Many people believe that any key can be duplicated—just hand it to a store or locksmith and you’re done. But the truth is more complex. Some keys are designed to prevent copying altogether—because they’re either protected by patents, embedded electronics, or restricted key systems. I’ve been working in the Toronto & GTA locksmith industry for over 15 years, and in my experience, identifying the right key system quickly can save homeowners and drivers a lot of wasted time, money, and risk. Below, I’ll walk you through the types of keys that truly cannot be duplicated, why that matters for your security, and what the alternative solutions look like.
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Keys are an important thing in our lives as it allows us quick access to a car. Losing a key is unfortunate, but it needs to be worth the pain of obtaining new ones. When you forget your car key inside the vehicle then the worry immediately strikes you that what will you do now?
But don’t worry; Matrix locksmiths in Toronto are experts at resolving this problem. They would either break or repair the car or house lock. They will replicate and replace your keys, thereby resolving your problem.
As locksmiths are adept at copying keys, they have been able to learn how to forge them as well. They are capable of breaking into a building by making new locksets and forging copies of door keys. Matrix Locksmith Toronto is an expert at opening locks of homes, cars, etc. – but every lock is different and not every key can be duplicated.
Thousands of keys exist on the market, with a wide range of shapes and sizes to choose from. One type cannot be duplicated: DND Master Keys. How many locksmiths would try to duplicate the keys but they are rather invincible. And their doors are also safe because no one can copy them.
DND Keys are best for high-security areas, and they are used everywhere. Many People Prefer DND Keys because they are guaranteed to work.
These are some of the keys that cannot be duplicated and their reasons:
1. Transponder Key:
Transponder Keys are used in cars and they cannot be copied because a computer chip inside sends out an encrypted code. These chips are programmed to prevent duplication, and the codes cannot be broken with any instrument that exists.
Read More About: The Transponder Key: What Is It, and How Does it Work?
2. Laser Cut Car Key:
Transponder Keys are used in cars and they cannot be copied because a computer chip inside sends out an encrypted code. These chips are programmed to prevent duplication, and the codes cannot be broken with any instrument that exists.
Read More About: The Transponder Key: What Is It, and How Does it Work?
3. VAT Key:
These keys are the first-ever electric keys. They use resistors and have a built-in electric modification. If the value of current fed into the memory with a given engine key does not match that of the resistor in place, then the car will not start. VAT Key can be duplicated to a certain degree, but cannot be replicated if the original is broken.
4. Tubular Keys:
This kind of combination lock is circular and has a circular hole in the middle with metal around it. The keys we carry can’t be duplicated because the notch of the key must fit into a lock perfectly. Deadbolts are also added for extra security which makes it hard to clone and create a duplicate key.
Read More About: What does an automotive locksmith do?
5. Abloy Keys:
This is a high-security lock that requires you to use an access card, and the key can’t be duplicated. Abloy keys are unavailable to be duplicated because they have a cutting mechanism that can’t be imitated. Keys can be made to order, but there are some keys that cannot be duplicated. The locksmiths at Matrix Locksmiths have the expertise and experience necessary for all types of key duplication needs. We offer services including lock picking, re-key service, ignition replacement, transponder key programming and more!
Many people believe that any key can be duplicated—just hand it to a store or locksmith and you’re done. But the truth is more complex. Some keys are designed to prevent copying altogether—because they’re either protected by patents, embedded electronics, or restricted key systems. I’ve been working in the Toronto & GTA locksmith industry for over 15 years, and in my experience, identifying the right key system quickly can save homeowners and drivers a lot of wasted time, money, and risk. Below, I’ll walk you through the types of keys that truly cannot be duplicated, why that matters for your security, and what the alternative solutions look like.
FAQ
What Keys Can and Can’t Be Duplicated?
Sometimes it’s not about the stamp — it’s about the design. Some keys use patented cuts or special blanks that only authorized dealers can access. Even if your key looks “normal,” a responsible locksmith may refuse to copy it if it belongs to a restricted system or a registered property.
That phrase isn’t legally binding in most areas. It’s more of a request than a restriction. The only way to truly prevent unauthorized copies is to use a patented or restricted key system where key blanks aren’t sold publicly.
Not anymore. Most newer vehicles use transponder or laser-cut keys with built-in chips that communicate with your car’s computer. These require special programming tools that only professional automotive locksmiths or dealerships have.
If it’s a restricted system, you’ll need to show proof of ownership or authorization for a replacement. In some cases, the entire lock may need to be re-keyed or replaced. It’s slower and costlier, but it’s also much safer.
Look at the key head for brand names like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy, or ASSA. These keys usually have complex side cuts or serial numbers and come with a registered card that proves you’re the authorized owner.
They solve the duplication problem in a different way — by removing the physical key entirely. Smart locks use encrypted digital access or key cards, but they also rely on batteries and Wi-Fi. For some homeowners, combining a mechanical high-security lock with a smart lock is the safest balance.
The best option is a certified local locksmith who works with both standard and restricted systems. At Matrix Locksmith, we’ve helped hundreds of GTA homeowners figure out whether their keys can be copied — and what alternatives make sense for better security.