What Are Key Tags and How to Use Them at a Dealership
In the car sales industry, key tags are labels attached to a vehicle's key so staff can match each key to the right car, truck or SUV. Dealerships use key tags to identify and track keys on sales lots, in service departments and at parts counters.
Some tags have printed fields for new or used, stock number, year, make, model, color, series and VIN. Others are blank or write-on, so you can add your own details with a pen, pencil or marker. Either way, the goal is the same: match every key to the right vehicle.
This guide explains the main types of key tags dealerships use, how to use them well, how to choose between them and what they cost at Dealer Depot USA.
Types of Key Tags We Sell
What are self-laminating key tags?
Self-laminating key tags are fold-to-seal identification tags. You write the key information on the tag, then fold it so the self-sealing plastic cover closes over the writing. The listings describe the sealed plastic as waterproof and easy to wipe clean, which protects handwriting from smudging, moisture and daily handling. The 3" x 3" listing adds that these tags need no separate laminate or machine.
Dealer Depot USA sells three self-laminating key tag styles:
- 1 1/4" x 3" 250-pack: $28.99 per box. It folds to a finished 1 1/4" x 3" size, includes 7/8" plated rings and comes in single colors or Multi-Color, which has 50 each of blue, green, red, white and yellow.
- Round corner 250-box: $28.99 per box. The same folded size and 7/8" plated rings, with a patent-pending rounded corner design that the listing says prevents snagging in pockets.
- 3" x 3" 250-box: $38.99 for a single color or $39.99 for Mixed Color. It is a larger 3" x 3" tag that folds to 1-1/4" x 3", with a chrome-plated steel ring and a smudge-resistant writing surface for pen, pencil or marker.
Color-coded and color-stripe tags
Colored Key Tags come in four colors, with 500 tags and 500 metal rings per box. The listing suggests assigning colors by vehicle type, lot location, or new versus used status. Versa Tag Color Top key tags (10 colors) and Top Stripe key tags (7 stripe colors) support the same kind of color coding.
Plastic, poly and manila tags
Plastic Key Tags (100 per box, rings included) and Poly Key Tags (250 per box, white or yellow) are plastic options. Manila Key Tags are 10-point stock, sold 1000 per box with a choice of tag only, rings separate or rings inserted.
Self-locking and multi-purpose tags
Self-locking tags (1000 per pack, two sizes) lock onto a key ring and take pen or marker. Multi-Use and Multi-Purpose Tags label keys, parts and shop inventory. Blank Control Tags are 6" x 6" sets with one window stock sticker and two key tags that share a matching consecutive number.
Key rings, snaps and key storage
A tag is only part of key control. Dealer Depot USA also sells zinc plated steel key rings in 7/8" and 1-1/8" sizes (250 per bag), 5" clear nylon self-locking key snaps (1000 per bag) and a 10" chrome plated steel jail key ring. For storage, the store carries portable key boards with spring-lock or safety-catch hooks in sizes from 32 to 105 keys, weatherproof roll-up vinyl cases that hold 30 or 50 keys, and powder-coated steel wall-mount key control cabinets in 20, 48 and 105 key capacities. A heavy duty 96 key cabinet expands to 192 keys with the add-on panel. Key boards ship at a flat rate set by weight (see the shipping policy).
How to Use Key Tags Effectively
Key tags only help if they are used the same way every time. These habits keep a key room organized:
- Tag every key at intake: label each key when the vehicle arrives on the lot, in service or at the parts counter so no key is ever unmarked.
- Write before you seal: with self-laminating tags, write the key details on the tag first, then fold and press the plastic cover closed, as the care instructions describe.
- Color-code by category: assign colors to new versus used inventory, franchises, departments, lot locations or monthly updates so staff can sort keys at a glance.
- Record the same details each time: use stock number, year, make, model, color or VIN on every tag, or choose tags with printed fields so everyone fills in the same information.
- Keep keys on a board or in a cabinet: return tagged keys to a key board, roll-up case or key control cabinet so they have one home between uses, including loaner and service vehicle keys.
The self-laminating tag listings mention uses such as used inventory, trade-ins, loaner and courtesy vehicles, rental fleet keys and spare or duplicate keys.
How to Choose Key Tags
Start with how the tag will be used, then check the listing for size, material, rings and pack count.
- Size: check each listing. Examples include 2-3/4" x 1-1/4" plastic tags, 3" x 3" self-laminating tags that fold to 1-1/4" x 3", and long self-locking tags (4-1/2" x 3/4" and 5" x 1-3/16"). A larger 3" x 3" tag gives more room to write.
- Material and protection: self-laminating tags seal the writing behind a plastic cover, and the 250-pack and round corner listings call that cover waterproof. Plastic Key Tags are plastic, Poly Key Tags are 23 mil polyethylene, and manila tags are 10-point stock.
- Rings: some boxes include rings, such as the self-laminating 250-packs, Colored Key Tags and Plastic Key Tags. Multi-Purpose Tags are tags only, and manila tags let you choose tag only, rings separate or rings inserted.
- Color coding: pick colored, color-stripe or multi-color tags if you want to separate new and used units, lot locations or departments by color.
- Quantity: pack counts range from 100 to 1000 tags. Many key products also have quantity breaks on one-time orders, covered below.
- Storage: match the board, case or cabinet capacity to the number of keys you handle.
Key Tag Prices at Dealer Depot USA
Dealer Depot USA sells key tags starting at $28.99 per box. The table lists every key product with its pack size. Where sizes or options are priced differently, each price is listed.
| Product | Pack size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Laminating Key Tags - 1 1/4" x 3" 250-Pack Multi-Color | 250 per box; folds to 1 1/4" x 3"; 7/8" plated rings included | $28.99 |
| Self-Laminating Key Tags - Round Corner 250/Box Dealership | 250 per box; folds to 1 1/4" x 3"; 7/8" plated rings included | $28.99 |
| Self-Laminating Key Tags - 3" x 3" Dealership Key Management | 250 per box; 3" x 3", folds to 1-1/4" x 3" | Mixed Color: $39.99 / Single color: $38.99 |
| Versa Tag Color Top Key Tags - 3" x 3" Self-Protecting (250pcs) | 250 per box; 3" x 3", folds to 1-1/4" x 3"; rings included | $38.99 |
| Top Stripe Key Tags - 1-3/8" x 3" Rigid Vinyl, 250 Pack | 250 per box; 1-3/8" x 3"; rings included | $33.99 |
| Colored Key Tags - 1-3/8" x 2-3/4" Dealership Tags (500 Pack) | 500 per box; 1-3/8" x 2-3/4"; 500 metal rings included | $62.99 |
| Multi-Purpose Tags - 1-3/8" x 2-3/4" Shop Tags 500pcs | 500 per box; 1-3/8" x 2-3/4"; tags only | $35.99 |
| Multi-Use Tags - 3" x 3" Labeling Tags (250 Pack) | 250 per box; 3" x 3", folds to 1-1/4" x 3"; rings included | $38.99 |
| Poly Key Tags - 1-3/8" x 3" Plastic Tags 250pc Box | 250 per box; 1-3/8" x 3"; white or yellow | $30.99 |
| Plastic Key Tags - 2-3/4" x 1-1/4" Dealership Key ID (100pcs) | 100 per box; 2-3/4" x 1-1/4"; rings included | $40.99 |
| Manila Key Tags - 2-3/4" x 1-3/8" 10-Point Stock, 1000/Box | 1000 per box; 2-3/4" x 1-3/8" | Rings Inserted: $136.99 / Rings Separate: $47.99 / Tag Only: $31.99 |
| Self-Locking Key Tags - 4-1/2" x 3/4" Dealership (1000pcs) | 1000 per pack; 4-1/2" x 3/4" | $33.99 |
| Self-Locking Key Tags - Large 5" x 1-3/16" (1000pcs) | 1000 per pack; 5" x 1-3/16" | $44.99 |
| Control Tags Blank - 6" x 6" Key Tag & Stock Sticker Set (125pc) | 125 sets per box; 6" x 6" set, key rings included | $73.99 |
| Metal Key Rings 7/8" - Zinc Plated Steel, 250 Per Bag | 250 per bag; 7/8" zinc plated steel | $7.99 |
| Metal Key Rings - 1-1/8" Large Zinc Plated, 250 Per Bag | 250 per bag; 1-1/8" zinc plated steel | $19.99 |
| Plastic Key Snaps - 5" Clear Nylon, Bag of 1000 Dealership Use | 1000 per bag; 5" clear nylon | $37.99 |
| Jail Key Ring - 10" Chrome Steel Dealership Key Storage | 1 ring; 10" chrome plated steel | $30.99 |
| Safety Hook Key Board - Portable Masonite Dealership Key Panel | 1 board; sizes 32 to 105 keys | 32 Key: $69.99 / 38 Key: $74.99 / 55 Key: $109.99 / 75 Key: $135.99 / 105 Key: $189.99 |
| Automotive Key Hook Board - 32/55/105 Key Dealership Storage | 1 board; 32, 55 or 105 hooks | 105 Hooks: $259.99 / 55 Hooks: $189.99 / 32 Hooks: $124.99 |
| Key Board - 105-Hook 32" x 29-1/2" Dealership Key Storage | 1 per box; sizes 32 to 105 hooks | 105 Hook: $189.99 / 32 Hook: $73.99 / 38 Hook: $76.99 / 55 Hook: $109.99 / 75 Hook: $136.99 |
| 30 Key Organizer Case - 18" x 21-1/4" Roll-Up Key Storage | 1 case; holds 30 keys; 18" x 21-1/4" | $71.99 |
| 50-Key Management System - Rollable Vinyl Key Case | 1 case; holds 50 keys; 23-1/2" x 29-1/2" | $84.99 |
| Key Control Cabinet - Steel Wall-Mount Key Storage for Dealerships | 1 per box; 20, 48 or 105 key capacity | 105 keys: $104.99 / 20 keys: $52.99 / 48 keys: $73.99 |
| Key Control Cabinet - 96 Key Capacity Heavy Duty Full Depth | 1 per box; holds 96 keys; 21" x 20" x 5" | $510.99 |
| 96 Key Panel - Two-Sided Add-On for 96 Key Cabinet | 1 panel; adds 96 hooks to a 96 key cabinet (cabinet sold separately) | $258.99 |
Quantity Pricing
Many key products have quantity breaks on one-time orders, applied automatically at checkout. Quantity is the number of that item (boxes, bags or units) in your cart. Examples:
- Colored Key Tags (500): $62.99 each, $59.89 each at 4+, $50.39 each at 100+
- Versa Tag Color Top Key Tags (250): $38.99 each, $36.09 each at 5+, $30.39 each at 20+
- Metal Key Rings 7/8" (250): $7.99 each, $7.19 each at 4+, $6.19 each at 60+
Some items, such as the 1 1/4" x 3" and round corner self-laminating key tags, have no quantity breaks listed. Free shipping on most orders of $200+.
Frequently Asked Questions
What key tags do car dealerships use?
Dealer Depot USA sells self-laminating, color-stripe, plastic, manila and self-locking key tags for car dealerships, starting at $28.99 per box of 250. Colored tags let you assign colors by vehicle type, lot location, or new versus used status, so staff can find the right keys at a glance.
Where can I buy self-laminating key tags for an auto dealership?
Dealer Depot USA sells self-laminating key tags in three styles: the 1 1/4" x 3" 250-pack ($28.99), the round corner 250-box ($28.99) and the 3" x 3" 250-box ($38.99–$39.99). Free shipping on most orders of $200+.
Do key tags come with key rings?
It depends on the tag. The self-laminating 250-packs include 7/8" plated rings, Colored Key Tags include 500 metal rings, and Plastic Key Tags include rings. Multi-Purpose Tags are tags only. Manila Key Tags are priced by option: Tag Only $31.99, Rings Separate $47.99 and Rings Inserted $136.99 per 1000-tag box.
How many keys does a key board or key cabinet hold?
Dealer Depot USA sells key boards in sizes from 32 to 105 keys, roll-up cases for 30 and 50 keys, and wall-mount key control cabinets for 20, 48 and 105 keys. The heavy duty cabinet holds 96 keys and expands to 192 keys with the 96 Key Panel add-on.
Conclusion
Key tags keep every key tied to the right vehicle, and the right tag depends on how your dealership works. Self-laminating tags protect handwriting, colored tags speed up sorting, and rings, boards and cabinets give each key a home. Browse all key tags and key control products to compare options for your key room.