How to determine Toyota paint color?

Typically, you determine your Toyota exterior color by locating the color code on a vehicle sticker (usually the driver's door jamb). The code is a short alphanumeric string—usually three characters—that Toyota uses to map to a specific color name in its official catalog and dealer systems.

This guide explains where to find the color code, how to interpret it, and how to verify the exact shade for touch-ups or body work, noting variations by model year and market as colors and labeling can differ.

Where to find the paint color code

The most reliable sources are labels attached to the car. Look at these common locations, which cover most Toyota models and years:

• Door jamb sticker on the driver's side near the latch—often labeled Exterior Color or Paint Code.


• Inside the glove box or the rear cargo area—some models place the code on a label behind a panel.


• Engine compartment or firewall area—occasionally a small sticker lists the color code along with other specs.


• Inside the trunk or rear hatch area on SUVs and wagons—sometimes a sticker is located there.

If you can't locate the code on these spots, consult your owner's manual, contact a Toyota dealer, or have a professional verify the color using the vehicle's build data.

Interpreting the color code

Once you have the code, you can translate it into the official color name and finish. Toyota codes are typically a short alphanumeric string (often three characters), and the meaning can vary by model year and market. The code points to a specific color in Toyota’s catalog, including finishes such as solid, metallic, pearlescent, or tri-coat. Because finishes affect appearance, two cars with the same base color might look different under lighting if one uses a metallic or pearlescent finish.

To ensure accuracy, always cross-check the code with official Toyota color guides or a dealer’s color database. Regional variations in naming and cataloging mean the same code can be listed under different color names in different markets.

How to confirm the exact color on your vehicle

To be confident you’re choosing the right shade for touch-ups, repairs, or repainting, use these verification steps.

• Ask a Toyota dealer or authorized body shop to pull the color name from the color code using their official database. They can translate the code into the exact paint name and finish.


• Bring the color code visible on the label to a paint supplier or body shop to order the correct formula or request a color match using a chip or swatch.


• Compare against official Toyota paint chips or swatches in daylight to ensure you’re matching the correct shade and finish (solid vs. metallic vs. pearl vs. tri-coat).


• Be aware that some finishes (especially pearlescent or tri-coat) can shift in appearance under different lighting, so verify with multiple lighting conditions.

If you’re in doubt, rely on the dealer’s resources or professional color-matching services to avoid shade mismatches or finish differences.

Summary

Determining a Toyota paint color starts with finding the color code on a vehicle sticker—most commonly on the driver’s door jamb. The three-character (or similarly short) alphanumeric code maps to a specific color and finish in Toyota’s official catalog. Use the code to confirm the exact color name with a dealer or color database, and verify by comparing official paint chips under good lighting. If you can’t locate the code, or if you’re matching for repairs, seek assistance from a Toyota dealer or authorized body shop to ensure an accurate match.

How to identify Toyota paint color?

When looking at the VIN sticker on your Tacoma, it isn't always easy to spot the color code at first. But Toyota has made it as straightforward as possible by placing the code on the left-hand side of the tag right underneath the bar code.

How to match Toyota paint color?

The color code is what will you get the exact OEM paint color for your Toyota year, model, make and color. For all Toyota cars the color code is on a label on the driver side door jamb. On the label will be a three digit code after the letters "C/TR" The next 3 digits are your paint code.

What is my paint code by VIN?

You can use your VIN to find your car's paint code by checking a vehicle history report, using an online VIN decoder, or asking your car dealership. The VIN itself doesn't contain the paint code, but it contains the information needed to look it up in a database. 
Method 1: Check VIN history or use an online decoder 

• Vehicle History Report: Enter your VIN on a website like J.D. Power to generate a report that may include the paint code. 
• VIN Decoders: Search for "paint code by VIN" on the web and use an online decoder tool. These sites use your VIN to find your car's information in their database. 
• Be aware: Some online decoders may not have data for older or brand-new vehicles. Always double-check the information you find, as some online services may show possible paint variations and not the exact code for your vehicle. 

Method 2: Contact your dealership

• Call your car's dealership and provide them with your VIN. They can look up the specific paint code in their system. 

Method 3: Look for the code on your car

• While not directly in the VIN, the paint code is often listed on a sticker in your vehicle, which you can find with the help of your VIN. 
• Check the driver's side door jamb or the door edge for a sticker with the paint code, notes AutoZone. 
• Other common locations include the firewall in the engine compartment or the B-pillar. 
• Look for a sticker that has your VIN, manufacturing information, and a specific code for the paint. 

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.