Any honest auto locksmith will ask you to prove the car is yours before cutting or coding a key, especially when there's no original key to work from. It's not a hurdle to put you off - it's the safeguard that stops a stolen car from being keyed by whoever gets hold of it. Here's exactly what we need and why.
The V5C logbook
The V5C - the vehicle registration certificate, often called the logbook - is the document that ties a vehicle to its registered keeper. It shows the registration, make and model, and the keeper's name and address. We check that the vehicle in front of us matches the V5C, and that the person asking for the key matches the keeper. A clear photo of the V5C on your phone is usually fine if the paper copy isn't with the car.
Photo ID
Alongside the V5C we ask for photo ID that matches it - a driving licence is the most common. This ties you, the person standing next to the car, to the name on the logbook. Together, the V5C and ID give us reasonable assurance that the car is yours to key. We don't retain copies of your ID.
Why it protects you
Imagine your car was stolen and you hadn't reported it yet. Without ownership checks, whoever took it could call a locksmith, get a key cut, and drive it away legitimately - with a receipt. The check is the thing that stops that. It's a small step for you and a large barrier to key theft, which is why any locksmith who skips it isn't doing you a favour.
What if the car isn't registered in your name?
It happens - company cars, a partner's car, a recently bought vehicle not yet transferred. Call us and explain the situation; we can talk through what proof will work in your specific case. The principle stays the same: we need to be reasonably satisfied the person asking for the key is entitled to it.
Have it ready before we arrive
Having your V5C and ID to hand when the locksmith turns up means no delay - they can get straight to the job. If you're not sure where your V5C is, it's worth digging it out before you call. The few minutes spent finding it can save time standing at the car.
Need this sorting, not reading about?
Call or WhatsApp East & Co - we come to you across within about 25 miles of Scunthorpe, 24/7.
Quick questions
What if I've lost my V5C?
Call us and explain. There are sometimes other ways to satisfy ownership for certain situations, and if you've recently applied for a replacement V5C that can help. The honest answer is it depends - so tell us the situation.
Do you keep a copy of my ID?
No. We view your V5C and photo ID to verify ownership and do not retain copies. We keep job records of the work done, not your identity documents.