How can I find the color of my truck?
The quickest way to know your truck’s exact color is to locate the factory paint code on a label or VIN and cross-check it with the manufacturer’s color catalog to identify the precise shade and finish.
In this guide, you’ll learn practical steps to verify your truck’s color, including where to look for color codes, how to read them, and how to confirm the current appearance if a repaint has occurred or if labels are hard to locate.
Where to Find the Color Code
Most OEMs place a color code sticker or plate in common spots. Check these locations first, as they often contain the exact paint code you need.
- Driver's door jamb label: A small sticker on the edge of the door (or the door frame near the latch) that lists the paint/color code along with other build details.
- Inside the glove box or on the edge of the driver's door: Some models place the color code on a label inside the glove box or on the door edge rather than the exterior label.
- Radiator support or engine bay label: A sticker or plate in the engine bay may show the paint code and trim information.
- VIN label or service sticker: On newer vehicles, the VIN-based service sticker may include the color code or an OEM part number that maps to the color.
- Original window sticker or build sheet: The dealer’s record or the factory order sheet often lists the color name and code.
If you still can’t locate a label, proceed to VIN-based lookups or contact a dealer for help, as the color code is sometimes printed only in dealer records or on a manufacturer portal.
How to Decode the Color Code
Color codes are unique to each manufacturer and model year. Use the following steps to translate a code into the exact color name and finish (solid, metallic, pearl, etc.).
- Find the color code on the vehicle label or window sticker and write it down exactly as shown.
- Record the make, model, and year of your truck to ensure you’re using the correct color catalog.
- Use the OEM’s color catalog or a trusted VIN lookup service to map the code to the official color name and finish.
- Obtain confirmation from a paint professional or body shop, especially for metallic or pearlescent finishes that may have multiple variants.
- When matching touch-ups or repainting, bring the color code or a color sample to the shop to ensure an accurate match.
The color code typically refers to the factory finish. If the truck has been repainted, a fresh color match may be needed for new work, and the current appearance may not match the original factory color name exactly.
Special Cases
If the label is missing or unreadable
If you cannot find a legible color code label, try pulling the color information from the VIN using an OEM database or ask your dealer for a build sheet or the original window sticker. A professional body shop can often identify the correct color by paint chip comparison and by referencing the VIN.
If the truck has been repainted
Repairs or repainting can change the visible color. In this case, use any remaining label data, the VIN color lookup, and a precise color match test with paint chips to determine the current color. For critical matches (like a repair panel) a professional paint blend and matching process may be required.
Summary
To reliably identify your truck’s color, start with the factory color code on the door jamb or other label, then verify with the OEM color catalog using the VIN. If labels are missing or the truck has been repainted, consult the dealer, service records, or a professional painter for an accurate match. Keeping this information handy will simplify maintenance, parts shopping, and future touch-ups.
Can I use my VIN to find my paint color?
No, you cannot find your car's paint code by VIN alone, as the VIN is a unique vehicle identifier and does not contain the paint code. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting the manufacturer or a dealership, or by looking for the paint code on a sticker in your car.
Where to find your paint code
- On a sticker inside the driver's door: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar that contains terms like "EXT PNT" or "BODY COLOR CODE," says CarParts.com.
- On a label under the hood: Some cars have a sticker or placard with paint information in the engine bay, although it can sometimes be hard to read due to age and heat, according to AutoZone.com.
- In your owner's manual: The paint code is often listed in the service history or owner's manual for your vehicle, notes Holts Auto.
If you can't find the code on your car
- Contact the dealership: Provide the VIN to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and they can look up the exact factory paint color for you, says JustAnswer.
- Use online VIN decoding tools: Some online tools and websites can help you find paint codes, but you should always verify the code directly from your vehicle or a dealer for accuracy, as online tools may have inaccuracies, notes Partify.
Can I find my car color by reg?
Yes! You can find the paint code for the vast majority of modern vehicles using the registration number. Finding the paint code for classic cars can be more challenging.
How do I find out the exact color of my truck?
The location of a vehicle's color code varies by manufacturer, but it is typically found on a label inside the driver's side door frame or jamb. Details like the paint color code are usually included on this label.
Can a VIN tell you the interior color?
If that is the case with your car, you can search an online VIN decoding site for your vehicle, plug in the VIN, and extract the interior color code.
