Is the paint code in the VIN number?
No—the paint color is not encoded in the VIN.
The VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a standardized 17-character code that identifies a vehicle’s origin and configuration. It encodes details such as the manufacturer, country of origin, vehicle attributes, model year, plant, and a unique serial number. The paint color, usually represented as a paint code, is stored separately on a data plate or the window sticker and is used to source the correct paint or touch-up materials.
What the VIN reveals about a vehicle
Before listing the key components typically found in a VIN, it helps to understand its general structure and purpose.
- The first three characters (the World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI) identify the manufacturer and country of origin.
- The next six characters (the Vehicle Descriptor Section, or VDS) describe vehicle attributes such as body style, engine type, and restraint systems; the ninth character is the check digit.
- The final eight characters (the Vehicle Identifier Section, or VIS) include the model year (10th digit), plant code (11th digit), and the serial number (12th–17th digits).
- In short, the VIN tracks build and configuration details, not the exterior color itself.
Understanding this structure confirms that color information is not embedded in a VIN the way other production details are.
Where to find the paint code
Color information is typically stored on separate hardware or documentation designed for paint matching and ordering. Start with these common sources:
- Door jamb data plate (driver’s side): look for a line labeled with a paint or exterior color code—often a short alphanumeric string.
- Original window sticker (Monroney label) on new vehicles: lists exterior color and the corresponding paint code.
- Under-hood or radiator support labels: some models place the paint code in the engine bay area along with other manufacturing codes.
- Owner’s manual or the vehicle’s service/parts catalog: color code sections provide the exact mapping to paint formulas.
- If you can’t locate the code, contact a dealership or the manufacturer with the VIN; they can retrieve the correct paint code from their database.
Once you have the paint code, you can order touch-up paint or a full repaint with a guaranteed color match by supplying that code to a supplier or body shop.
How color codes map to actual colors
Paint codes are manufacturer-specific and may consist of two to four characters. They point to a particular pigment batch, finish, and formulation. For precise color matching, provide the code along with your vehicle’s make, model, and year to the paint supplier or body shop, and when possible refer to the original window sticker for verification.
Summary
In sum, the exterior paint color is not part of the VIN itself. The VIN serves as a vehicle identification and configuration tool, while the paint color is defined by a separate paint code found on data plates, window stickers, or official documentation. To obtain the exact color, locate the paint code on the vehicle or consult the manufacturer or dealer with your VIN, then use that code to source the correct paint.
