You have rented a home or apartment and the landlord gave you a key with a stamp on it saying ‘Do not copy’? And you are someone who likes to keep a copy always on hand so that you can use it in case you lost the one you were given originally? Understand how to Copy Do not Duplicate Keys?
Yes, you can get a copy of the ‘do not duplicate keys. There is nothing to worry about. As much as it may be seeming to be out of a question thing to do, you still can find ways to get a copy when it comes to ‘do not copy’ keys.
What is the Do Not Duplicate Key?
You might have noticed some keys come with engravings saying ‘do not copy’. Now, instantly the first thought that comes into your mind is that what if I lost this one key? Will I be forever locked out of my house, apartment, or property?
Let’s go down the road. Do not duplicate keys are made so that not every locksmith can make a copy of them. You can only go to the same locksmith from whom you bought the key, to get a duplicate one if in need.
The sole purpose of introducing these keys into the market was that not everyone can go around and get a duplicate. Licensed locksmiths do not get into making a copy of such keys. So, it will not be wrong to say that to some extent the keys are a way to protect against unnecessary duplication of your key.
Benefits of Having a Do not Duplicate keys
As much as it may be daunting to read the engraving of do not copy on your key it does come with its perks
- The owner can keep a track of how many people have the same key.
- When you know that it is not that easy to get a copy of your key, it gives a sense of security.
- Until or unless you are the owner of the key, you cannot make a copy of the key.
What to do if You Want to Copy Your Key?
Now it is worthy of your attention here that when u see a do not duplicate keys, you may think what if I need to get a copy?
Well, let’s get this thought out of the way. Someone can get a copy. You might have to do some digging but eventually, you can get a copy.
If you are the owner of the key then you can go to any legitimate locksmith or the one who made it in the first place. You can get a copy made. As for someone who is not the owner, one can go to a local locksmith who is not bounded by cooperating policies and he will make a copy of the key with you.
How to Copy Do not Copy Keys?
While it may seem impossible, you can get a copy of your key. Here is how you do it.
- If you are the owner then well and good.
- But if you are not, you have to get permission for the owner. The permission can be given by writing proper documentation stating that you are allowed to make a copy of their key.
- Next, you will have to go to the locksmith who made the key in the first place.
- He will see the documentation and then make a copy of that key.
All these steps may seem a lot for one key, but it is to keep the security of the key intact.
Laws Regulating Copying of Keys
You hear the word ‘do not copy’ and it can make you think it may be illegal to make a copy. Why don’t we break it down?
It is not illegal to make a copy of these keys. There is no law regulating dealing with such keys so one cannot say it is illegal to make a duplicate one.
The stamp on the key is more of a request so not everyone goes around making as many copies. You can go to any locksmith and get a copy of the key without having any questions asked.
Final words
Copying does not copy keys is a common practice. Hence’ it should be clear to the owner that it is more of a false sense of security that no one will make a duplicate copy.
If someone wants to get a hand on a secure system of sharing keys then they should go for patented key systems rather than just stamping their keys.
FAQs
Is it illegal to copy ‘do not duplicate keys?
No, it is not illegal to copy this key
Are ‘do not duplicate’ keys secure?
They are as secure as any other locks as you can get them copied from local locksmiths.
Will Lowes copy not duplicate keys?
Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s all have a kiosk that allows you to make a copy quite easily.
