In locksmith terms
A valet key is a restricted key designed to start and drive the vehicle while blocking access to secured storage, most commonly the trunk and glovebox. On older vehicles this was a purely mechanical limitation: the valet blade simply would not turn the trunk or glovebox locks. On newer vehicles the restriction can be electronic, tied to a specific key or a valet mode.
The point is to let a parking attendant or driver operate the car without reaching your valuables. Whether the limit is mechanical or electronic depends on the make and year.
In plain English
A valet key lets the person parking your car drive it but keeps them out of the trunk and glovebox. It is the key you hand over when you do not want full access shared.
Older cars do this with the shape of the key. Newer cars may do it electronically, sometimes with a valet mode you turn on from the dash.
Replacing or making a valet key
If your valet key is lost or you never received one, a locksmith can advise what your vehicle supports and cut or program the appropriate key. On newer vehicles, the restrictions may be managed through the car's settings rather than a separate physical key, so we confirm how yours implements it.
Still have a key or fob question?
Tell us your year, make, and model and we will confirm exactly what your vehicle needs before we head out.