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Where can I find my Toyota car paint code?

If you need to touch up or repaint your Toyota, the color code is your quickest path to an exact match. The paint code is usually printed on a small label in a few common spots on the car. This guide explains where to look and how to use the code effectively.


Common locations to check


Start with the places most manufacturers use for paint codes. Look for a label that mentions color, paint, or code.



  • Driver-side door jamb sticker: The most reliable and frequently used location. Open the driver's door and inspect the door frame for a small plate or sticker that includes the paint color code (often labeled PAINT, PNT, or COLOR CODE).

  • Glove box or door pocket: Some models place the color code on a label inside the glove box or the pocket on the passenger door.

  • Trunk area: For certain sedans and hatchbacks, the trunk lid interior or side panels near the hinge can carry the code.

  • Engine bay/radiator support: In some models, a sticker or plate attached to the radiator support or inner fender wall near the front may include the paint code.

  • Door edge or fender apron: A few configurations place the code along the edge of a door or on the fender apron near the wheel well.


If you still can’t locate it after checking these spots, try another location on your vehicle that corresponds to the same generation and body style, or contact a Toyota dealer for confirmation.


How to read and use the paint code


Once you locate the code, use it to order touch-up paint or have a shop mix color precisely. Toyota color codes are typically short alphanumeric strings, and some models may have separate codes for two-tone or metallic finishes.



  1. Identify the code exactly as it appears on the sticker or plate. Copy it carefully, including letters and numbers.

  2. Determine whether the code refers to the main body color or a secondary color (some two-tone cars list two codes). If there are two codes, note both.

  3. Use the code to match paint at a dealer, body shop, or reputable automotive paint supplier. Provide the code, vehicle year, model, and trim to ensure the best match.

  4. For finishes like metallic or pearl, be aware that some additional finish suffixes may accompany the base code. Confirm finish type with the supplier if you’re ordering touch-up paint.


In practice, the paint code is essential for an accurate color match. If you’re unsure about the finish or have a two-tone color, show the code(s) to the shop or consult Toyota’s official resources for clarification.


Resources and getting help


If locating the code is difficult, these options can help you verify the color precisely or obtain the code from authoritative sources.



  • Ask a Toyota dealership or authorized service center. Provide your VIN and model year; they can pull the exact paint code from manufacturer records.

  • Use the Toyota Owner portal or mobile app. Some vehicles display color information tied to the VIN in official documents.

  • Visit reputable automotive paint suppliers or reputable online databases. Bring the vehicle’s make, model, year, and any known color family to narrow the match.


With the correct code, you’ll improve the chances of achieving a seamless repair or touch-up that matches the original factory finish.


Summary


Most Toyota paint codes live on a small label in or near the driver’s door jamb, but they can also appear in the glove box, trunk, or engine bay. When you find the code, use it to source exact-match paint and inform the shop about any two-tone finishes or special effects. If you cannot locate the code on the car itself, a Toyota dealer or the official owner resources can retrieve it using your VIN.

What does a Toyota paint code look like?


Toyota paint names
The paint code is typically a combination of 3 numbers, with sometimes a letter too like: 040. 8X2.



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 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.