Is my paint code in my VIN number?

In most cases, no. The paint color code is not embedded in the VIN. The VIN uniquely identifies the vehicle and includes information about origin, manufacturer, model, body style, engine, and year. Exterior color data is stored separately as a color/trim code linked to the VIN in manufacturer databases and on vehicle labels.

How the VIN works and what it doesn’t encode

What the VIN tells you

The 17-character VIN, standardized since 1981, encodes the country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle attributes, model year, assembly plant, and a unique serial number. It serves as the car’s fingerprint for tracking and registration.

What the VIN does not encode

There is no universal field for exterior paint color in the VIN. Color data is held separately as color/trim codes and is typically referenced on build sheets, window stickers, or labeling attached to the car.

Where to find your paint color code

The color code is typically printed on a label in or near common locations. Use the following checklist to locate it quickly.

• Door jamb or pillar sticker on the driver's side, which usually lists exterior color and interior trim codes.


• Vehicle data plate or compliance label under the hood, on the radiator support, or near the firewall.


• Original window sticker (Monroney label) or factory build sheet, which may include the exterior color code.


• Owner's manual or paint catalog in the owner's information packet; sometimes the color code is referenced in the maintenance section.


• Dealer or manufacturer VIN lookup tool or service portal, which can retrieve the color code from the vehicle's build data if you provide the VIN.

Finding the code in these places ensures you get the exact match for touch-ups or a repaint. If you can't locate it, a dealership or auto body shop can pull it from the VIN using their internal databases.

How to confirm the exact shade

Even with the color code, matching a modern paint job requires care. Here are steps to ensure you get the correct shade.

1. Record the color code from the label or window sticker.


2. Cross-check the code with the manufacturer's color database for your vehicle's year and market.


3. Ask a professional to mix paint using the color code, or bring a sample to a shop for calibration.


4. Request a spray-out card or test panel to compare in natural light before committing to a large repair.


5. For touch-ups, supply the color code to the shop and, if possible, provide the VIN for verification.

With the color code in hand, you can source the correct paint and ensure better color accuracy across repairs.

Summary

Bottom line: your VIN does not contain a universal paint color code. To identify the exact shade, rely on the color/trim code found on labels, the build sheet, the window sticker, or through a dealer/manufacturer database using the VIN. This approach helps ensure accurate color matching for touch-ups, repairs, and repainting.

Where is the paint code on the 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. 

How can I find out the paint code for my car?

You can find a car's paint code on a sticker or plate located in the driver's side door jamb. Other common locations include the dashboard, glovebox, trunk, or under the hood. The code is often labeled with terms like "EXT PNT" or "BODY COLOR CODE" and can be a mix of letters and numbers.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a car: 1mClint HollandYouTube · Dec 10, 2020
Common locations for the paint code

• Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location, a sticker on the door edge or B-pillar. 
• Under the hood: Look for a sticker or placard on the firewall or inside the hood itself. 
• Glovebox: Some vehicles, especially GM models, have the code in the glovebox. 
• Trunk: Check the trunk floor or the spare tire well. 
• Windshield: On some cars, the code is located near the VIN number on the bottom right of the windshield. 
• Owner's manual or visor: The code may also be printed in the owner's manual or on the back of the sun visor. 

You can watch this video to learn how to locate the paint code on different vehicles: 55sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Oct 12, 2018
Tips for finding and using the code

• Look for specific labels: Search for terms like "EXT PNT," "BODY COLOR CODE," or the letters "C" for color. 
• Check for exterior and interior codes: Sometimes two codes are listed on the placard, one for the exterior and one for the interior. 
• Consult the owner's manual: If you can't find the sticker, check your owner's manual for a list of vehicle specifications. 
• Contact a dealer: If you're still unable to find the code, a dealership can look it up for you using your car's VIN. 

Will my VIN number tell me my paint color?

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 look up car info by VIN?

This is a two-step process: Step 1: Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA's VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN. Step 2: Refer to the field at the bottom of the page result, which expressly lists the build plant and country for the searched vehicle.