Volkswagen Digital Service Record: How to Check VW Service History Online (2025)

Volkswagen has used digital service records since around 2013 through the Digital Service Schedule (DSS). As the UK's best-selling car brand, understanding how to access VW service history is essential for owners and buyers alike.

What is Volkswagen's Digital Service Schedule?

Volkswagen stores all dealer service records in the VAG (Volkswagen Audi Group) central database. This same system is used by Audi, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra, and Porsche.

The digital record includes:

• Service date and odometer reading
• Type of service (oil change, inspection, etc.)
• Dealership that performed the work
• Service interval type (fixed or flexible/LongLife)

How to Check VW Service History for Free

Method 1: We Connect App

Volkswagen's official app provides service history access:

1. Download We Connect from App Store or Google Play
2. Create a Volkswagen ID account
3. Register your vehicle using the VIN
4. Navigate to: Menu > Service > Maintenance > Service Schedule

The Catch: Dealer Activation Required

Like Audi, Volkswagen requires ownership verification through a dealer:

1. Download the app and register your VIN
2. Visit a VW dealership with your V5C and photo ID
3. Ask the service advisor to register you as the owner
4. Wait for activation (typically 1-3 days)

Without completing this step, the app shows only basic vehicle specifications - not your service history.

Method 2: Contact a VW Dealer

Any Volkswagen dealer can access the DSS database:

1. Call or visit your local VW dealership
2. Provide the VIN and proof of ownership (V5C)
3. Request a service history printout

Method 3: erWin Portal (For Garages)

Volkswagen's technical portal (erwin.vw.com) allows registered workshops to access service schedules. Your independent garage may be able to check this on your behalf for a small fee.

My Volkswagen App: What Happened to It?

UK owners may remember the My Volkswagen app previously allowed service history access. However, this feature has been withdrawn for UK users.

The We Connect app replaced My Volkswagen, but with the additional dealer activation requirement that didn't exist before.

What VW's Free Options Don't Include

Limitation	Impact
Dealer activation required	Physical visit with V5C and ID needed
Processing time	Can take days to activate
Dealer-only records	Independent garage services aren't included
No pre-purchase access	Can't check before buying

The Independent Garage Problem

Many VW owners use independent specialists - especially for older Golfs, Polos, and Passats. However, independent services don't appear in VW's digital system.

A Volkswagen showing few services might actually have comprehensive history - just at garages that couldn't update the VAG database.

Checking VW Service History When Buying

Volkswagen's free options are particularly impractical for buyers:

• We Connect: Requires ownership and dealer visit
• Dealer printout: Seller would need to obtain it
• Physical access: Not helpful when viewing a car you might buy

You're essentially relying on trust or paper records.

Alternative: ServiceStamp for Volkswagen

For instant verification without dealer visits, ServiceStamp provides VW dealer service records from 2012 onwards for £9.99.

What ServiceStamp Shows for VW

• Complete dealer service history
• Dates, mileage, and service type
• Dealership names
• Instant digital report shareable via URL

No We Connect registration, no dealer activation, no waiting.

VW Service Intervals Explained

Volkswagen offers two service regimes:

Fixed Service Intervals

• Every 10,000 miles or 12 months (whichever first)
• Best for city driving, short trips, older vehicles
• More frequent oil changes

Flexible (LongLife) Service

• Up to 18,000 miles or 24 months
• For newer vehicles with specific oil specifications
• Best for motorway driving

The service indicator in your dashboard shows which regime applies. Flexible servicing requires LongLife-approved oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Volkswagen have digital service records?

Yes. Since around 2013, VW has stored all dealer services digitally in the VAG central database. This is called the Digital Service Schedule (DSS).

Can I check VW service history online for free?

Yes, through the We Connect app - but you must visit a VW dealer in person with ID and V5C to be registered as owner first. The old My Volkswagen app's UK service history feature has been withdrawn.

Why can't I see service history on We Connect?

You need to complete dealer registration first. Visit a VW dealer with your V5C and ID to be added as the verified owner. Until then, only basic vehicle specs are visible.

What happened to My Volkswagen app service history?

VW withdrew the service history feature from the My Volkswagen app for UK users. The We Connect app is now the official route, but requires dealer activation.

What if my VW was serviced at an independent garage?

Independent services don't appear in VW's Digital Service Schedule. Only authorised VW/VAG dealers can update the central database.

Can I access Audi or Skoda history through We Connect?

No. Each VAG brand has its own app (We Connect, myAudi, MySkoda, etc.) even though they share the underlying database.

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Summary

Volkswagen's Digital Service Schedule is comprehensive but access has become more restricted over time. The mandatory dealer visit makes it one of the harder free options to use.

Key takeaways:

• VW has stored services digitally since ~2013
• We Connect app requires dealer activation (V5C + ID + physical visit)
• My Volkswagen app no longer offers UK service history access
• Independent garage services aren't recorded
• Buyers need alternatives like ServiceStamp

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Related Articles

• Audi Digital Service Record Guide - Same VAG system, same limitations
• How to Check Your Car's Service History for Free - All UK manufacturer portals
• Volkswagen Service History Check - Check any VW instantly