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Need a Spare Key for Your 2024 GMC Yukon? Best Options, Costs & Timelines (US)

A spare key for your 2024 GMC Yukon can save you from an expensive emergency if your main fob is lost, damaged, or locked inside. Because the Yukon uses a high-security transponder smart key system, getting a working spare requires the correct fob and programming.

Understanding Your Situation

You still have a working key fob, but you want to add a second (or third) key now—before you’re down to one or none—so you’re not stuck with towing, higher costs, or long delays later.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm what you have now: count working fobs, and note whether your Yukon uses push-button start (most do) and whether it has remote start.
  2. Gather essentials: VIN, driver’s license, registration/title, and a photo of your current key fob (front/back) to match the correct part.
  3. Decide your goal: OEM (dealer) fob vs aftermarket, and whether you also want an emergency mechanical key blade cut (if applicable to your fob style).

Your Options

GM Dealer: OEM key fob + programming

Cost: $250-$600 Time: Same day to 1-3 days (parts availability dependent)

The dealer supplies an OEM (original) GMC/GM key fob and programs it to your Yukon using factory tools. They can also cut any included/emergency key insert when applicable.

âś“ Pros:
  • OEM parts and factory-correct programming
  • Lowest risk of compatibility issues
âś— Cons:
  • Often the highest price
  • May require appointment and wait for parts

Automotive locksmith (mobile): supply fob + program on-site

Cost: $180-$450 Time: Same day (commonly 1-2 hours on-site once scheduled)

A licensed automotive locksmith comes to you, provides a compatible smart key fob (OEM or high-quality aftermarket), programs it, and can cut the emergency key insert if your setup uses one.

âś“ Pros:
  • Convenient mobile service—no need to drive to a shop
  • Often cheaper than the dealer
âś— Cons:
  • Quality varies—some aftermarket fobs are unreliable
  • Not all locksmiths have tools/support for late-model GM vehicles

Buy your own fob online + pay for programming

Cost: $120-$450 total Time: 2-7 days (shipping + appointment)

You purchase a fob (OEM or aftermarket) from an online seller, then hire a dealer or locksmith to program it to the vehicle. You may also need the emergency key insert cut separately.

âś“ Pros:
  • Potentially the lowest total cost if you buy the right OEM fob
  • You can shop for OEM vs aftermarket options
âś— Cons:
  • High risk of buying the wrong or non-programmable fob
  • Some dealers/locksmiths won’t program customer-supplied parts

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Waiting until you have zero working keys—spare creation is usually simpler and cheaper when at least one working fob is available.

✕ Buying a used/refurbished fob that’s “locked” to another vehicle or not guaranteed to be reprogrammable for a 2024 Yukon.

✕ Using unverified sellers or ultra-cheap aftermarket fobs—poor range, battery drain, and intermittent starting issues are common.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until emergency
  • Not testing spare immediately
  • Buying incompatible aftermarket
  • Overpaying at dealership

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I program a spare key fob for a 2024 GMC Yukon myself?

Usually no. Late-model GM vehicles typically require professional programming with diagnostic equipment. If your vehicle supports any owner programming for additional fobs, it’s limited and still depends on having the correct fob type and existing working keys.

Do I need to bring the Yukon to the dealer or locksmith?

A dealer typically requires the vehicle present. Many automotive locksmiths can program on-site (mobile), as long as they can access the vehicle and verify ownership.

Will an aftermarket fob work the same as OEM?

Sometimes, but reliability and feature support vary. OEM fobs are the safest bet for consistent performance, especially for remote start and long-term durability.

What information do I need to get a spare key made?

Expect to provide the VIN plus proof of ownership (registration/title) and a government-issued ID. Some providers also ask for the current fob details to match the correct part.

⏱️ Urgency Note: If you’re down to one working fob, getting a spare soon is strongly recommended. If that last fob is lost or fails, costs and downtime can increase significantly and may require towing in some cases.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2024 GMC Yukon.

View Yukon Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04