How do I find paint code for my car?
The paint code is typically a short alphanumeric string printed on a color label on the car’s door jamb or a nearby panel. This code is what you use to order touch-up paint or to achieve an exact color match for repairs.
To get it right, you should know where to look for the code, how the code is formatted for your make and model, and what steps to take if the label is missing or illegible. This guide covers practical locations, reading the code, and options for obtaining a correct match.
Where to look for the color code
The color code is usually found on a dedicated label or sticker attached to the vehicle. Start with the most common spots and expand your search if needed.
- Driver's door jamb sticker or door edge label (the primary and most reliable source). Look for a small tag near the latch or hinge with a code labeled “PAINT,” “COLOR,” or similar.
- Passenger-side door jamb or frame, in case the label isn’t on the driver’s side.
- Inside the glove box or under the glove box lid, especially on older or European vehicles.
- Trunk area near the spare tire well or along the trunk hinge area (some models place the color code here).
- Engine bay area near the radiator support or firewall label (a secondary location on many cars).
- Inside the wheel well or the inner fender area on certain models.
Note that some vehicles may place the color code in a non-obvious place or make the label easy to miss. If you don’t see a color code sticker in these spots, move on to alternative methods described below.
How to read and use the paint code
Once you locate the code, knowing how to interpret it helps you order the right paint and avoid mismatches. Formats vary by manufacturer, but the general approach is similar: a short string of letters and numbers that identifies the exact shade and finish.
- Note the exact code exactly as shown, including letters, numbers, and any dashes or spaces. Some brands distinguish between base coat and clear coat, and the code may refer to the color only.
- Understand that different brands have different formats. Codes can be 2–4 characters long, and may include letters (for example, “C7” or “NH-1”) or be numeric (for example, “1U3”).
- Use the code with an authorized dealer, official manufacturer color database, or a reputable auto paint supplier to ensure an exact match. If you’re unsure, provide your VIN to help confirm the correct variant.
- If the direct code isn’t recognized by a shop, ask them to cross-reference it with your vehicle’s model, year, and trim. They can often identify the closest match or mix a custom color using the code as a starting point.
Having the exact paint code is especially important for metallic, pearl, or specialized finishes, where there can be subtle but significant shade differences between similar-looking colors.
What to do if you can’t find the code
When the label is missing, illegible, or the car’s paint date predates standard labeling, you still have reliable options to get a correct color match.
- Use your VIN to retrieve the paint code from a dealership or the manufacturer’s online database. A dealer can pull the exact color variant associated with your vehicle’s configuration.
- Contact the dealership with your VIN and model information. A service adviser can verify the paint code or guide you to the correct cross-reference.
- Visit a professional body shop or a reputable auto paint supplier. They can match the color by eye or with color-matching technology, even if the official code isn’t available. Bring a small sample if possible (a chip from a non-visible area) to help accuracy.
- Check reputable online color databases that map paint codes to make/model/year. Use these as a supplementary reference, especially if you’re ordering paints for a DIY job.
In cases where precision is critical (e.g., multi-panel refinishes or metallic/pearlescent finishes), a professional color match is the safest route. They can verify color with spectrophotometers and mix with the exact formulation for your vehicle.
Summary
Finding your car’s paint code hinges on checking the most common spots first—the driver’s door jamb label is usually the fastest path. If you can’t locate a code, use the VIN to query the dealership or manufacturer database, or seek assistance from a qualified body shop or paint supplier who can perform a precise color match. With the correct code or a validated match, you’ll ensure touch-ups and repairs blend seamlessly with the rest of the vehicle.
Can I find my car paint code by registration?
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 the exact paint color of my car?
To find your car's color, check the driver's side door jamb for a sticker that often has a paint code. Other common locations include under the hood or the window sticker. If you can't find the code, provide your VIN to the car dealership or check an online VIN lookup tool.
This video shows how to find the paint code on your car: 45sAuto V Fix YouTube · Mar 1, 2024
Where to look on your car
- Driver's door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a label or sticker on the door frame or the pillar where the door latches. This is the most common location.
- Under the hood: Look for a sticker or placard under the hood that may contain the paint code.
- Window sticker: The original window sticker from when the car was new often lists the paint code.
- Other possible locations: Some manufacturers may place the code in the glove box, trunk, or owner's manual.
- Owner's manual: The owner's manual is another place to check for the paint code.
What to do if you can't find the code
- Contact the dealership: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a dealership, and they can look up the exact color code for you.
- Use online tools: Some online resources can provide the color code using your VIN, but not all online VIN lookup tools have this information.
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.
Can you find paint code by VIN number?
No, you cannot find the paint code directly from the VIN number, as the VIN does not contain this information. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by checking online VIN lookup tools, contacting your car dealership, or looking for a sticker on your vehicle that lists the paint code. The VIN's main purpose is as a unique identifier, not a direct source for paint details.
Methods to find your paint code using your VIN
- Contact your dealership: A simple and reliable method is to call your local dealership and provide them with your VIN. They can look up the specific paint code associated with your vehicle.
- Use online VIN lookup tools: Some online paint and auto parts stores offer VIN lookup services where you can enter your VIN to find the paint code.
- Check the vehicle information sticker: Look for a sticker on your car, often found in the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the glove box, that contains the VIN and other vehicle information. This sticker may have a code labeled "EXT PNT," "BODY COLOR CODE," or similar.
- Consult your owner's manual: The paint code is often listed in your vehicle's owner's manual.
- Use paint manufacturer websites: Some paint companies have online tools where you can look up color codes by year, make, and model. You can use the information from your VIN to identify the make and model for this search.
