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What color code is my Toyota?

The exact color code for your Toyota is a small alphanumeric tag on the vehicle’s exterior color label; you can’t reliably determine it from the model name alone, but you can locate it on the car or retrieve it from the VIN.


What the color code means


The color code identifies the precise exterior finish used on your Toyota, including whether the shade is solid, metallic, or pearlescent. It is not the color name printed in brochures or on the window sticker, but a compact code that manufacturers use to match paint formulations when repairing or touching up the vehicle.


Where to locate the color code


Common locations for the exterior color code on most Toyota models include the following:



  • Driver’s-side door jamb sticker (the most common and reliable source)

  • Glove box label or a label inside the engine bay vicinity

  • Trunk lid or cargo area label on some models

  • Radiator support area under the hood on select vehicles


If you can’t find a readable label, you can still determine the code by using your vehicle’s VIN and contacting a Toyota dealer or authorized body shop.


How to read and use the color code


Once you locate the code, you’ll typically see a short string of characters—usually three, sometimes with a suffix—that uniquely identifies the exterior paint. Use the code to order exact touch-up paint or full panels from Toyota or an authorized paint supplier. When you shop, provide the color code along with your vehicle’s year, make, and model to ensure an exact match. If you have a pearl, metallic, or special finish, note whether there is a suffix or additional designation attached to the code, as that can affect the final shade and finish.


If you can’t locate the code


If the label is missing, damaged, or unreadable, follow these steps to obtain the correct color code:



  1. Have your VIN handy. The VIN is typically found on the dashboard near the windshield, the driver’s door jamb, or the vehicle registration documents.

  2. Contact a Toyota dealer or authorized service center and provide the VIN. They can pull the official exterior color code from the factory records.

  3. Ask the dealer to confirm whether any suffixes indicate pearl, metallic, or special finishes, so you order the exact shade.

  4. Use the documentation you receive to order paint chips, touch-up paint, or a full repaint from an approved supplier.


In most cases, the dealer can verify the color code using your VIN and model year, ensuring you get a precise match even if the sticker is unavailable.


Summary


In brief, your Toyota’s exterior color code is a small alphanumeric tag tied to the vehicle’s paint formulation. Start by checking the driver’s-side door jamb label, then explore nearby labels in the glove box or trunk if needed. If the label is unreadable, use the VIN to have a dealer retrieve the official color code. With the code in hand, you can order the exact paint matching your car’s finish, including any metallic or pearl coatings, and ensure repairs blend seamlessly with the original color.

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. 



Can I check paint code by reg?


Finding your paint code by reg is the easiest method but it's not always possible - but it's not difficult to find it in other ways. Car manufacturers generally record the original paint code of your car in the boot, under the bonnet, or inside the door jamb. The codes looks like a short list of letters and numbers.



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.



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


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.