How do you find the color code of your car?

The color code is the small alphanumeric label used by paint suppliers to match your car’s exact shade. It’s typically printed on a sticker or plate on the vehicle—most often in the driver’s door jamb—and can also be checked via the VIN with a dealer or through online databases.

Where to look for the color code

Begin with the most common locations first. Depending on the make and model, the code may be tucked away in one of several spots. Start with these standard places and move outward if you don’t see a label right away.

• Door jamb sticker on the driver’s side (the most common location).


• Glove box or glove box lid, sometimes behind a removable panel.


• Trunk lid, hatch, or near the spare tire area in some models.


• Engine bay area or firewall stickers, especially on older vehicles.


• On a VIN plate or sticker near the door frame or under the hood label.


• In the vehicle’s owner’s manual or service records, which may reference the color code.

If you still can’t locate it after checking these spots, the next best step is to use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm the exact color with a dealer or trusted online database. The VIN uniquely identifies your car and its factory options, including the paint code.

Understanding the color-code formats

Color codes come in several formats, and the exact appearance can vary by automaker. In general, you’ll encounter codes that are two to four characters long and may be numeric, alphabetic, or a mix. Here are the common patterns you’re likely to encounter.

• Two-character codes (letters and/or digits).


• Three-character codes (often numeric, sometimes alphanumeric).


• Four-character codes (typically alphanumeric, sometimes with a prefix or suffix).

Because formats vary widely by brand and model, it’s best to use the label itself as your primary source. If the code isn’t obvious, a dealer or an official paint lookup can confirm the exact shade name and formula associated with that code.

Using your VIN to confirm the color code

The VIN is a universal key to your vehicle’s configuration. To verify the paint code, locate the VIN on the dashboard or driver’s door jamb and provide it to a dealer, or enter it into an official online lookup tool. This cross-check helps prevent misidentification, especially if multiple shades were offered in a given year or trim level.

Next steps if you’re repainting or touching up

Once you’ve found the color code, you can request exact-match touch-up paint, spray cans, or custom-mixed paint from a dealership, body shop, or reputable retailer. Always double-check the code with the shop before purchasing to ensure a precise color match and avoid mismatches caused by lighting or aging finishes.

Summary

In most cars, the color code lives on a label in the driver’s door jamb, with alternative locations including the glove box, trunk area, or engine bay. If the label isn’t obvious, your VIN is a reliable backup method to confirm the exact code with a dealer or online database. With the correct code in hand, you can source the right shade for repairs, touch-ups, or a full repaint, ensuring a seamless match to your car’s original finish.

Where can I get my car color code?

When you open the driver's door, a rectangular label is affixed either to the door edge or the B pillar. Along with the VIN and important information like GVWR, it often has the vehicle paint code printed on it.

How do I know my car color code?

You can find your car's color code by checking the driver's side door jamb, where a sticker with the code is most commonly located. If you don't find it there, other common spots include the glove box, under the hood, or in the trunk, especially under the spare tire cover for some models like Volkswagens. You can also use the manufacturer's website or an online tool, providing your car's year, make, and model to find the code.
 
This video explains how to find the paint code on your car or truck: 58sHomeowner RepairYouTube · Aug 22, 2018
Common locations for the color code

• Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common spot, often with a sticker that lists the exterior paint code (sometimes abbreviated as "EXT PNT" or similar). 
• Glove box: Some vehicles have the code on a sticker inside the glove box. 
• Under the hood: Check the firewall or near the strut towers. 
• Trunk: Look under the spare tire cover in some models, particularly Volkswagens. 
• Other areas: Check the owner's manual or look for smaller stickers in less obvious places like the jack panel. 

What to do if you can't find the code

• Use online tools: Websites for paint manufacturers, like Dupli-Color, allow you to search for the code using your car's year, make, and model. 
• Contact a dealership: Your local dealership can look up the paint code for you using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 
• Consult a paint supplier: An auto paint store can help you find your color code, even if the sticker is missing or faded. 

Where is the color code on a VIN number?

A vehicle's paint code is not part of the VIN number itself, but you can use the VIN to find the correct paint code. The paint code is a unique identifier for a car's specific paint color and is typically found on a sticker or metal plate in a few common locations, such as the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the owner's manual.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a vehicle, including in common locations like the door jamb: 56sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Apr 5, 2017
Where to find the paint code on your vehicle

• Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location for a sticker or plate with the paint code. 
• Under the hood: Look for a label on the firewall, radiator support, or inner strut tower. 
• Owner's manual: The code is often listed in the manual. 
• Trunk area: Check the underside of the trunk lid or inside the spare tire well. 
• Other locations: Depending on the make and model, it could be on the dashboard, B-pillar, or inside the glove box. 

How to use your VIN to find the paint code
This video explains how to use your VIN to find the paint code on a vehicle: 57sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 13, 2024

• Call your dealership: Provide the VIN to a dealership's parts department, and they can look up the exact paint code for you. 
• Use online VIN decoders: Some online tools can decode your VIN to find the paint code, though this information is often proprietary and might require a direct lookup or dealer assistance for accuracy. 

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.