What part of my VIN is the paint code?

The color code is not part of the VIN. The VIN is a 17-character identifier that records the manufacturer, vehicle attributes, and production details, while the paint color code is stored separately on a paint-code label or in the build data.

Understanding the VIN and what it encodes

Under the ISO 3779 standard, a modern VIN is divided into sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) in positions 1–3, the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) in 4–9, and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) in 10–17. The 10th character typically indicates the model year, the 11th the manufacturing plant, and 12–17 the sequential production number. None of these positions encode the vehicle’s color. While some brands may include option data in the production records, color is not standardized as a VIN field. Older or non-standard VINs may differ, but contemporary vehicles use 17 characters with no color field.

Where to locate the paint code on your vehicle

To find the paint color code, look for a dedicated color/paint code label or tag on the vehicle. The most common places are:

• Driver’s-side door jamb sticker or door edge label


• Glove box lid or interior label


• Trunk lid edge or spare tire well label


• Under-hood or engine bay labels in some models

The color code on these labels is usually a short alphanumeric string (often two or three characters). It does not spell out the color name; you’ll need the manufacturer’s color chart or a dealer to translate it into the exact paint name.

Getting the exact color match using the paint code

Once you have the paint code, you can confirm the color and order touch-up or spray paint that matches your vehicle. Use these steps:

• Consult the vehicle’s build sheet, owner’s manual, or the dealership for the official color name associated with that code.


• Provide the VIN to a dealership or authorized body shop to retrieve the exact color from manufacturer databases.


• Use a reputable automotive paint supplier that can match the code to an available paint line, noting that some brands use slightly different coding schemes.

Keep in mind finishes may vary with metallics, pearls, or special clear coats, and lighting can affect color perception. An official color match using the exact code will yield the most consistent result.

Brand-specific notes (how color codes are typically handled)

Color code formats vary by brand, but the general rule is the same: the color code is separate from the VIN and must be read from the paint label or build data. If you’re unsure, use the VIN with the manufacturer’s online lookup or contact a dealer for confirmation.

Summary

In short: your VIN does not contain or indicate the paint color. To find or confirm your paint color, locate the color code on the door jamb/label or use the VIN to query your manufacturer’s build data or a trusted dealer. Once you have the code, you can match it to the official color name and order the correct paint for repairs.

Can I find my paint color by VIN number?

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. 

Is the paint code located in the engine compartment?

Under the Hood or Engine Compartment
Another common place to find paint codes is within the engine compartment. Check the firewall, strut towers, or radiator support for a sticker or plate with the paint code.

Where do I find the paint code on my vehicle?

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 the VIN number tell me the color?

No, you cannot get the paint code directly from the VIN, as the VIN does not contain the paint code itself. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting a car dealer, using online VIN lookup tools, or by checking the vehicle's information sticker where the paint code is listed, typically on the door jamb, trunk, or engine compartment. 
How to find your paint code

• Check the vehicle's information sticker: This is the most direct way to find the code. Look for a sticker in the locations mentioned above. The code is often a three or four-character alphanumeric code. 
• Contact the dealership: Dealerships have access to manufacturer databases and can provide your exact paint code by using your VIN. 
• Use an online VIN lookup tool: Many websites offer tools where you can enter your VIN to find your vehicle's paint code. 
• Consult your owner's manual or service history: The paint code may be listed in your vehicle's owner's manual or in its service history records.