What color paint is my Toyota?
The exact color cannot be determined from the model alone. To know the precise shade, locate the paint code on the vehicle or use the VIN to identify the color name Toyota assigns.
In this guide, we explain how to locate the color code, how to interpret it, and how to confirm the color name with a dealer or official Toyota resources.
Where to find the paint color code
Check these locations where Toyota typically prints the color code; these spots cover most models and markets.
Common locations on Toyota vehicles
- Driver's side door jamb sticker, near the latch, often labeled PAINT or COLOR CODE.
- Inside the glove box or on the edge of the glove box compartment.
- Engine bay area near the firewall or radiator support, sometimes on a stamped plate or label.
- On the vehicle’s door label, trunk label, or service booklet if available.
If you can't locate the color code in these spots, your VIN or dealership can still identify the color name.
How to decode and confirm your color name
Once you have the color code, use these steps to map it to the official Toyota color name and ensure accuracy.
- Look up the code in Toyota's official color catalog for your market and model year; the catalog lists the official paint name associated with every code.
- Use your VIN with a dealer or official online decoder to confirm the color tied to that VIN, especially since some markets or trims may use different names.
- Ask the dealership to pull the color name from their system using the VIN; this is the most reliable method to confirm the color name and availability of touch-up paint.
- Take a daylight photo of your vehicle to help match the shade when ordering paint or demonstrating the color to a shop.
With the code matched to Toyota's color name, you can order the correct paint and ensure a close color match for repairs or restoration.
Summary
To determine your Toyota’s paint color, start by locating the color code on the car itself—most commonly on the driver’s door jamb sticker or nearby engine bay labeling—and then cross-reference that code with Toyota’s official color catalog or your dealer’s system. If the code isn’t readily discoverable, providing the VIN to a dealership or using an official decoder will reliably reveal the exact color name. This process is essential for accurate touch-up work, parts matching, and resale documentation.
Can I use my VIN to find 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 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.
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.
