Volkswagen Car & Van Keys — Replacement, Spare & Programming

Volkswagen key, immobiliser and security systems have changed considerably between generations. Two vehicles carrying the same model name can require different keys or supported procedures depending on the model year, generation, key type and security system fitted.

Please provide the registration, Volkswagen model, year if known and whether any working keys remain. We use those details to check the vehicle before confirming the job rather than making assumptions from the model name alone.

Losing the only Volkswagen key is a different situation from simply adding a spare. Depending on the vehicle, replacement may involve producing the appropriate replacement key, cutting it where applicable, matching or programming it to the vehicle where supported, and setting up remote functionality where applicable.

The exact work depends on the Volkswagen model, year and system fitted. Where supported, Lost Car Keys and Car Key Replacement work can be carried out at the vehicle rather than requiring it to be taken elsewhere, but not every all-keys-lost situation is supported.

Family Volkswagens may be shared between drivers, second-hand cars are often supplied with only one key, and Transporters or Caddys may have several drivers. Arranging Spare Car Keys before the final working key is lost avoids turning a planned job into an all-keys-lost situation.

Newer Volkswagen vehicles can use more advanced key and vehicle-security systems than earlier generations. We can now provide spare keys for supported newer Volkswagen vehicles using 5C and 5D systems, expanding the range of later-model VW vehicles we can assist with.

Compatibility still depends on the exact vehicle, model year and system fitted, including whether it uses a keyless or proximity key. Send us the registration before booking so we can check whether your Volkswagen is supported for spare keys and key programming.

Transporters and Caddys are commonly used as working vehicles, so key problems can mean business downtime as well as inconvenience. Van Keys support can include lost, replacement and spare van keys, damaged or worn keys, remote-key problems, and help when keys are locked inside the van.

Supported work depends on the exact model, year and key or security system. We check those details rather than assuming every Transporter or Caddy generation can be handled in the same way.

A common concern after a key is lost or stolen is whether it could still start the vehicle. On supported Volkswagen vehicles, a missing key may be removable from the keys recognised by the vehicle when replacement keys are programmed. This depends on the specific model, year and system, so we confirm what is possible rather than guaranteeing it for every Volkswagen.

Volkswagen key problems are not always caused by losing the key completely. Badly worn blades, damaged flip-key mechanisms, cracked or worn remote housings, unreliable buttons and everyday damage can all leave a key that still starts the vehicle but is becoming unreliable.

Whether repair or replacement is appropriate depends on the particular key and fault. Our Broken & Damaged Car Keys page explains the options without assuming every damaged key can be repaired.

Volkswagen sits within the Volkswagen Group, commonly referred to in the motor trade as the VAG group. Volkswagen shares some platforms and technology with other group manufacturers including Audi, SEAT and Škoda, although key and security systems can still differ considerably between individual models and years.

We also have dedicated key-service information for Audi car keys. Group technology may be shared, but keys, remotes and immobiliser arrangements are not interchangeable between brands, so support is always checked for the individual vehicle rather than assumed from the badge.

The other Volkswagen Group brands each have their own key-service page on this site: Audi car keys, SEAT car keys and Škoda car keys. Each page covers the models and key systems we are asked about most for that brand.