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Where is the Chevy color code?

The color code for a Chevy is typically found on a small label attached to the vehicle, most often in the driver’s door area. If that label isn’t visible there, you’ll usually find it on the glove box, in the trunk, or on the radiator support in the engine bay. This code lets you order exact touch-up paint or a full repaint that matches the factory shade.


Common locations to find the paint color code


Chevrolet uses a few standard spots across models, years, and body styles. Start with the door area, then check secondary locations if the primary label isn’t present or legible.



  • Driver’s side door jamb placard or door edge sticker — the most common source, typically near the hinges and alongside the VIN and tire information. Look for a label that includes the word “PAINT,” “COLOR,” or “COLOR CODE.”

  • Glove box interior label — some models place the paint code on a sticker inside the glove box or on the underside of the glove box door.

  • Trunk lid area or spare tire well — certain years or body styles (especially some trucks and SUVs) place the color code in the trunk or behind the rear interior panel.

  • Engine bay radiator support plate or firewall area — on older or specific generations, a sticker in the engine compartment lists the color code.


If you still can’t locate the code after checking these spots, the dealer or GM Customer Care can pull the correct color using your VIN and model year.


How to read and use the color code


Once you’ve found the code, follow these steps to get the right paint match or for touch-ups and repairs.



  1. Record the exact code as shown on the label, including letters and numbers. Codes can be short (2–3 characters) or slightly longer depending on the year and model.

  2. Verify that the code corresponds to your vehicle’s model year and trim, since some colors change or are renamed between years.

  3. Use the code to order paint from an authorized Chevrolet/GM dealer, a GM-approved automotive paint supplier, or a reputable aftermarket shop that references GM color standards.

  4. When ordering, provide the code along with your vehicle’s year, make, model, and body style to ensure an exact shade, especially for metallics or two-tone finishes.

  5. If the label is damaged or illegible, contact the dealer with your VIN; there are official GM cross-reference resources that can confirm the correct color code for your car.


In practice, some colors require a combination of base coat and clear coat or special application steps, so specifying the exact paint type (single-stage, basecoat/clearcoat, or multi-stage) is also helpful when ordering.


Tips for tricky cases


Not all color codes are easy to read, and some limited-edition or regional colors may have unique identifiers. If your vehicle uses a two-tone or multi-color finish, you may need separate codes for the different panels or coatings used on top surfaces. In those cases, the code for the primary body color is listed on the door jamb label, while secondary colors may appear elsewhere or require a dealer lookup.


Summary: The Chevy color code is typically found on a door jamb label, with alternative placements in the glove box, trunk, or engine bay. Use the code to order exact matching paint from dealers or trusted suppliers, and verify the year and model to avoid mismatches. If in doubt, your Chevrolet dealer can confirm the correct color code using the VIN.

Where do I find my Chevy paint code?


The Chevy paint code is most commonly found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, but can also be in the glove box or under the hood. You will need to look for a "BC/CC" prefix followed by a four-digit code, or a different alphanumeric string depending on the model and year.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a Chevy Silverado 1500: 16sDirt Road Auto RepairYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Where to look

  • Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location, look for a sticker with the paint code printed on it. 
  • Glove box: On many models, the paint code is on a sticker inside the glove box, often at the bottom left, to the right of "BC/CC". 
  • Under the hood: Check the firewall, strut towers, or radiator support for a sticker or plate. 
  • Other locations: Some models may have the code on the spare tire cover, inside the trunk lid, or in the rear of the center console. 

This video shows how to find the paint code on a Chevy Equinox: 45sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · May 19, 2019
What to look for
  • The code usually starts with "BC/CC" which stands for base coat/clear coat. 
  • The actual paint code is a string of four numbers (or a combination of letters and numbers) that follows the prefix. 
  • Some stickers may use different formats or prefixes, so it's important to check the specific model's documentation if the common methods don't work. 



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 check paint code by reg?


Finding your paint code by reg is the easiest method but it's not always possible - but it's not difficult to find it in other ways. Car manufacturers generally record the original paint code of your car in the boot, under the bonnet, or inside the door jamb. The codes looks like a short list of letters and numbers.



Where can I find the factory paint code?


Not sure which shade matches your car? You can verify by matching the OEM Paint Code to find the exact color. Every vehicle has a paint color code, but it is located in different places, depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Most paint color codes are located on the door jamb of the driver's side door.


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.