No Physical Key Card Without Car Info?

Not complaining, just curious on the logic.

Checked in on app, went direct to room upon arrival 5pmish. Prefer a physical key card and always ask for one soon after. On way back out to dinner 7pmish stopped at the front desk. Agent said in order to issue a key card she must input my vehicle info. Why the correlation?

Silver and second visit to this specific hotel, if either fact matters.