If you need another restricted key, the right place to start is not always the nearest key-cutting counter.

A restricted key usually needs to be ordered through the locksmith, security provider or authorised supplier responsible for that key system.

This can be frustrating if you only need a spare key or replacement key. But restricted key systems are designed this way for a reason. They help improve the security of a building, workplace or site by making sure keys are only issued to authorised people and that key records stay accurate.

If the key is for an apartment building, commercial property, workplace, school, owners corporation, strata building or managed site, you may need approval before another key can be supplied.

Quick answer

You can usually get a restricted key copied through:

  • the locksmith who manages the restricted key system
  • the security provider responsible for the site
  • the authorised supplier listed on the key system records
  • the building manager, owners corporation or strata manager’s nominated locksmith
  • the property manager or landlord’s nominated locksmith
  • the facility manager or site manager’s approved locksmith

In many cases, you cannot simply take the key to any hardware store, kiosk or unrelated locksmith and have it copied.

The correct locksmith may need to check the key system, confirm authorisation, record the new key and follow the building or site’s approval process.

For background on what makes these keys different, see what is a restricted key?. For the step-by-step ordering process, see how to order a restricted key.

Why not every locksmith can copy a restricted key

A restricted key is not just a normal key with an unusual shape.

It may be part of a key system where access is managed more carefully. That system may include authorised locksmiths, restricted key blanks, approval rules and records of keys issued.

Not every locksmith can copy every restricted key because:

  • the correct key blank may not be available to them
  • the key profile may be limited to authorised suppliers
  • the key may belong to a managed building or site
  • approval may be required before another key is supplied
  • the original locksmith may need to update the key system records
  • the building or site manager may need to confirm the request

This is by design.

The goal is to reduce the chance of extra keys being made without the knowledge of the people responsible for the building or site. The Locksmiths Guild of Australia Code of Practice reflects this kind of controlled approach by referring to records for restricted keys, controlled access to electronic records and secure storage of restricted key blanks.

Start with the person responsible for the building or site

If you do not know who manages the key system, start with the person or organisation responsible for the property.

That may be:

  • a building manager
  • an owners corporation manager
  • a strata manager
  • a property manager
  • a landlord
  • a lot owner
  • a facility manager
  • a site manager
  • a business owner
  • a school administrator
  • a security manager

They may be able to tell you which locksmith or supplier is authorised to issue replacement or additional keys.

If you need to find a locksmith more generally, the Master Locksmiths directory can help with Australian searches. A directory listing still does not mean that locksmith is authorised for your specific restricted key system, so the building or site process still matters.

This is usually faster than visiting multiple key-cutting locations and being told the key cannot be copied. If the key is stamped with a warning, see can you copy a key that says Do Not Duplicate?.

What if the key is for an apartment?

Apartment keys are commonly part of a managed access system.

The key may open more than just your own apartment door. It may also provide access to:

  • building entrances
  • common areas
  • lifts
  • car parks
  • garages
  • storage areas
  • mail rooms
  • service areas

Because these areas are shared, the building may need to control and record who receives keys.

If you rent the apartment, start with your property manager or landlord unless the building has given you a specific key-ordering process.

If you own the apartment, you may still need to contact the owners corporation, strata manager or building manager, especially if the key gives access to common areas.

For a step-by-step guide, see how to order an apartment key.

What if the key is for work?

If the key is for a workplace or commercial site, ask the person responsible for site access before trying to copy it.

This may be:

  • the business owner
  • your manager
  • the facility manager
  • the site manager
  • the office manager
  • the security team
  • the commercial property manager

Workplace keys may open offices, storerooms, warehouses, staff areas, plant rooms, server rooms or shared building spaces.

The approval process helps the business or site keep track of who has access and which areas they can enter.

What if the key says Do Not Duplicate?

A key stamped “Do Not Duplicate” may or may not be a true restricted key.

Some keys are standard keys with a warning stamp. Others are part of a restricted key system where copies are only supplied through an authorised locksmith or supplier.

The stamp is still a sign that you should check before copying the key.

If the key belongs to a rental property, apartment building, workplace, school, commercial site or managed property, ask the person responsible for the property before trying to copy it.

For more detail, see can you copy a key that says Do Not Duplicate?.

Can Bunnings or a kiosk copy a restricted key?

Bunnings, hardware stores and self-service key kiosks may be able to copy many standard keys.

A restricted key is different.

They may not be able to copy it because the correct blank is unavailable, the key profile is restricted, or approval is required before the key can be supplied.

Even if the key looks simple, it may belong to a system that needs to be checked and recorded.

For more detail, see can Bunnings copy a Do Not Duplicate or restricted key?.

What information might you need?

When ordering a restricted key, you may be asked for details such as:

  • your name
  • phone number
  • email address
  • building, site or property address
  • apartment, lot, unit or tenancy number
  • key number or marking, if known
  • quantity required
  • reason for the request
  • authorised approver details
  • payment method
  • collection or delivery preference
  • nominated collector details

The exact information depends on the locksmith, key system, building and approval process.

For the general ordering process, see how to order a restricted key.

Why approval protects the building or site

Restricted key approval is not only about stopping people from making copies.

It helps protect the building, site and people who use it.

A proper approval process helps the responsible person or organisation keep track of:

  • who requested a key
  • who approved the request
  • how many keys have been issued
  • who collected or received the key
  • which areas the key can access
  • whether a key was lost, replaced or cancelled
  • whether the key record is still accurate

If restricted keys are copied without approval, those records may no longer match reality.

That can weaken the security of the building or site because there may be extra keys in circulation that the building manager, owners corporation, property manager, facility manager or site owner does not know about.

This is especially important for apartments, workplaces, schools, commercial buildings and shared facilities.

For more detail, see why restricted keys need approval.

What to avoid

If you need another restricted key, avoid:

  • trying multiple random key-cutting counters
  • assuming any locksmith can copy the key
  • copying a building or workplace key without approval
  • ignoring “Do Not Duplicate” markings
  • ordering through someone who does not manage the key system
  • giving the key to someone else to copy without checking the process first

These shortcuts may waste time, produce a key that does not work, or create access records that are no longer accurate.

The better path is to find the authorised locksmith or supplier and follow the proper ordering process.

What if you do not know who the authorised locksmith is?

If you do not know who manages the restricted key system, check:

  • any paperwork provided with the key
  • markings on the key
  • the building noticeboard or resident portal
  • emails from your property manager or building manager
  • your lease or apartment welcome pack
  • owners corporation or strata documents
  • site access procedures
  • the locksmith name on previous invoices or receipts

If you still cannot find the answer, contact the person responsible for the building or site and ask:

“Who is the authorised locksmith or supplier for replacement keys?”

That question is often more useful than asking, “Where can I get this key copied?”

Why online ordering can help

Restricted key orders can become difficult to manage when the process depends on paper forms, emails, phone calls and manual payment handling.

A structured online order process can make it clearer:

  • which key is being requested
  • which building or site it relates to
  • who requested it
  • who needs to approve it
  • whether approval has been received
  • whether payment is required or complete
  • whether the key is ready for collection or delivery
  • what record exists of the order

Online ordering does not remove the need for approval. It helps make the authorised process easier to follow. For locksmiths offering that process, see why locksmiths should offer online restricted key ordering.

Where KeyOrders fits

KeyOrders is being developed to help locksmith businesses manage restricted key requests through a structured online ordering and approval workflow.

It is designed to help locksmiths collect request details, manage authorised approval, track payment status, record fulfilment information and keep clearer order records.

For locksmiths, this can reduce manual follow-up and make restricted key orders easier to review and action.

For customers, tenants, property managers, building managers and authorised signatories, it can make the process clearer and easier to understand.

Summary

A restricted key usually needs to be copied or ordered through the locksmith, security provider or authorised supplier responsible for that key system.

If the key belongs to an apartment building, workplace, school, commercial property or managed site, start by asking the person responsible for the building or site who manages replacement keys.

This process exists to improve security by controlling and recording who can receive keys. If restricted keys are copied without approval, the building or site may lose track of who has access.

The safest path is to find the authorised locksmith, provide the required details, wait for approval if needed, and follow the proper ordering process.