How do I find my Chevy paint code?

The Chevy paint code is typically a small alphanumeric tag on the vehicle’s exterior label, usually two to three characters long. The quickest way to find it is on the driver’s side door jamb sticker; if that label is faded or missing, check the glove box, the engine bay label near the radiator, or the trunk/spare-tire area. If you still can’t locate it, your VIN can be used to look up the color with a Chevy dealer or GM’s online resources.

Where to look on your Chevy

These locations cover the most common places where the exterior color code is printed on modern Chevys. Start with the most accessible spot and work outward if you don’t see anything at first glance.

• Driver’s side door jamb sticker, near the hinge post


• Inside the driver’s door or on the glove box lid label


• Engine bay label on the radiator support or firewall area


• Trunk area label, spare tire cover, or trunk lid label on some models


• Older or special models may have a small identification plate in the engine bay or near the firewall

If one location doesn’t yield a clear “paint” or “Exterior color” code, check other nearby labels on the same body area or consult your owner’s manual, which sometimes notes label locations by model year.

What to do if you can’t find the code

When the label is missing, faded, or you’re working with a classic or restored Chevy, use these steps to identify the color code reliably.

1. Locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or the driver’s door jamb sticker, then ask a Chevrolet dealer to pull the build data or a color code using the VIN.


2. Use a reputable GM VIN decoder or color lookup tool to map the VIN to exterior color information. These resources can indicate the paint code associated with your year/model.


3. Cross-reference the color name you receive with Chevrolet’s color code catalogs by model year. Some colors appear under different codes across generations, so precision by year and model is important.


4. For restoration or body-shop work, bring the VIN or a photo of the label to the shop. They can often confirm the code or match the color using professional tinting/matching equipment.

Notes: Codes can vary by market (US, Canada, etc.) and by year, and some vehicles use slightly different label formats. When in doubt, a dealership service department or GM technical resources are the most reliable source for your exact paint code.

Understanding the Chevy color code format

The paint code is not the color name itself but a short code used by GM to identify the specific paint mix. Codes are typically two to three characters and can be a mix of letters and numbers. The same color may have multiple codes over different model years, so always verify the code against the year and model of your Chevy.

Common formats and how to read them

GM’s exterior color codes are designed to be specific to a vehicle’s year and model. When you obtain a code, you’ll use it to order paint, order touch-up bottles, or communicate with a body shop. If you’re unsure whether a code corresponds to the exact shade you see on your car, a professional match or a physical paint sample from a shop is recommended.

Summary

Finding your Chevy paint code is usually as simple as reading the exterior label on the driver’s door jamb, with alternative locations in the glove box, engine bay, or trunk for newer or older models. If the label isn’t accessible or legible, your VIN is a reliable gateway to the code via a Chevrolet dealer or GM’s decoding resources. Always verify the code against your specific year and model to ensure an exact color match for touch-ups or repainting.

Can you get GM paint code from VIN number?

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
However, the VIN does not give us your color code! It only gives us any paint formula variance in an existing color code.

Can I use my VIN to find my paint code?

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. 

Where can I find my Chevrolet paint code?

The Chevy paint code is most commonly found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, but can also be in the glove box or under the hood. You will need to look for a "BC/CC" prefix followed by a four-digit code, or a different alphanumeric string depending on the model and year.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a Chevy Silverado 1500: 16sDirt Road Auto RepairYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Where to look

• Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location, look for a sticker with the paint code printed on it. 
• Glove box: On many models, the paint code is on a sticker inside the glove box, often at the bottom left, to the right of "BC/CC". 
• Under the hood: Check the firewall, strut towers, or radiator support for a sticker or plate. 
• Other locations: Some models may have the code on the spare tire cover, inside the trunk lid, or in the rear of the center console. 

This video shows how to find the paint code on a Chevy Equinox: 45sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · May 19, 2019
What to look for

• The code usually starts with "BC/CC" which stands for base coat/clear coat. 
• The actual paint code is a string of four numbers (or a combination of letters and numbers) that follows the prefix. 
• Some stickers may use different formats or prefixes, so it's important to check the specific model's documentation if the common methods don't work. 

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.