Where can I find the paint color on my car?

Your car’s paint color code is usually a short alphanumeric string printed on a sticker or plate near the driver’s door. If you can’t find it there, your VIN or the dealer’s database can reveal the exact color. This guide walks you through the common locations, how to read the code, and what to do if the label isn’t obvious.

Common exterior label locations

These exterior spots are the most likely places manufacturers print the paint code. Start with the driver’s door area and scan nearby surfaces for a small sticker or plate labeled Paint Code or Color Code.

• Driver-side door jamb or door edge label near the latch


• Other door jambs or door edges on some models


• Inside the trunk lid or spare tire well where a small sticker is placed


• Under the hood on the radiator support or inner fender panel


• Fuel filler door label (less common, varies by brand)

When you locate the label, look for terms such as “Paint,” “Color Code,” “C/TR,” or “PNT” followed by a short code.

Other reliable ways to locate the code

If exterior labels aren’t accessible or legible, try these routes. They often yield the exact color code or at least the color name used by the manufacturer.

• Use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) with the manufacturer’s website or a dealer database. Entering the VIN can pull up the build spec, including the paint code.


• Check the original window sticker (Monroney sticker) from when the car was new. It lists color options and may include the paint code or its official color name.


• Contact a local dealer or the manufacturer’s customer service with your VIN; they can retrieve the color code from your vehicle’s build data.


• Consult reputable third-party color databases or body shops, but verify the code against the manufacturer’s list for accuracy.

When using VIN-based lookups, keep in mind that some databases show the color name rather than the precise code, so confirming the exact code with the dealer is wise if you need a perfect color match.

Reading and using the color code

Understanding the code helps you order the right mix for repainting or finding an exact match at a shop. Here is how to approach it:

What the color code looks like

Most color codes are a short alphanumeric string, typically 2 to 4 characters long. Formats vary by manufacturer and may include letters, digits, or a combination. The code is the manufacturer’s internal reference, not always the human color name.

How to use the code when ordering paint

Use the code to locate the official color chart for your make and year, which confirms the exact color family and finish (solid, metallic, pearl, etc.). When ordering, provide the code along with the desired finish and the vehicle’s year, make, and model. If possible, also share the color name as a cross-check.

What to do if you still can’t find the color code

If all else fails, the most reliable route is to contact the dealership or the manufacturer with your VIN. They can pull the exact paint specification from the vehicle’s build data, ensuring you get the correct match for repairs or a full respray.

Summary

The driver’s door jamb area is the most common spot to find the paint color code, but many vehicles also place labels under the hood, in the trunk, or on the fuel filler door. If labels are unavailable, use the VIN to query the dealer or manufacturer databases, or check the original window sticker. The code is a short alphanumeric string used with official color charts to ensure accurate color matching when painting or ordering touch-up supplies. Verifying the code with a dealer is the safest way to guarantee an exact match.

Can I find my paint color by VIN?

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 do I find the exact paint color of my car?

To find your car's color, check the driver's side door jamb for a sticker that often has a paint code. Other common locations include under the hood or the window sticker. If you can't find the code, provide your VIN to the car dealership or check an online VIN lookup tool. 
This video shows how to find the paint code on your car: 45sAuto V Fix YouTube · Mar 1, 2024
Where to look on your car

• Driver's door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a label or sticker on the door frame or the pillar where the door latches. This is the most common location. 
• Under the hood: Look for a sticker or placard under the hood that may contain the paint code. 
• Window sticker: The original window sticker from when the car was new often lists the paint code. 
• Other possible locations: Some manufacturers may place the code in the glove box, trunk, or owner's manual. 
• Owner's manual: The owner's manual is another place to check for the paint code. 

What to do if you can't find the code

• Contact the dealership: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a dealership, and they can look up the exact color code for you.
• Use online tools: Some online resources can provide the color code using your VIN, but not all online VIN lookup tools have this information. 

Can a dealership find the paint code?

It's possible. How do you find the paint code for your car with the VIN? Reach out to your local dealership and ask them if they can look up the paint code in their database with the VIN. Certain websites also provide this service.

Where can I find paint color for my car?

Simply find your car's paint code, which is usually located in the vehicle's door jamb or engine bay manufacturer plate, and bring it into Autobarn. Our experts will mix a custom paint to match your car's OEM factory colour, ensuring a seamless repair that restores your vehicle's original finish.