Car Keys by VIN Number
Losing your only car key can be a serious inconvenience, especially when you don’t have a spare to copy. One option you may find when looking for a replacement is to have a new car key made using the vehicle identification number, commonly known as the VIN.
But can you actually get car keys by VIN number?
In many cases, the VIN can help identify the information required to produce the correct replacement key, particularly when the original key has been lost. However, the VIN alone doesn’t necessarily mean a finished key can be cut and used straight away.
Modern car keys often need both a correctly cut key blade and electronic programming before they can start the vehicle.
In this guide, we explain what a VIN is, how it can be used when replacing a car key, what information you may need and the role of an auto locksmith in the process.
What Is a VIN Number?
A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is the unique identification code assigned to a vehicle.
For most modern vehicles, it consists of 17 characters containing letters and numbers. The VIN identifies important information about the individual vehicle, such as its manufacturer, model, and production details.
You can normally find your VIN in several places, depending on the vehicle. Common locations include the lower area of the windscreen, the driver’s door frame and vehicle documentation.
Because the VIN relates to the individual vehicle rather than just the make and model, it can help you identify the correct replacement parts and key information.
Can You Get a Car Key Made From the VIN Number?
Potentially, yes.
A VIN can be used to identify the correct key information for certain vehicles. This can be particularly useful when all car keys are lost, and no existing key is available to duplicate.
However, the VIN is not the same as the key code.
The VIN identifies your particular vehicle. Depending on the manufacturer, vehicle age, and security system, authorised professionals may be able to obtain or determine the information needed to produce a suitable replacement key.
The exact process varies widely by manufacturer and model.
Is the VIN All You Need for a Replacement Car Key?
Usually not. Providing a VIN does not automatically provide everything needed to create a fully functioning modern car key.
For security reasons, you usually need to show you are authorised to request a key for the vehicle. This may involve providing identification and proof of vehicle ownership.
The exact requirements vary, but information commonly requested includes:
Your vehicle’s VIN
Vehicle make and model
Registration number
Vehicle age or year
Personal identification
V5C or other appropriate proof of ownership
These checks matter because replacement car keys provide access to the vehicle and, when correctly programmed, can start it.
Can a Car Key Be Made Without the Original?
Yes, for many vehicles, a replacement car key can be produced even when the original key is completely missing.
This is known as an all-keys-lost situation.
Rather than copying an existing key, the locksmith must establish the correct replacement key for the vehicle and, where required, cut and programme it accordingly.
The VIN and other vehicle information can help identify exactly which vehicle and key system are involved.
This means losing your only key does not necessarily mean the vehicle needs entirely new locks.
Does a VIN Tell You How to Cut the Key?
Not directly.
Think of the VIN primarily as the vehicle’s unique identity.
For compatible vehicles, and through authorised sources or specialist systems, that identity can help a qualified professional obtain the information needed to make the correct key.
The locksmith can then determine the appropriate method of producing the replacement key.
The process depends on the vehicle. Different manufacturers, models and generations use different key profiles, security systems and procedures.
Does a VIN Key Still Need Programming?
This is one of the most important distinctions when discussing car keys by VIN number.
Cutting the physical key and programming the electronic key are two different processes.
Older vehicles may use a relatively simple mechanical key. Many modern vehicles, however, use a transponder chip, remote fob, smart key or keyless entry system.
A transponder key contains an electronic chip that communicates with the vehicle’s immobiliser. Even if the blade is cut correctly and turns in the ignition, the engine may not start unless the vehicle recognises the transponder.
Smart keys and keyless systems can involve additional electronic programming.
Therefore, a replacement key may need to be:
Identified correctly for the vehicle.
Cut to operate the vehicle’s mechanical lock or ignition where applicable.
Programmed to communicate with the vehicle’s immobiliser or security system.
Tested to ensure the key, remote, and starting system work correctly.
The precise process depends on the vehicle.
Where Can You Find Your VIN?
The VIN location varies by manufacturer, but there are several places worth checking.
Look around the lower edge of the windscreen, where the number may be visible from outside the vehicle. You may also find a VIN plate or label around the driver’s door or door frame.
The VIN can also appear on vehicle documentation.
If you are unsure which number is the VIN, remember that a modern VIN is generally a unique 17-character combination of letters and numbers.
Why Is Proof of Ownership Required?
Car key replacement is a security-sensitive service.
A replacement key could give someone both access to a vehicle and the ability to start it. A responsible locksmith or dealer therefore needs to establish that the person requesting the replacement is authorised to do so.
This is why you may be asked for identification and vehicle documentation before a replacement key is supplied.
Manufacturer procedures follow the same principle. For example, Ford states that identification and vehicle documentation containing the VIN are required when obtaining a replacement coded key through a dealer.
These checks protect both vehicle owners and vehicle security.
Can a Locksmith Make a Key From the VIN?
Whether an auto locksmith can use VIN-related information to produce a replacement depends on the vehicle and the systems available for that particular manufacturer.
A professional auto locksmith may have several methods available when there is no original key, rather than relying on a single approach.
Depending on the vehicle, specialists can use equipment to identify, cut, and programme an appropriate replacement.
This is why providing your registration, VIN, make, model and year when contacting an auto locksmith can be useful. It allows the locksmith to check the vehicle before attending and determine what equipment or replacement key may be required.
What Types of Car Keys Can Be Replaced?
Vehicle key technology has changed considerably over the years.
Depending on the vehicle, replacement may involve a traditional mechanical key, transponder key, remote key fob, flip key or smart/proximity key.
The more advanced the key, the more likely electronic programming will form part of the replacement process.
This is also why two vehicles from the same manufacturer may require completely different procedures. The model, production year and security system can all affect how the replacement is carried out.
What If You Have Lost Every Car Key?
If you’ve lost every key, don’t assume the dealership is your only option.
Contact an experienced auto locksmith and provide as much vehicle information as possible, including the registration, make, model, year, and VIN if you have it.
The locksmith can then establish whether an all-keys-lost replacement can be completed for your particular vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle, a mobile auto locksmith may be able to attend its location rather than requiring you to arrange recovery to a dealership.
Is a VIN Replacement Key the Same as the Original?
A correctly produced and programmed car key replacement should be compatible with the vehicle, but it will not necessarily be physically identical to the key the manufacturer originally supplied.
The key factors are whether the replacement has the correct blade (where required), the correct electronics, and successful programming for the vehicle.
If remote functions are included, test them once the replacement process is complete.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Replacement Car Key?
There is no universal timeframe because the process depends heavily on the vehicle and key type.
Some replacement keys can be produced relatively quickly by a suitably equipped mobile auto locksmith. Other vehicles may require additional procedures, parts or manufacturer-specific information.
When requesting a quote, accurate vehicle information from the start makes it easier to determine what is required.
Should You Get a Spare Key at the Same Time?
If you have just experienced an all-keys-lost situation, having a second key produced can be worth considering.
Losing your only working key usually creates a more complicated situation than replacing or duplicating a key when you still have one.
Keeping a spare somewhere secure can save time and inconvenience if your everyday key is subsequently lost, damaged or stops working.
Need a Replacement Car Key? Contact H Locks
If you have lost your car keys, don’t have the original key, or need a spare, H Locks can help you choose the right replacement option for your vehicle.
We provide mobile auto locksmith services across the West Midlands.
Our services include car key replacement, car key cutting and programming, lost car key assistance, emergency vehicle entry and other automotive locksmith services.
Simply provide your vehicle details, including the make, model, registration, and VIN where available, and we can check the options for your vehicle.
Contact H Locks to request a free quote for professional car key replacement across the West Midlands.