Home FAQ

What is my color code for a vehicle?

Your vehicle color code is the manufacturer’s paint code—the exact alphanumeric identifier used to reproduce or match your car’s color. It’s typically not a plain color name, but a precise code you’ll use when ordering touch‑up paint or arranging a color‑matched repair.

What the color code is and why it matters

The color code identifies the specific pigment mix, finish (solid, metallic, pearl, or special effect), and sometimes regional variants. Using the correct code matters because a mismatch can stand out after repairs or touch‑ups. When you order paint or work with a body shop, sharing the exact code helps ensure a consistent, seamless result across batches and years.

Where to find the color code on your vehicle

Most cars place the paint code on a durable label in or near the door frame, but locations can vary by manufacturer. Look for a label that lists terms like PAINT, COLOR, PNT, or CODE in combination with letters and numbers. In some models the code appears on labels under the hood, in the trunk, or on the VIN plate.

Driver’s side door jamb or door edge label

Radiator support or engine bay label

Trunk lid, spare tire well, or interior cargo area label

Glove box or owner’s manual/service booklet

VIN plate or vehicle certification label near the windshield or on the A-pillar

If you cannot locate the code on the vehicle itself, your dealer or a trusted body shop can pull it from the VIN in their manufacturer database.

How to read and use the color code

Color codes are not universal color names. They map to a specific paint formula that may include metallic, pearl, or clear coat elements. When you order paint or request a repair, supply the exact code and, if possible, indicate the finish (solid, metallic, pearlescent) and the year of manufacture, since some colors change across production runs.

Before you buy paint, confirm whether your project requires a two‑stage process (base color plus clear coat) or a single‑stage paint. Some codes also require a specific base or clear coat type; for larger repairs, a professional blend is often the best way to achieve a seamless match.

Brand‑specific notes (general guidance)

Manufacturers label colors differently, but the general approach remains the same: locate the color code on a label, then order the OEM match. If you’re unsure, consult a dealership service department or a certified body shop—and have your VIN ready to speed up the lookup.

Additional help if you’re stuck

If you’re unable to locate the code or you’re unsure which code is correct for your vehicle, contact the dealership or the manufacturer directly. Provide your VIN, year, make, and model, and they can verify the right color code and point you to official touch‑up paint or recommended repair options.

Summary

In short, your vehicle’s color code is the OEM paint identifier used to reproduce your exact color. It’s usually found on a sturdy label near the door frame, engine bay, trunk area, or VIN plate. Use the code to source precise touch‑up paint or coordinate a color‑matched repair, and don’t hesitate to verify with a dealer or body shop if the code isn’t readily visible.

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.

Where can I get my car color code?

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.

How do I find my car color code?

You can find your car's color code by checking the driver's side door jamb, where a sticker with vehicle information, including the paint code, is most commonly located. If you don't find it there, check under the hood, inside the trunk, the glove box, or the owner's manual. If all else fails, a local dealership can provide the code using your VIN.

This video demonstrates how to locate your car's paint code on the driver's door jamb: 26sClint HollandYouTube · Dec 10, 2020
On the car

Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location. Look for a sticker on the door edge or the B-pillar (the part of the car's body the door latches to).
Other locations: Check under the hood, inside the trunk, the glove box, or your owner's manual.

On the information sticker

Label it clearly: The sticker may have labels like "EXT PNT," "BODY COLOR CODE," "COLOR," or "C".
Note the code: The code is typically a combination of letters and numbers.
Separate codes: Some stickers list an exterior (paint) code and an interior (trim) code separately.

If you can't find it on the car

Contact a dealership: Call a local dealer and give them your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They can look up the exact paint code for you.
Use online resources: Websites like Dupli-Color allow you to search for your code using the car's year, make, and model.

Can I get my paint code from my reg?

Yes! You can find the paint code for the vast majority of modern vehicles using the registration number.

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.