The right key tag helps your team identify a vehicle, organize its keys, and keep handoffs clear. A customized tag can also put your dealership or repair shop’s name in a customer’s hands.
Before choosing a style, consider where the tag will be used. Inventory keys need clear vehicle information. Service keys need an easy-to-read job reference. Tags that leave with customers need a readable design with useful business details.
US Auto Supplies offers standard and custom key tags for these different needs. Use this guide to compare materials, package sizes, prices, and ordering schedules.
Compare Key Tag Styles, Prices, and Lead Times
The examples below show listed package prices checked October 12, 2026. Prices vary by quantity, color, design, and imprint options and may change. Approximate unit costs are rounded and exclude applicable shipping and tax. Consecu-Tags are priced per complete set, not per individual tag.
| Key tag style | Recommended use | Package and features | Example package price | Approx. unit cost | Processing or production before shipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versa-Tag self-laminating | Inventory details protected by fold-over laminate | 250 tags; steel rings | $26.90 / 250 | $0.108 | Usually same or next business day if in stock |
| Poly key tags | Direct writing on 23 mil polyethylene | 250 tags; rings and 2 fine-point Sharpies | $29.60 / 250 (printed example) | $0.118 | Usually same or next business day if in stock |
| Self-locking arrow tags | Quick service and parts identification | 1,000 flexible vinyl tags; self-locking attachment | $19.40 / 1,000 | $0.019 | Usually same or next business day if in stock |
| Numbered Consecu-Tags | Matching keys and windshield stock numbers | 125 sets; 2 tags and 1 stock sticker per set; rings included | $74.20 / 125 sets | $0.594 per set | Approximately 4–5 business days production before shipping |
| Custom Versa-Tag tags | Branding with writable, self-laminating identification | 250 tags; steel rings; full-color front imprint | $47.20 / 250 | $0.189 | Approximately 20 business days after proof approval |
| Custom plastic tags | Branded identification with preset or custom writing fields | 250 tags; rings and 1 ultra-fine Sharpie | $88.40 / 250 | $0.354 | Approximately 20 business days after artwork approval |
| Soft vinyl key tags | Flexible customer-facing branded fobs | 250 fobs; one-sided full-color example | $284.10 / 250 | $1.136 | Contact us for current production estimate |
| Loyalty key tags | Customer giveaways and promotional programs | 125 polyethylene fobs; heavy-duty rings; one-sided example | $135.60 / 125 | $1.085 | Contact us for current production estimate |
Shipping Time and Cost
Most in-stock products ship the same business day or the following business day. Most stock orders arrive within 2–5 business days after shipment. Custom items require production time before shipping; production estimates are not delivery dates. Contact us to confirm timing for a custom order or a specific deadline.
- Orders of $100 or more: free standard shipping within the contiguous United States.
- Orders from $50 to $99.99: $5.95 flat-rate shipping.
- Orders under $50: $11.95 flat-rate shipping.
- Alaska and Hawaii: contact us for a shipping quote.
Delivery depends on destination and carrier conditions. Contact us before ordering if you need expedited shipping. See our shipping policy for details.
Self-Laminating Key Tags for Vehicle Inventory
When employees need several vehicle details on one tag, a structured layout makes the information easier to find. Versa-Tag key tags include fields for year, make, model, body, color, stock number, and new or used status. Write the information, then fold the laminated section over it.
Choose this style for a consistent inventory label with covered handwriting. Check the stock number against the vehicle record before closing the laminate.
Poly Key Tags for Direct Labeling
Poly key tags provide a durable polyethylene writing surface without a fold-over step. Printed and blank options are available in yellow or white.
A printed layout helps employees record the same details on every tag. A blank layout lets you choose fields such as a repair order number or internal reference. Use a consistent order for the information so employees can read tags quickly.
Self-Locking Key Tags for Service Departments
Service teams often need a short reference connecting customer keys to a repair job. Self-locking key tags, also called arrow tags, offer a flexible format for keys, parts, and repair projects.
Use a clear repair order number and brief vehicle description. Their self-locking attachment and bulk pack sizes make them an option to consider for frequent tagging tasks.
Numbered Tags for Matching Keys and Vehicles
If your dealership uses stock numbers, use the same reference on the vehicle, its keys, and your records. Consecu-Tags provide two matching laminated key tags and a windshield stock sticker per set.
Choose a starting number that fits your inventory records. Qualifying layouts may also accommodate QR codes, barcodes, or dealership branding; contact us to confirm the layout you need. Explore our key tags and stock stickers for coordinated inventory identification.
Custom Key Tags for Dealerships and Repair Shops
Some customized tags combine company branding with writable vehicle details. Others are customer-facing fobs that display your business information. Choose the format around how the tag will be used.
Custom Versa-Tag Key Tags
Custom Versa-Tag key tags combine a company imprint with a writable, self-laminating design. Add your logo, company name, contact information, or messaging, then write vehicle details before folding over the laminate.
Choose this option for branded inventory or customer key organization. Allow approximately 20 business days after proof approval for production, plus shipping time.
Custom Plastic Key Tags
Custom plastic key tags provide writable synthetic plastic with full-color printing available on both sides. Choose a preset back-side template or custom writing areas.
Plan the fields your employees need and leave room for clear handwriting. The listed lead time is approximately 20 business days after artwork approval; shipping time is additional.
Soft Vinyl Key Tags
Soft vinyl key tags offer a flexible format for customer-facing branding, with shape, color, and one-sided or two-sided imprint options. Consider them for vehicle delivery or service checkout.
Keep the design simple enough for customers to recognize your business and read its contact details. Contact us for a current production estimate before planning a giveaway or event.
Loyalty Key Tags
Loyalty key tags are polyethylene fobs with attached heavy-duty rings, a choice of shapes, and one-sided or two-sided printing options.
Consider them for customer giveaways or a clearly defined loyalty promotion. If you print an offer, make sure the message matches the benefits your business provides. Confirm production timing before setting a distribution date.
What Should You Print on a Custom Key Tag?
For customer-facing tags, start with your business name, a clear logo, and a phone number or short website address. Add a brief service message only if it fits comfortably.
For internal tags, combine branding with writing areas for a stock number, repair order number, or vehicle description. A few readable details are more useful than several lines of tiny text.
Follow the selected product’s artwork instructions and check the proof carefully when provided. Review spelling, phone numbers, logo clarity, and writing space before approving production.
Choose Around Your Workflow and Budget
Compare cost per usable tag as well as package price. A 1,000-tag service pack serves a different purpose from 125 numbered inventory sets or custom customer fobs.
Standard tags suit everyday vehicle identification. Custom Versa-Tag and plastic tags add branding alongside writable details. Soft vinyl and loyalty tags suit customer-facing uses. You may use self-laminating tags for lot inventory and a branded fob at delivery.
For custom orders, allow time for artwork preparation, proof review, production, and transit. Keep enough everyday tags on hand while your custom order is being made.
Keep Your Key Tag System Consistent
Use the same stock or repair order reference across records and tags. If colors identify inventory groups or departments, post a simple color guide near key storage.
Label keys, verify the reference, store them in an assigned location, and record when they leave or return. A clear routine helps employees use the system consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which key tags should a car dealership choose?
Self-laminating tags suit covered handwritten vehicle details. Poly tags offer a sturdy writing surface. Consecu-Tags match numbered key tags and stock stickers. Custom options add company branding.
Can I order key tags with my dealership logo?
Yes. Custom Versa-Tag, custom plastic, soft vinyl, and loyalty key tags offer personalization. Printing options vary by product.
Can custom tags still have room for vehicle information?
Yes. Custom Versa-Tag tags include a writable section. Custom plastic tags offer preset or custom back-side writing layouts.
How quickly will my key tags arrive?
Most in-stock items ship the same or next business day, and most stock orders arrive 2–5 business days after shipment. Custom orders need production time first. Check the table and product listing, review our shipping policy, and contact us to confirm a deadline.
Are rings included?
Package contents vary. Standard and custom Versa-Tag tags, poly tags, custom plastic tags, Consecu-Tags, and loyalty tags list rings. Self-locking arrow tags use a self-locking attachment. Check your selected listing for details.
Find Key Tags for Your Team and Your Customers
Choose key tags around the job they need to do: identify inventory, organize service keys, coordinate stock numbers, or display business information.
Shop key tags for car dealers and auto repair shops to compare standard and customized options from US Auto Supplies.
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