Where is the factory paint code?

The factory paint code is typically found on the vehicle itself, usually on a label or plate near the driver’s door jamb. It’s a short alphanumeric string used by manufacturers to reproduce the exact color.

The code identifies the precise color your car was painted at the factory and is essential for touch-ups or full-color repainting. Exact locations vary by make and model, but several spots are commonly used across brands.

Where to look on a car

To start, check the most accessible areas first. The following spots cover the majority of passenger cars and light trucks sold today.

• Driver’s-side door jamb label (the most common location). This sticker, located on the B-pillar or the edge of the door frame, lists the paint code along with other vehicle specifications.


• Inside the driver’s door edge or near the hinge area. Some models place the code in this location rather than on the main jamb sticker.


• Glove box or engine bay labels. If it isn’t on the door, look for a label inside the dashboard area or under the hood on the radiator support.


• Trunk lid or spare tire well. A label may be attached in the trunk area or beneath the spare wheel cover in some vehicles.


• Factory window sticker (Monroney label) in some markets. On new cars, the color code can appear on the original window sticker, though it isn’t universal.

Concluding paragraph: If you still can’t locate the paint code after checking these spots, consult your owner's manual for guidance, contact the dealership’s service department, or provide your VIN to a manufacturer portal or paint supplier to retrieve the exact code.

Reading and using the paint code

Once you’ve found the code, use it to ensure accurate color matching for touch-ups, repaints, or when ordering spray cans from a supplier.

1. Verify the format. Most paint codes are a short alphanumeric string (commonly 2–3 characters, occasionally longer). Some brands use additional letters to denote finishes or trim options.


2. Provide the exact code when ordering paint. Give the code to the dealer, body shop, or auto paint supplier to match the factory color precisely for your year and model.


3. Account for finishes. Metallic, pearl, or matte finishes may require supplementary sub-codes or options beyond the base color code to reproduce the finish accurately.


4. Ask for the full repaint package. In many cases you’ll need base color plus clear coat specification and solvent information to achieve a seamless repair.


5. Keep the code with the vehicle records. Recording the paint code alongside the VIN helps future owners or service providers match color correctly.

Concluding paragraph: With the correct paint code in hand, you can pursue a precise color match, whether for a small touch-up or a full repaint, minimizing the risk of a visible mismatch.

Brand-specific quirks

Some brands place the color code in less obvious places or use different labeling conventions. For example, certain European cars may hide the code on a radiator-support tag or within a trunk label, while some Japanese brands favor the B-pillar label. When in doubt, asking the dealership or checking the model-year-specific service portal can save time.

Summary

The factory paint code is a small but vital identifier located on the vehicle’s body labels—most often the driver’s door jamb sticker, but it can also appear in the glove box, engine bay, trunk, or on the window sticker. If you can’t find it, use the VIN to request the exact color code from a dealer or paint supplier, and use that code to order color-matched paint. Keeping a record of the paint code helps ensure consistent color across future touch-ups or repairs.

How do I find out the paint code?

Your car paint code can be found in various locations depending on the make and model – often inside the driver's door frame, under the bonnet, or in the boot area.

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 the 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. 

How do I find my factory paint code?

Driver's door label
Along with the VIN and important information like GVWR, it often has the vehicle paint code printed on it.