How can I tell what color my car is?

The quick answer: look at the exterior color in daylight and verify the official paint code on a vehicle label (usually the door jamb or VIN certification sticker) to know the exact color name and shade.

Ways to determine your car's color

Below are practical methods that combine what you can see with official identifiers to confirm your car’s color.

• Visually inspect the exterior in bright daylight to identify the base shade, keeping in mind metallic, pearl, or two‑tone finishes can complicate a simple color name.


• Check the Monroney (window) sticker on the driver's side window for the exterior color name and, in some cases, a color code.


• Inspect the driver’s door jamb/body certification label for the paint code (usually a 2–3 character alphanumeric code) and the official color name.


• Ask a dealer or use a reputable VIN decoder to retrieve the color code associated with your vehicle’s VIN, then cross‑check with the manufacturer’s color catalog.


• Look for a paint code label in other common spots if the door jamb label isn’t accessible, such as the glove box, trunk lid, or engine bay area.


• If the car has been repainted or heavily touched up, verify color accuracy with a professional body shop, as the shade can drift from the original factory color.

In short, you’ll usually rely on a combination of what you see and the official paint code to identify the exact color and finish.

Notes on finishes and two‑tone schemes

Some cars use metallic, pearlescent, or multi‑coat finishes that shift slightly with lighting. Two‑tone or accented paint jobs can add complexity, so always confirm the exact exterior color code rather than relying solely on a perceived shade.

For most vehicles, the simplest starting point is the door jamb label and the window sticker, then cross‑check with the VIN‑based data if needed.

Where to find the paint code and related identifiers

Here are the most reliable places to locate the official color information on your vehicle.

• Driver’s door jamb/body certification label, which usually lists the exterior paint code and sometimes the color name.


• Inside the door edge or latch area of the driver’s door; some labels are printed on the door itself or the B‑pillar.


• Inside the trunk lid or hatch area for vehicles where the label was placed away from the door jamb.


• Glove box or under‑hood area for models that route the color code to alternate locations.


• Engine bay vicinity near the radiator support, especially on European or older models.


• Spare tire well or under‑floor storage area on some cars.


• Windows sticker (Monroney label) at purchase, which lists the exterior color name and sometimes references the color code.

Locating the official paint code is the most dependable way to confirm your color, especially if the car has undergone repainting or has a unique finish.

From color code to the exact shade

Once you have the paint code, you can map it to the precise shade and finish using manufacturer resources or a trusted dealer.

• Look up the color code in the manufacturer’s color catalog or ask a dealer to confirm the exact color name and finish (e.g., solid, metallic, pearl, or tri‑coat).


• Be aware that some codes distinguish finishes (metallic vs. pearl) in addition to the base color, which can affect the final shade.


• If you need touch‑up or spray paint, order by the exact paint code to ensure color accuracy and compatibility with existing panels.


• In cases of repaint or aftermarket wrap, compare against a professional swatch or request a color match from a body shop to minimize discrepancies.

Mapping the code to the actual shade is usually straightforward with official catalogs or dealer assistance, but finishes and past repairs can introduce variation.

Summary

To determine your car’s color, start with a visual check in daylight and then locate the official paint code on labels such as the door jamb certification label or Monroney sticker. Use the VIN to corroborate the color code with a dealer or trusted decoder, and consult the manufacturer’s color catalog to translate the code into the exact color name and finish. If the car has been repainted or features a special finish, involve a professional to ensure an accurate match.

Can I tell the color of my car by the VIN?

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. 

How do I find out the exact color of my car?

To find your car's exact color, check the driver's side door jamb for an identification sticker, as this is the most common location for the paint code. If you can't find it there, look for a sticker in other spots like the underhood, trunk compartment, or check your owner's manual. You can also use your VIN to find the code on the manufacturer's website or by contacting a dealership.
 
This video shows how to find your car's color code: 1mClint HollandYouTube · Dec 10, 2020
On the vehicle

• Driver's door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the door frame or the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and back doors). This is the most common location for the paint code.
• Under the hood: Some manufacturers place a sticker with the paint code under the hood.
• Trunk: Check the inside of your trunk, possibly on the spare tire cover or in the spare tire well.
• Other locations: Look in the owner's manual, on the dashboard near the windshield, or inside the glove box. 

Using the VIN

• Manufacturer's website: Visit the manufacturer's website and use your VIN to look up the paint information. Some sites have dedicated sections for this purpose. 
• Contact the dealership: Call your local dealership and provide them with your VIN, and they can look up the exact paint code for you. 

What to look for

• Look for a sticker or a metal plate with information about your vehicle. 
• The paint code is often labeled as "Paint Code," "Color Code," or "Exterior Color" and is a combination of letters and numbers. 

You can watch this video to learn how to find your car's color code using the VIN: 58sduplicolortvYouTube · Nov 21, 2024

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.

Can you match paint by VIN number?

That's because your VIN doesn't explicitly indicate your car's paint code, which is the number used in matching paint to a car's exact shade. However, you can still determine your automotive paint code by VIN.