Where is my paint code located?

The paint code for your vehicle is typically located in multiple places, including on the driver's side door jamb, the engine bay, and sometimes on the vehicle's registration or owner's manual. The paint code is a unique identifier that specifies the exact color of your car's paint, which is important for touch-up, repair, or repainting purposes.

Locating the Paint Code on Your Vehicle

The most common location for the paint code is on the driver's side door jamb. This is a small sticker or label that lists various vehicle identification numbers, including the paint code. The paint code is usually a combination of letters and numbers, such as "LZ1" or "WA8054".

Another common location for the paint code is in the engine bay, often on a sticker or label attached to the firewall or a visible component. This paint code may be in a different format, such as a 3-digit or 4-digit number.

If you can't find the paint code on the vehicle itself, check the vehicle's registration or owner's manual. The paint code may be listed there as well.

Why the Paint Code is Important

• Touch-up paint matching: The paint code ensures you can purchase the exact color of touch-up paint for minor scratches or chips.


• Repainting or respraying: If you need to repaint your entire vehicle, the paint code is essential for the body shop to mix the correct color.


• Replacement parts: When ordering replacement body panels or trim pieces, the paint code helps ensure the new parts match the existing color of your vehicle.

Knowing where to find the paint code on your vehicle can save you time and money when it comes to maintaining the appearance of your car.

Where is the paint code usually located?

Car color codes are most easily found on your vehicle information sticker, usually located on your dash, in the trunk, or inside your door jamb.

What part of my VIN is the paint code?

A vehicle's paint code is not part of the VIN number itself, but you can use the VIN to find the correct paint code. The paint code is a unique identifier for a car's specific paint color and is typically found on a sticker or metal plate in a few common locations, such as the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the owner's manual.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a vehicle, including in common locations like the door jamb: 56sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Apr 5, 2017
Where to find the paint code on your vehicle

• Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location for a sticker or plate with the paint code. 
• Under the hood: Look for a label on the firewall, radiator support, or inner strut tower. 
• Owner's manual: The code is often listed in the manual. 
• Trunk area: Check the underside of the trunk lid or inside the spare tire well. 
• Other locations: Depending on the make and model, it could be on the dashboard, B-pillar, or inside the glove box. 

How to use your VIN to find the paint code
This video explains how to use your VIN to find the paint code on a vehicle: 57sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 13, 2024

• Call your dealership: Provide the VIN to a dealership's parts department, and they can look up the exact paint code for you. 
• Use online VIN decoders: Some online tools can decode your VIN to find the paint code, though this information is often proprietary and might require a direct lookup or dealer assistance for accuracy. 

Can I find my paint code from my reg?

Yes! You can find the paint code for the vast majority of modern vehicles using the registration number. Finding the paint code for classic cars can be more challenging.

How do I find my paint code?

You can find your paint code by checking the driver's side door jamb, which is the most common location, followed by the engine compartment, or inside the glove box or trunk. The code is often a sticker or plate with a combination of letters and numbers, sometimes labeled "Paint" or "Exterior Color". 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a car's door jamb: 53sHomeowner RepairYouTube · Aug 22, 2018
Common places to check

• Driver's side door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker or plate on the door frame where it latches. This is the most frequent location for a paint code. 
• Engine compartment: Check for a sticker or plate on the firewall, strut towers, or under the hood. Some manufacturers put the code in this area. 
• Glove box or console: Some vehicles, especially GM models, place a sticker inside the glove box or a rear storage compartment. 
• Trunk: Inspect the inside of the trunk, particularly the spare tire cover or the well where the spare tire is stored. 
• Owner's manual or window sticker: The information may be listed in the owner's manual or on the original window sticker (Monroney sticker) if you have it. 

What to look for

• The code is typically a string of letters and numbers, often around 3-6 characters long. 
• Look for labels like "Paint Code," "Color Code," or "Exterior Color". 
• For some brands like Toyota, the code might appear next to "C/TR," where "C" indicates the color code. 
• For General Motors (GM), look for "BC/CC" which stands for base coat and clear coat, followed by the color code. 

This video explains how to find the paint code in the glove box: 1mPaintScratch Automotive Touch Up PaintYouTube · Apr 21, 2020
If you still can't find it

• Try a different location: Some manufacturers use less common spots. If you can't find it in the primary locations, check the other options listed above. 
• Contact a dealer or body shop: A professional can help you locate the code using your vehicle's VIN. 
• Use online resources: Some websites allow you to look up the paint code by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model.