How can I find out the paint code for my car?
The paint code is the color identifier used by manufacturers to mix your car’s finish. In most cases you’ll find it on a sticker or plate on the car (often the door jamb, glove box, trunk, or engine bay) or you can pull it from the VIN through a dealer or official site.
Where to look for the paint code on your car
Most vehicles display the color code on a label that is attached to accessible interior or exterior panels. Check these common locations first:
- Driver-side door jamb or door edge sticker
- Glove box or center console lid label
- Trunk lid interior, spare tire well, or trunk area
- Firewall or engine bay near the radiator support
- Under the hood near the hood latch or on the radiator support panel
- For some European or specialty models, a metal plate on the B-pillar or near the dash
Look for headings such as “Paint,” “PNT,” or “C/TR” and note that the code can be two to three characters or longer, depending on the manufacturer. If the sticker is faded or damaged, photographing both sides of the door jamb can help when you consult a dealer or body shop.
Using the VIN and official resources
When the physical label is missing, your VIN can still unlock the exact color information from official sources.
- Find your VIN: a 17-character identifier located on the dashboard (visible from outside the car), the driver’s door frame sticker, or your vehicle registration.
- Visit the manufacturer’s official portal or contact customer service and provide the VIN to request the paint code. Some brands show color details in the vehicle information section online.
- If the online portal doesn’t display the code, call or visit a dealership with the VIN; parts or service staff can pull the exact color data from the build records.
- As an alternative, use a trusted third-party VIN decoding service or auto parts supplier that provides paint codes by VIN, then verify the result with an official source when possible.
The VIN-based route is reliable and often the fastest way to confirm the exact color and finish (for example metallic or pearlescent) used on your car. Some brands may require proof of ownership to release color data.
What to do if you can't find the code
Several scenarios can make the code hard to locate. Here are practical steps to recover it.
- Consult your owner’s manual or the original purchase documents; some manufacturers list paint codes in the specifications.
- Use the VIN to request a color code from the dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service—bring your VIN and proof of ownership.
- Check alternate sticker locations such as the spare tire cover, interior of the trunk, or inside the fuel filler door on some models.
- If the car has been repainted, the original code may be obscured or replaced; a professional body shop can use spectrophotometry or paint chips to match a color closely.
Having the physical code is ideal, but when it’s not accessible, a professional color match can still deliver a very close result to protect the vehicle’s appearance.
How to use the paint code to order or match paint
Once you have the code, you can order touch-up paint, spray cans, or full color-matched paint from a dealer, body shop, or auto paint supplier.
- Provide the exact paint code, along with the year, make, model, and finish type (metallic, pearlescent, matte) to avoid miscoloration.
- Choose the delivery format—small touch-up bottles, aerosol spray cans, or larger quantities for a full repaint—and consider requesting a color chip or spray-out card before committing.
- Be aware that lighting, age, and the clear coat can affect color match; a professional shop can test and blend the color to your vehicle’s current finish.
- Ask about UV protection, clear coats, and any warranty on the paint used for your vehicle.
Tips: Verify the color with the shop using a paint chip or test spray. If you’re DIYing, ensure proper surface preparation and layering to achieve a durable, uniform finish.
Understanding paint code formats
What the code means and why it differs by brand
Paint codes vary by automaker and can be numeric, alphabetic, or alphanumeric. Some brands combine the color code with trim or batch information; others use a two- or three-character code that maps to a specific shade. When in doubt, use the VIN-based lookup or consult a dealership to confirm the exact shade and finish for your vehicle’s production year and region.
Summary
In most cases, locating your car’s paint code is a straightforward job: check door jambs, glove boxes, or trunk areas for a label, or pull the code from the VIN via a dealer or official portal. If the label is missing, a dealership or reputable paint supplier can retrieve or confirm the color code using the VIN. For difficult cases—such as repaints or rare models—professional color matching can provide an accurate result. Keeping track of the paint code simplifies touch-ups, repairs, and resprays, and helps preserve your car’s original look.
Can I use my VIN to find my paint code?
No, your VIN number doesn't contain your car's paint code. Instead, this is a unique vehicle identifier assigned by the manufacturer which can be used to check a car's details. Learn more about your car's VIN, and how to read it, in our comprehensive guide.
Can I get my paint code from my reg?
Yes! You can find the paint code for the vast majority of modern vehicles using the registration number.
How do I find my paint code for my car?
Driver's door label
Along with the VIN and important information like GVWR, it often has the vehicle paint code printed on it. Look for an abbreviation like 'EXT PNT' or an identifier like 'BODY COLOR CODE', although sometimes the paint code isn't so clearly identified. It can be between two and five digits.
Where can I find the factory paint code?
Not sure which shade matches your car? You can verify by matching the OEM Paint Code to find the exact color. Every vehicle has a paint color code, but it is located in different places, depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Most paint color codes are located on the door jamb of the driver's side door.
