed Lexus keys across Martin County for years, covering everything from the NX 350h to the LC 500. We carry OEM-compatible key blanks and the same level of programming software the dealer uses, so you're not getting a workaround. You're getting it done right, on the spot, usually for 40 to 60% less than Lexus of the Palm Beaches would charge.
What Type of Lexus Key Do You Have?
Not all Lexus keys are the same, and the type you have directly affects the cost and complexity of replacement. A 2006 RX 330 uses a basic transponder key with a chip embedded in the plastic head. A 2019 ES 350 uses a proximity smart key that communicates with the car constantly, allowing push-button start and hands-free entry. A 2023 RX 500h takes that further with an advanced Lexus Smart Access system.
Here's the breakdown by type:
- Basic transponder keys (2000-2009 models): Chip inside the key head, requires cutting and programming. Most affordable replacement option.
- Remote head keys (2007-2015 models): Transponder chip plus integrated remote buttons in one unit. Slightly more complex to source.
- Smart proximity keys / Lexus Smart Access (2010-present): Keyless entry and push-button start. The most expensive key type because the hardware cost is higher and programming requires OBDII-level access.
- Blade key (older models, pre-2000): No chip, just a mechanical cut. Fastest and cheapest to replace.
If you're not sure which one your car has, tell us your year and model when you call. We'll know immediately.
Lexus Key Replacement Pricing in Stuart, FL
Pricing depends on three things: key type, whether you need a spare or a full replacement (lost all keys vs. have one working key), and time of day. Emergency after-hours calls do carry a service fee. Here's what to expect:
| Key Type | Stuart Locksmiths Price | Lexus Dealership Est. | Typical Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Transponder Key | $150 - $200 | $250 - $350 | IS300, GS430 (2000-2009) |
| Remote Head Key | $200 - $280 | $320 - $420 | RX350, ES350 (2007-2014) |
| Smart Proximity Key | $280 - $420 | $450 - $650 | NX, RX, ES, IS (2014-present) |
| Emergency After-Hours | Add $45 - $75 | Not available | Any model, any time |
According to ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America), automotive locksmith rates for luxury vehicle smart key programming have risen roughly 18% since 2022 due to chip supply constraints and increased hardware costs. Stuart Locksmiths has kept our rates stable by sourcing quality OEM-compatible blanks directly. (Source: ALOA Industry Pricing Survey 2024)
Need help with a different luxury make? We also handle BMW Key Replacement and Mercedes-Benz Key Replacement across Stuart and Martin County.
How Our Lexus Key Replacement Process Works
- Call us with your year, make, and model. Takes 2 minutes. We confirm the key type, give you an exact price range, and dispatch the nearest technician. Stuart Locksmiths dispatches from central Stuart, so whether you're near the South Fork High School area, stranded at the Treasure Coast Mall, or stuck on US-1 heading toward Jensen Beach, we're close.
- We verify ownership on arrival. Florida law requires us to confirm you're the registered owner before cutting or programming any key. Have your license and registration or title ready. This protects you as much as it protects us.
- We cut the key blank to your VIN profile. Using a computerized key cutter, we generate the exact blade pattern for your Lexus. This isn't guesswork. The cut is precise to within 0.1mm.
- We program the transponder or smart key. Our OBDII diagnostic tool communicates directly with your car's immobilizer system and registers the new key. On most Lexus models this takes 15 to 25 minutes. If you've lost all keys, it can take up to 45 minutes because we have to complete a full reset sequence.
- We test everything before we leave. Start, lock, unlock, proximity detection if applicable. You watch it work before we pack up. If something's off, we fix it on the spot.
Why Stuart Locksmiths for Your Lexus Key
There are a few mobile locksmiths floating around Martin County. Here's what separates Stuart Locksmiths from the rest of the options.
- We're local, not a call center dispatch. A lot of "local locksmiths" you find online are national aggregators who subcontract to whoever's available. You don't know who's showing up. Stuart Locksmiths is based here, serving Stuart residents directly. No middleman, no surprises on the final bill.
- Luxury vehicle experience. Programming a Lexus smart key is not the same as cutting a Honda key. The immobilizer systems are different, the security protocols are more layered, and the hardware is more expensive to get wrong. We've programmed hundreds of Lexus keys across the IS, ES, RX, GS, NX, and LS model lines.
- 25-45 minute response across Stuart. We know the traffic patterns on Kanner Highway, the backups near the Roosevelt Bridge, and how to route around the drawbridge delays on the St. Lucie River. Local knowledge means faster arrival.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing. We quote the price before we start. The number doesn't change when we arrive.
- Licensed and insured in Florida. Florida requires automotive locksmiths to be licensed under the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. We are. Ask to see it.
For a broader look at all our vehicle services, visit our Automotive Locksmith page. And if you're also locked out right now, our Car Lockout Service page covers that situation separately.
We also serve nearby areas including Jensen Beach, Palm City, and Hobe Sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a locksmith really replace a Lexus smart key, or do I have to go to the dealer?
A licensed automotive locksmith with the right programming equipment can replace Lexus smart keys, transponder keys, and remote head keys just like a dealer can. Stuart Locksmiths carries OEM-compatible key blanks and professional-grade OBDII programming tools that communicate directly with Lexus immobilizer systems. The dealer is not your only option, and in most cases we're faster and less expensive.
How much does Lexus key replacement cost in Stuart, FL?
Expect $150 to $200 for older transponder keys, $200 to $280 for remote head keys, and $280 to $420 for current-generation smart proximity keys. After-hours emergency service adds $45 to $75. These prices include cutting, programming, and testing at your location.
I lost all my Lexus keys. Does that cost more or take longer?
Yes, both. When you have zero working keys, the locksmith has to perform a full key learning reset on your Lexus ECU, which takes 35 to 50 minutes instead of the typical 15 to 25. The additional time and complexity usually adds $50 to $100 to the standard price. It's still significantly less than a dealer's all-keys-lost fee, which often runs $800 or more.
What year and model Lexus vehicles can Stuart Locksmiths program keys for?
We cover most Lexus models from 1998 through current year, including the IS, ES, GS, LS, RX, NX, UX, GX, LX, RC, and LC series. If you have an unusual or very recent model, call us with your VIN and we'll confirm compatibility before dispatching.
How long does Lexus key replacement take once the technician arrives?
For a standard spare key or replacement where you still have one working key, figure 30 to 45 minutes total. All-keys-lost situations run 45 to 70 minutes. We stay until everything is confirmed working.
Do I need to show proof of ownership for a Lexus key replacement?
Yes. Florida law requires it, and we enforce it for every call. Bring your driver's license plus vehicle registration or title. If the car is registered to a company or family member, having paperwork showing your connection to the vehicle helps speed things up.
Can Stuart Locksmiths program an aftermarket Lexus key fob I bought on Amazon?
Sometimes, but we don't recommend it. Aftermarket fobs from online marketplaces vary wildly in quality, and some are programmed with incorrect transponder configurations that can actually cause the car to reject them and temporarily lock out other valid keys. We use OEM-compatible blanks sourced from vetted suppliers for a reason. If you've already bought one, call us and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth trying.
My Lexus key fob buttons stopped working but the car still starts. Is that a key replacement or just a battery?
Try a CR2032 battery first. That's the standard fob battery on most Lexus smart keys, and they die faster in the Florida heat. If a new battery doesn't fix it, the fob's internal circuit may be damaged, which means a full fob replacement and reprogramming. Our Key Fob Programming & Replacement service covers that exact situation.
Will Lexus key replacement void my warranty?
No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a car manufacturer cannot void your warranty simply because you used an independent locksmith for key replacement. The key must be a proper OEM-compatible unit and programmed correctly, which is exactly what Stuart Locksmiths provides.
Is there a difference between Lexus key replacement and Lexus transponder key programming?
Key replacement refers to providing a complete new key,