Abstract: A method for handling a motor vehicle key used to service a motor vehicle comprises receiving a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle key for the motor vehicle and using the motor vehicle key to perform service on the motor vehicle. A combination-controlled lockbox is made accessible to an authorized motor vehicle retriever for the motor vehicle by setting a combination for the lockbox and, after performing service on the motor vehicle, the motor vehicle key is secured in the lockbox. After securing the motor vehicle key in the lockbox, the motor vehicle key is available to the authorized motor vehicle retriever for the motor vehicle by use of the combination. The combination may be communicated to the authorized motor vehicle retriever, or may be provided by the authorized motor vehicle retriever. The combination can be set before or after the motor vehicle key is secured in the lockbox.