How do I find Toyota paint code?

You’ll typically locate the Toyota paint code on a small label in or near the driver’s door area; the code is a short alphanumeric color identifier (often shown as C or C/TR). If that label isn’t accessible, you can have a dealership pull the code using your VIN or check other vehicle labels for the same information.

Understanding where this code comes from and how to use it can save time when ordering touch-up paint or arranging color-matched repairs. The color code is not the color name you see in brochures, and the exact code depends on the year, market, and finish (solid, metallic, pearl, or tri‑coat). The guide below outlines where to look and how to use the code to source accurate paint.

Common places to find the paint code

The following locations are the most reliable places Toyota prints the paint code on its vehicles. Check each area carefully in good lighting.

• Driver’s door jamb label or B-pillar: This is the primary source. Look for a field labeled C, TR, or C/TR, followed by a code (often 3 digits or a short alphanumeric string).


• Glove box or dash area label: Some models place the color code on labels inside the glove box or near the dash.


• Engine bay radiator support or near hood latch: Certain years or regions include the color code on an engine-compartment sticker.


• Hinged trunk lid or spare tire well: A label in the trunk area can also carry the color code, especially on sedans and some SUVs.

If you can’t locate the code on any label, note your VIN and contact a Toyota dealer or use a VIN-based lookup through Toyota’s official service system. They can pull the exact color code tied to your vehicle’s year and market.

How to verify and order the correct paint

With the code in hand, use it to confirm the exact color and finish before purchasing paint or scheduling repairs. The steps below guide you through the process.

1. Record the paint code exactly as it appears on the label, noting any accompanying fields for color and trim if present.


2. Use the VIN to look up the color code in Toyota’s official systems or ask your dealer for the exact code associated with your vehicle’s year and market.


3. Confirm the finish type (solid, metallic, pearl, or tri-coat) since some finishes require additional codes or separate base/clear components.


4. Order the paint through a Toyota dealer’s parts department or a reputable supplier, specifying the exact code and finish to ensure a precise color match.


5. For tri-coat or pearl finishes, verify whether you need a base coat and a separate clear coat; provide the shop with all applicable codes to avoid mismatches.

Having the correct code and finish makes it easier to source a precise color match for touch-ups or a full repaint, reducing the risk of shade differences across panels.

Special cases and tips

Some color finishes can complicate the lookup or ordering process. Here are quick notes to keep in mind.

Tri-coat and pearl finishes

Tri-coat and pearl paints often involve multiple components or codes. If the label lists more than one code or mentions a coat type, use all relevant codes when ordering and specify the exact finish to the painter or supplier. When in doubt, show the label to the shop and request a swatch match before applying.

Using VIN-based lookups

If labels are damaged or missing, a dealership or Toyota-certified body shop can retrieve the color code from your VIN. Have your VIN ready and confirm the vehicle’s year, market, and trim to ensure the correct color code is identified.

Summary

Finding your Toyota paint code mainly involves inspecting the driver’s door jamb label for a color code (often marked C or C/TR). If labels aren’t accessible, check other labels in the glove box, engine bay, or trunk, and use your VIN to request the code from a dealer or Toyota’s service system. Once you have the code, verify the finish (solid, metallic, pearl, or tri-coat) and order the exact color match from a dealer or reputable paint supplier. This careful approach helps ensure color consistency across touch-ups and full repairs alike.

Can a Toyota VIN tell me the car's color?

Find your color
Your car's VIN gives you a lot of information about your vehicle, but it won't give you your paint code.

Can I use my VIN to find 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. 

How do I find my Toyota paint code?

To find your Toyota paint code, open the driver's side door and locate the sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar. The code is a three-digit combination of letters and numbers that appears after "C/TR:" on the label. If you can't find it, contact your Toyota dealership and provide your VIN for assistance. 
This video shows where to find the paint code on a Toyota Camry: 58sPhilly TomYouTube · Nov 6, 2021
Step-by-step guide

1. Open the driver's side door. 
2. Find the information or identification sticker on the door jamb (the frame of the door) or the B-pillar (the pillar behind the door). 
3. Look for a line of text that includes "C/TR:" followed by a three-digit code. The three characters to the right of "C/TR:" are your paint code. 
4. Note this three-digit code, as it's the exact color for your vehicle. 

You can watch this video to see a step-by-step guide on finding the paint code on a Toyota RAV4: 59sMattHumanPizzaYouTube · Sep 28, 2021
If you still can't find it

• Call a Toyota dealership: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can look up the correct paint code for you. 
• Look for other locations: On some models, the label might be in the engine bay or under the front passenger seat carpet, though the driver's door is the most common location. 

This video shows another example of finding the paint code on a Toyota RAV4: 59sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Jan 5, 2021

What does a Toyota paint code look like?

Toyota paint names
The paint code is typically a combination of 3 numbers, with sometimes a letter too like: 040. 8X2.