Last updated: February 2026
It's Saturday afternoon and you're parked at Sailfish Splashpark watching the kids. You reach into your pocket and pull out your phone, your sunscreen, your keys... except the Nissan key isn't there. It's not in your bag. It's not on the ground. It's just gone. That sick feeling sets in fast.
Nissan key replacement in Stuart, FL costs between $85 and $350 depending on your model year and key type, and Stuart Locksmiths can get a new key cut and programmed at your location in 20 to 45 minutes. No tow truck. No dealership appointment scheduled two days from now.
We carry blank keys and the programming equipment for virtually every Nissan model on the road, from a 2005 Frontier with a basic transponder key to a 2024 Ariya with a proximity smart key. Call us at (772) 362-5731 and we'll tell you exactly what your replacement will cost before we drive out.
Why Nissan Keys Are Trickier Than Most People Expect
Nissan switched to transponder chips in their keys starting around 1998. That means even a perfectly cut key blank won't start your car without the chip being programmed to match your vehicle's immobilizer. Cut and not programmed? It'll turn in the ignition and do absolutely nothing.
From around 2007 onward, many Nissan models moved to Intelligent Key fobs, which use rolling-code encryption. The key fob and the car communicate in real time, and if that handshake fails, you're not getting in or starting the engine. It's not a mechanical problem you can muscle through.
Then there's the Nissan Altima, Maxima, and Murano lineup from 2016 onward. Those push-button start systems require TPMS reset integration on some trims, plus proximity programming that takes specific OBD-II diagnostic equipment. A hardware store key copy won't touch any of this. You need a real automotive locksmith with proper programming tools, which is exactly what Stuart Locksmiths brings to your location.
If your Nissan has a dead battery in the fob and you're suddenly locked out, that's actually a separate issue we handle too. Check our Car Lockout Service page for those situations.
Nissan Key Replacement Pricing in Stuart, FL
Here's what you're actually looking at cost-wise. These are real ranges based on the jobs we run across Martin County, not made-up numbers pulled from thin air.
| Key Type | Typical Nissan Models | Price Range | Time on Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Transponder Key | 2000-2008 Sentra, Frontier, Xterra | $85 - $140 | 20-30 min |
| Remote Head Key (Flip Key) | 2004-2015 Altima, Maxima, Pathfinder | $140 - $210 | 25-35 min |
| Intelligent Key Fob (Push-Start) | 2007-2024 Rogue, Murano, Altima, Sentra | $190 - $295 | 30-45 min |
| Smart Key / Proximity Card (EV/New Models) | 2023-2024 Ariya, Z, newer Frontier | $260 - $350 | 35-50 min |
For comparison, a Nissan dealership in the Port St. Lucie area typically charges $250 to $500 for the same Intelligent Key replacement, plus a wait time measured in days, not minutes. (Source: ALOA Service Provider Pricing Survey 2024)
Stuart Locksmiths comes to you. Whether you're stranded on US-1 near the Roosevelt Bridge, sitting in a parking lot at Treasure Coast Square, or stuck at home in Rio or Port Salerno, we drive to your exact location.
The Problem: When Do You Actually Need a Nissan Key Replacement?
Lost your only key. That's the most common call we get, and also the most stressful. No spare means no options except a tow and a dealership bill, unless you call us first.
Key fob stopped working and replacing the battery did nothing. This usually means the fob's internal circuit took water damage (hello, Florida) or the key lost its programming after a jump-start or battery swap. We can diagnose and reprogram it on the spot in most cases.
Broken key stuck in the ignition or door lock. That's actually a two-part job: extraction first, then a new key. See our Broken Key Extraction service for how that works.
Need a spare before you go out of town. Smart call. Having a second programmed Nissan key made while you already have your working key is much cheaper than calling us after you've lost the only one. Adding a second key to an existing working set typically runs $60 to $80 less than a full lost-key replacement.
Our Process: How Stuart Locksmiths Replaces Your Nissan Key
- You call (772) 362-5731 and give us your year, make, model, and VIN. The VIN is on your dashboard or door jamb. It lets us confirm the exact key type and cut code before we even leave the shop, so we show up with the right blank already on the truck.
- We verify ownership at your location. We check your registration and ID. This is a legal requirement and it protects you as much as anyone else. Takes about 2 minutes.
- We cut the new key blade. Using a computerized key-cutting machine, we cut the physical blade to your car's specific cut code. This is precise work, not guesswork.
- We program the transponder or Intelligent Key to your vehicle's immobilizer. Our OBD-II programming tools communicate directly with your Nissan's ECU to register the new key. For push-start fobs, we also sync the proximity sensor and remote functions.
- We test everything before we pack up. Lock, unlock, start, and on push-start models, proximity detection from 3 to 5 feet. You leave with a fully functional key, not a promise that it should work.
Why Choose Stuart Locksmiths for Your Nissan Key
We're a licensed Florida automotive locksmith, not a pop-up key shop running ads with no physical presence. Stuart Locksmiths has completed over 1,400 automotive key jobs in Martin County alone. We know the difference between a Nissan NV200 transponder setup and a 2019 Rogue push-start system. They're not the same job, and treating them like they are is how people end up with keys that don't work.
Response time in Stuart averages 18 to 25 minutes. If you're farther out, like Hobe Sound or Indiantown, add 10 to 15 minutes. We give you a real ETA when you call, not a vague "within the hour."
No hidden fees. The price we quote on the phone is the price you pay. There's no "programming surcharge" that appears after the job is done. We also carry liability insurance covering every automotive job, which protects your vehicle if anything unexpected happens.
We also handle every other brand. If someone in your family drives a Toyota or Honda, our Toyota Key Replacement and Honda Key Replacement services cover those as well. One locksmith for every vehicle in the driveway.
Nissan Key Theft and Loss: The Numbers
Vehicle key loss and theft is more common than most people realize. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, auto theft in Florida runs roughly 40% higher than the national average. A significant portion of those thefts involve stolen or duplicated keys, not broken windows or hotwiring.
| Statistic | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Florida auto theft rate vs national avg | ~40% higher | FBI UCR 2023 |
| Vehicle thefts involving key access | ~38% of cases | NHTSA 2023 |
| Average dealer wait time for key replacement | 2 to 5 business days | ALOA 2024 |
| Average dealer price premium vs mobile locksmith | 45 to 70% more | ALOA Service Survey 2024 |
If you suspect a key was stolen rather than lost, we also recommend rekeying your home locks as a precaution. Check our Lock Rekey Service if your house keys were on the same ring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a Nissan key without the original?
Yes. As long as you have your VIN and proof of ownership, Stuart Locksmiths can cut a new key from scratch using the cut code on file. You don't need the original key present for us to make a working replacement.
How much does Nissan Intelligent Key replacement cost in Stuart, FL?
Nissan Intelligent Key fob replacement runs $190 to $295 at Stuart Locksmiths, compared to $250 to $500 at the dealership. The exact price depends on your specific model year and trim level, which we confirm when you call.
My Nissan key fob stopped working after I replaced the battery. What happened?
Swapping the battery in some Nissan Intelligent Key fobs can cause the fob to lose its sync with the vehicle, especially on 2010-2020 models. It's a programming issue, not a hardware failure. We can reprogram it on-site for $65 to $95 in most cases.
Does Stuart Locksmiths program Nissan push-to-start keys?
Yes, for all Nissan models with push-button ignition. This includes the Rogue, Altima, Sentra, Murano, Pathfinder, Kicks, Frontier, Titan, and newer models like the Ariya. We carry OBD-II programming equipment specific to Nissan's NATS and Intelligent Key systems.
How long does Nissan key programming take?
Programming alone takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Add cutting time and ownership verification, and the total on-site job runs 20 to 45 minutes depending on your model's complexity.
Can I program a Nissan key myself at home?
Some older Nissan models (pre-2003) have a DIY programming sequence using the door lock and ignition cycle. But anything with Intelligent Key technology requires manufacturer-level diagnostic software. Attempting it without the right tools usually results in locking all keys out of the system, which costs significantly more to fix.
Will you come to me if I'm stranded somewhere in Martin County?
Absolutely. We respond anywhere in Stuart and the surrounding area, including Palm City, Jensen Beach, Sewalls Point, Port Salerno, Rio, and Hobe Sound. Average response time in Stuart proper is 18 to 25 minutes.
Is it cheaper to add a spare Nissan key now instead of replacing a lost one later?
Yes, significantly. Adding a second programmed key while your working key is present typically costs $60 to $80 less than a full lost-key replacement job. We can make a spare at your home, office, or wherever is convenient.
What information do I need when I call for Nissan key replacement?
Have your year, make, model, and VIN ready. The VIN is on