
Yes, you can almost always get a replacement service book for your car. The most direct and reliable method is to contact an authorized dealership for your car's brand. They can order a new one using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique 17-digit code that acts as your car's fingerprint. While many modern vehicles have digital service records accessible online, a physical book is still valuable for maintaining a complete history, especially for future resale.
Your VIN is the key. You can find it on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver's side doorjamb, or on your vehicle registration and insurance documents. When you contact the dealership's parts department, have this number ready. They will verify your ownership and order the correct book. Be prepared for a cost; it's typically not a free item unless covered by a warranty or specific policy.
If the dealership route is too expensive or your car is an older model, you have alternatives. Third-party publishers often produce generic service booklets that you can fill in yourself. These are perfectly acceptable for record-keeping. You can also check online marketplaces like eBay for original service books salvaged from similar vehicles, but ensure the seller is reputable.
| Source | Approximate Cost | Lead Time | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authorized Dealership | $25 - $75 | 1-3 weeks | Guaranteed to be the correct, official book for your VIN. |
| Online Marketplace (e.g., eBay) | $10 - $40 | 3-7 days | Verify seller rating and that the book matches your model year. |
| Third-Party/Generic Book | $5 - $15 | Immediate (if bought in-store) | A blank slate; you'll need to transfer past service records manually. |
| Manufacturer's Online Portal | Often Free | Immediate | For digital records; not a physical book but serves the same purpose. |
Ultimately, replacing the service book is a straightforward process. Starting with your local dealership is your best bet for an official replacement, but cost-effective alternatives exist if you're willing to put in a little more legwork.

Absolutely. Hit up your local dealership's parts department. Just call them with your VIN—that's the long number on your dashboard—and they can order you a new one. It'll probably cost you somewhere between thirty and fifty bucks. If that's too much, just grab a generic one from an auto parts store. It does the same job.

I just went through this with my old truck. The dealer wanted sixty dollars, which felt steep for a booklet. So, I hopped on eBay and found an original service manual for my exact model year from a seller with great reviews. It was fifteen bucks and showed up in a week. I just carefully filled in all the past service dates I could remember from my receipts. It worked out perfectly and saved me a good chunk of change.

Before you spend any money, check if your manufacturer has a digital service history portal. Many brands now track your service visits electronically if they were done at a dealership. You can often log in with your VIN and see the entire history. It's not a physical book, but for proving your car's maintenance record, it's just as good—and usually free. It's worth a quick online search for "[Your Car Brand] digital service history" to check.


