Where in the VIN is the paint code?

In most cases, there is no paint color code embedded in the VIN; you can't reliably read color from the VIN itself. The paint code is stored separately and is usually found on a vehicle data plate or in the factory build documentation. If you need color for a repair, check the physical labels on the car or use official VIN lookups from the manufacturer.

What the VIN encodes—and why color isn’t standardized

The 17-character VIN is divided into sections: WMI (positions 1–3), VDS (positions 4–8), the check digit (position 9), model year (position 10), plant (position 11), and the serial number (positions 12–17). Those fields describe manufacturing details and vehicle attributes, not the exterior color. There is no universal standard that places a paint color code inside the VIN, though some brands have used internal or non-standard codes in their documentation. Relying on the VIN alone for the exact paint color is not advisable.

Where to find the actual paint code

To locate the color code, refer to these common sources:

• Door jamb sticker (driver’s side): often lists exterior color and a corresponding color code.


• Monroney/window sticker: factory label that may show the exterior color code.


• Build sheet or production paperwork: factory documentation frequently includes the color code.


• Manufacturer portal or dealership lookup: using the VIN to retrieve official color data from the manufacturer.


• Owner’s manual or service records: occasionally note the color code.

Concluding: If the color code can’t be read from the car’s labels, contact a dealer or use an official VIN lookup to confirm the precise paint code needed for matching.

Brand-specific notes

Some brands historically used non-standard internal codes that might resemble color or trim data, but this practice is not consistent across all makes or model years. For accurate color matching, rely on the door/window stickers or official VIN-based color data from the manufacturer.

Summary

Bottom line: The paint color is not standardized or reliably extractable from the VIN itself. For the exact exterior color code, use the vehicle’s labels (door jamb or window sticker) or an official VIN lookup from the manufacturer to ensure accurate color matching for repairs or repainting.

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.

What part of the VIN number is the paint code?

No part of a VIN directly contains the paint code, but the VIN can be used to look up the code. You can find the actual paint code on a sticker or plate located in places like the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk. Alternatively, your dealer or some online tools can use the VIN to find the specific paint code for your car. 
How to find your paint code

• Check the vehicle: Look for a sticker or plate with a paint code, usually labeled "Ext Pt." or "C.". Common locations include: 
  • Driver's side door jamb 
  • Under the hood 
  • Inside the trunk or spare tire well 
  • On the firewall 
• Use the VIN to look up the code: 
  • Contact your dealership: Provide the VIN to the dealership, and they can look up the correct paint code for you. 
  • Use online tools: Some websites offer VIN lookup tools that can provide the paint code. 
• Check other sources:
  • Owner's manual: The paint code may be listed in your owner's manual. 
  • Service history: If you have service records, the paint code might be included there. 

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. 

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.