---
title: "Lost your car key: What to do now | Guide"
url: https://suskoenig.de/en/guide/autoschluessel-verloren-was-tun
description: "Key gone? Here's how to proceed, what documents you need, and when a spare key is possible without the original key."
lang: en
---

# Lost your car key: What to do now

Key gone? Here's how to proceed, what documents you need, and when a spare key is possible without the original key.

14 July 2026 · 4 min read time

## Stay calm and secure the vehicle

A lost car key is annoying, but solvable in the vast majority of cases. First check whether the vehicle is locked and parked in a safe place. If the key was lost together with documents showing your address, you should also have the vehicle additionally secured.

## Documents you will need

To make a vehicle key we generally need the registration certificate part I (vehicle registration document) and a valid ID card. If you are not the registered owner, we need written authorisation from the owner.

The registration document is not only for identification: from the vehicle data it contains we determine which key type is fitted and which solution is even possible.

## Is it possible without an existing key?

Yes, this is possible for many vehicles. However, the effort is greater than with an existing original key, because the key system has to be reprogrammed from scratch. Whether and how it works for your vehicle depends on make, model, year and equipment.

## How to speed up your request

Send us the make, model and year via the car key form, a photo of the registration document, and, if available, a photo of another key. This usually lets us clarify feasibility before you come to Elmshorn.

## Related articles from our guide

- Why a spare key is almost always worth it A spare key costs significantly less than a total loss. We explain when you should act.: https://suskoenig.de/en/guide/zweitschluessel-warum-sinnvoll
- How to correctly measure a lock cylinder The correct cylinder length is crucial for security and function. Here's how to measure correctly.: https://suskoenig.de/en/guide/schliesszylinder-richtig-ausmessen
- Engraving: materials, ideas and what's possible From name plates to dog tags: an overview of typical engravings and the right materials.: https://suskoenig.de/en/guide/gravur-ideen-und-materialien

## Send us your vehicle data, we check feasibility

Make, model, year and a photo of the registration document are enough. You will get an honest assessment before you come to us in Elmshorn.

Send vehicle data now: https://suskoenig.de/en/car-keys/request

Directions to the shop: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Hans-B%C3%B6ckler-Stra%C3%9Fe%201%2C%2025337%20Elmshorn

## How to find us

Hans-Böckler-Straße 1, 25337 Elmshorn

Get directions: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Hans-B%C3%B6ckler-Stra%C3%9Fe%201%2C%2025337%20Elmshorn

Call: +4941217021533
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/4917672871842?text=Hello%2C%20I%20have%20a%20question%20about%20my%20key%3A
Route: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Hans-B%C3%B6ckler-Stra%C3%9Fe%201%2C%2025337%20Elmshorn
Car keyrequest: https://suskoenig.de/en/car-keys/request

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