Abstract: A method for duplicating a key including receiving a key identification code indicative of key cuts in an original key, and duplicating the original key by forming key cuts in a duplicate key in response to the key identification code, wherein authorization to form the key cuts is restricted by means of a verification code that must be passed before forming the key cuts is permissible. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted in various ways, such as to a group of users, a geographic location of a user, or a group of key blanks. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of a physical characteristic of the original key. As another alternative, authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of whether the original key is a master key or a slave key.

Abstract: A method for duplicating a key including receiving a key identification code indicative of key cuts in an original key, and duplicating the original key by forming key cuts in a duplicate key in response to the key identification code, wherein authorization to form the key cuts is restricted by means of a verification code that must be passed before forming the key cuts is permissible. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted in various ways, such as to a group of users, a geographic location of a user, or a group of key blanks. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of a physical characteristic of the original key. As another alternative, authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of whether the original key is a master key or a slave key.