Abstract: A method and a device with which data can be programmed into a vehicle component are provided. It is proposed to keep available at a central office the data which it encodes upon request with a code that is specific to the vehicle component and transmits it to the requesting location, and decoding is performed only in the vehicle component itself. In this way, a high level of protection against unauthorized attempts to acquire data during transmission of this data to be programmed into the component is ensured. Suitable devices for working the method include direct connectability of the individual vehicle component to a programming device at the requesting location for direct programming, or alternatively, intermediate connection of an intermediate storage component. In this way, for example, mobility-limiting key programming can be achieved that is highly protected against manipulation. The method and device are usable in vehicles with an anti-theft protection system and for vehicle rental systems.