Where do I find my car security code?

In most vehicles, the security code you’re looking for is tied to the radio or anti-theft system. It’s usually printed on a small card that came with the car or tucked inside the owner’s manual. If you can’t locate it there, check the glove box, dealer paperwork, or contact the dealership with proof of ownership.

This guide explains where these codes typically live, how to recover them if they’re missing, and what to do next if you can’t locate the code.

What kind of code might this be?

Radio security code

A radio security code is a numeric password that protects the factory stereo after power is disconnected or after a replacement head unit. It is usually 4–8 digits long and is commonly provided on a code card or within the vehicle’s documentation. If you’ve lost it, your dealer can typically retrieve or reissue the code using your VIN and proof of ownership.

Immobilizer PIN / anti-theft code

Some cars use a separate PIN to enable the immobilizer after the battery is reconnected or after certain repairs. This PIN is often printed on a card or documented in the owner’s manual. If the PIN is misplaced, a dealership or authorized service provider can reprogram or reissue it with proper ownership verification.

Where to look for the code

These are the most common places where the code is stored or listed. Start with these locations before seeking help from a dealer.

• On the owner’s manual or on a dedicated “Radio Code” or “Security Code” card that came with the car.


• Inside the glove box, sometimes tucked with the manuals or paperwork.


• With the dealer paperwork or service booklet that was provided at purchase.


• On the inside of the glove box lid, the trunk, or near the fuse box—varies by make/model.


• On the radio unit itself or its boot screen (some vehicles display a temporary code or require entering a code after battery disconnection).

Because locations can differ by make and model, if you still can’t locate the code after a thorough search, contact your dealership or the manufacturer’s customer portal for guidance. They can verify ownership and help retrieve or reissue the code.

What to do if you can’t find the code

If the code isn’t readily available, follow these steps to recover or reset it through authorized channels.

1. Gather proof of ownership and your vehicle information (VIN, make, model, year). You’ll need this to verify you’re the rightful owner.


2. Check the manufacturer’s online portal or your connected car app. Some brands securely store codes or enable reissuing them through your account.


3. Contact the dealership’s service department or an authorized auto locksmith. Provide your VIN and ownership documents; they can retrieve the radio code or reprogram the immobilizer as appropriate for your vehicle.


4. If the battery was recently disconnected, ask about a reset procedure or a temporary unlock that allows you to regain access. Some systems require re-entry or reprogramming after code retrieval.


5. If the code cannot be retrieved, you may need a radio replacement or immobilizer reprogramming, which can incur costs.

Avoid guessing or entering codes repeatedly, as repeated incorrect attempts can lock the system temporarily or trigger additional security steps.

Digital and modern-car considerations

Many newer vehicles rely on digital keys, smartphone apps, or cloud-based accounts for authentication. In these cases, a separate printed security code may not be required. If your car is connected to an app (such as FordPass, Toyota Connected, MyHyundai, etc.), follow the in-app instructions for security management. When in doubt, contact the dealer or manufacturer support for model-specific guidance.

Summary

Finding your car’s security code typically involves checking the printed materials that came with the vehicle, including a dedicated code card or the owner’s manual, or reviewing dealer paperwork. If the code is missing, consult the manufacturer’s portal or your dealer to retrieve or reissue it. For many modern, connected vehicles, security management may be handled via a digital key or account rather than a standalone printed code.

Where do I find the radio code for my car?

You can find your car's radio code in the owner's manual, on a sticker inside the glove box, or on a physical card that came with the vehicle. If you can't find it, you may be able to retrieve it online through the manufacturer's website, which often requires the VIN and radio serial number, or by contacting a dealership. 
Where to look first

• Owner's manual: Check the stereo or security section of your owner's manual. The code may be written on a sticker, a card, or directly in the manual itself. 
• Glove box: Look for a sticker on the inside of the glove box. Some manufacturers place the anti-theft radio code sticker here. 
• Previous owner: If you bought the car used, ask the previous owner if they have the code or the original documentation. 

If the code isn't easily accessible
This video shows how to find your car's radio code: 1mStudent LessonYouTube · Mar 21, 2025

• Manufacturer's website: Many manufacturers have an online portal (like Honda MyGarage) where you can request the code. You'll likely need to provide your VIN and the radio's serial number. 
• Contact a dealership: An authorized dealership can look up the code for you. You will need to provide proof of ownership, such as your vehicle registration. 
• Radio serial number: To get the serial number, you may need to remove the radio to find it on a sticker on the back of the unit. 
  • Some newer cars allow you to retrieve the serial number from the device's display. Check your owner's manual for specific instructions. 

Where to find security code on car?

Look in the vehicle handbook: You might find the code in your car handbook on the cover or under the stereo or security section. Alternatively, some codes are printed on a small paper or plastic card, found inside the handbook.

Where do I find my anti-theft code?

You can find an anti-theft code by checking the owner's manual, looking for a sticker on the glove box or in the center console, or contacting the dealership. For some vehicles, you can retrieve the code online using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the radio's serial number.
 
This video explains how to find your car's radio code: 56sStudent LessonYouTube · Mar 21, 2025
Common methods

• Check the owner's manual: Look for a sticker or card inside the manual, often with the label "Anti-Theft Radio Code". 
• Inspect the glove box: Some manufacturers place a sticker with the code inside the glove box, sometimes on a small card. 
• Visit the manufacturer's website: Many automakers have a dedicated section on their website where you can enter your VIN and/or radio serial number to retrieve the code. 
• Contact the dealership: Provide them with your VIN and proof of ownership. They can look up the code for you. 
• Contact the previous owner: If you bought the car used, the previous owner may have the code written down or saved with the original paperwork. 

This video shows how to find the serial number of your car radio: 52sCrazy Honda ChrisYouTube · Feb 24, 2023
What if I can't find the code?

• Retrieve the radio serial number: For many systems, you'll need the radio's serial number. You can often find this by pressing a combination of buttons on the radio itself, like holding down buttons 1 and 6 while turning the radio on. 
• Provide proof of ownership: When contacting the dealership or manufacturer, you will need to prove that you own the vehicle. Have your VIN and registration or title information ready. 

This video demonstrates how to get the serial number of your Honda radio: 58sFixin ItYouTube · May 17, 2022

Where can I find my car key code?

Common Locations for Key Codes

• Vehicle Manual. Your vehicle's manual often contains useful information, including the key code.
• Key Fob or Key Itself. For some keys, the code is printed directly on the key or key fob.
• Vehicle Registration and Documents.
• Original Key Packaging.
• Contacting the Dealership.