Master Key or Valet Key? Distinction for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus.Updated a year ago

Figuring out whether you have a master key or valet key is very important prior to taking on the project of creating a new spare key for your vehicle. This is especially important for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles where security systems may prevent you from creating a new spare key. Here are the instructions on how to know whether you have a Master Key or a Valet Key for your Toyota, Scion, or Lexus vehicles.

In order to determine if you have a master key, please follow these steps:

1. Without the key in the ignition, locate the blinking red security light on your dashboard. (Position of the security light can vary, and can also be found on the clock dash and center console.)

2. Insert the key into the ignition without turning.

Does the blinking red light turn solid and then turn off after approximately 2 seconds? Or does it stop blinking and turn off immediately?

If the light stops blinking and immediately turns off, this means you have a master key, if the light turns solid and then turns off after 2 seconds, this means you have a valet key. To visually see what this looks like please reference the video attached to this article.

A further test to double check is your glove box. Glove box locks can only be locked or unlocked with Master keys. If you cannot turn the lock in your glove box this is an indication that your key is a valet key.

A final way to know whether you have a master key or a valet key would be the color of the head of the key. If you have a black head key this means you have a master key, if you have a gray head key this means you have a valet key.

Don’t worry, if you find that you have a valet key we may still be able to help. Please reach out at [email protected] advising that you have reviewed this article and have found that your key is a valet key. Our amazing team will find the right solution for you.

For those of you who wish to know more about the difference between master keys and valet keys click here for our article.

Tom’s Key Company looks forward to helping you with your spare key project for your Toyota, Scion, or Lexus.