SoCal 24/7 Locksmith team
Most house keys can be copied in minutes. A few can't, by design. Knowing which kind you hold saves a wasted trip and tells you who can make the copy.
This guide covers "Do Not Duplicate" stamps, restricted and patented keyways, what California's locksmith law says about them, and the legitimate route to a copy through key duplication.
What California law says
California Business and Professions Code 6980.54 says a BSIS-licensed locksmith shall be able to duplicate any key for a residence, commercial establishment or personal property, with two exceptions:
- Marked keys: a key stamped, printed, marked or engraved with "Do Not Duplicate" or "Unlawful To Duplicate" that also shows the originator's company name and telephone number.
- Restricted or high-security keys: a Restricted Key or High Security Key that shows the originator's company name and either its telephone number or its registration number.
Car keys are covered in the same section: subject to Penal Code 466.6, a licensed locksmith must be able to cut a key for any vehicle using another key as the pattern.
The section applies to licensed locksmiths. BSIS also notes that a business that only duplicates keys is not considered a locksmith and doesn't need a BSIS locksmith license, so hardware counters are a different situation.
"Do Not Duplicate" stamps
A stamp by itself is a request. Under the California statute, the protected version has three parts together: the warning words, the originator's company name and the originator's telephone number.
| What's on the key | Restricted under B&P 6980.54? |
|---|---|
| "Do Not Duplicate" only | No; the name and phone number are missing |
| "Do Not Duplicate" + company name + phone number | Yes |
| "Unlawful To Duplicate" + company name + phone number | Yes |
| Restricted or high-security key + company name + phone or registration number | Yes |
| Ordinary key, no markings | No |
Even where a stamp alone isn't enough under the statute, a shop can still decline to copy a key as a matter of policy. And if the key belongs to a landlord or employer, you'll likely need their permission anyway.
Restricted and patented keyways
A keyway is the shape of the slot in the lock and the matching profile of the key. On a restricted keyway, the manufacturer controls who can buy the blanks.
- Controlled blanks: Schlage says its restricted Everest 29 R and T keyways are tightly controlled so only authorized dealers and end users can get the blanks.
- Authorization: restricted orders are approved electronically through the manufacturer's system, which records who authorized each one.
- Patents: Schlage says the undercut design gives Everest 29 keys patent protection until 2029. Its key-control guide notes that a patented key system prohibits duplication without the manufacturer's authorization.
- When patents end: Schlage also notes that once a restricted keyway is out of patent, aftermarket manufacturers can make its keys.
High-security keys
High-security systems go a step further than restriction. Schlage describes its Primus XP keys as having factory-milled side bitting that can be made exclusive to a user locally or nationally, and its Primus UL 437 cylinders as using hardened steel drill pins and tested to resist picking and drilling.
With these systems, a copy normally comes from the authorized dealer that set up the system, after the registered owner signs off.
How to get a legitimate copy
- Read the key. Note any stamp, company name, phone number or registration number.
- Find the originator. That's the company named on the key, often the locksmith who installed the system.
- Get authorization. For work or rental keys, ask the employer, building manager or landlord.
- Bring ID and the key to the authorized source.
If a key is restricted under B&P 6980.54, a licensed locksmith can't duplicate it for you. The route is through the originator and the key's owner.
Ordinary keys and better copies
Most house keys aren't restricted at all. A poor copy is usually a cutting or blank problem: worn originals, the wrong blank, or burrs left on the cuts. Bring the best original you have, not a copy of a copy.
Running a business where you want to stop casual copying? A restricted keyway is the tool for that; our commercial lock service can set one up. For everyday copies, see our key copy page or call (562) 534-1992.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to copy a "Do Not Duplicate" key in California?
Under Business and Professions Code 6980.54, a licensed locksmith may not copy a key stamped "Do Not Duplicate" or "Unlawful To Duplicate" if the key also carries the issuing company's name and phone number.
Why won't the hardware store copy my key?
It may be a restricted keyway with controlled blanks, a key the store isn't equipped to cut, or store policy on marked keys. The company name on the key is usually the right place to ask.
How do I get a copy of a restricted key?
Contact the originator named on the key, usually the locksmith or dealer that set up the system, with authorization from the key's owner, such as your employer or landlord.
Can a locksmith copy my car key?
Yes, in most cases. Under the same California code section, a licensed locksmith is expected to cut a car key using another key as the pattern. Many newer car keys also carry a chip that must be programmed before the engine will start.
