Find the label
Start with the driver-side door jamb, then check backup locations like the glove box, trunk, spare tire area, and under the hood.
Vehicle paint code lookup guides
Find your vehicle paint code before buying the wrong paint.
Find where to check, what the factory label looks like, and how to verify the right code before ordering touch-up paint, spray paint, or pre-painted parts.
Start with the factory paint label. Use your VIN as a backup if the label is missing, damaged, or unclear.
Example factory label
VIN1HGCM82633A004352
MODELSEDAN
C/TR040 / FA20
EXT PNTWA8555
What you are looking for
Paint codes are usually short letter-number combinations near labels like PNT, PAINT, COLOR, EXT, C/TR, or exterior paint.
Read the right code
Factory labels can include VINs, trim codes, barcodes, and weight ratings. Look for paint-related wording before copying a code.
Verify before buying
Confirm the code before ordering touch-up paint, pre-painted parts, spray paint, or repair materials.
Start here
The fastest places to check first
Paint code labels are not in the same place on every vehicle, but these areas solve many searches before you need to call a dealer or body shop.
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Driver-side door jamb
Check for a factory sticker, plate, service label, or certification label with paint-related abbreviations.
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Passenger-side door jamb
Check for a factory sticker, plate, service label, or certification label with paint-related abbreviations.
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Glove box
Check for a factory sticker, plate, service label, or certification label with paint-related abbreviations.
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Trunk or spare tire area
Check for a factory sticker, plate, service label, or certification label with paint-related abbreviations.
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Under the hood
Check for a factory sticker, plate, service label, or certification label with paint-related abbreviations.
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Radiator support
Check for a factory sticker, plate, service label, or certification label with paint-related abbreviations.
Browse by make
Different brands hide paint codes in different places.
Toyota, Ford, GM, Volkswagen, BMW, Honda, and other manufacturers use different label formats and common locations. Start with your make to narrow the search.
View Paint Code LocationsPaint code basics
Do not order paint by color name alone.
A name like white, black, silver, gray, or blue is too broad for a reliable match. The paint code is the factory reference that gives you a better starting point.
Even then, fading, repainting, repairs, metallic flakes, pearl finishes, and application method can affect how the final color looks.
What Is a Paint Code?Before ordering paint, confirm:
- The paint code is copied exactly from the label.
- The vehicle year, make, model, and trim are correct.
- The finish type is understood, such as solid, metallic, pearl, tri-coat, or two-tone.
- The vehicle has not been repainted or repaired with a non-factory color.
VIN lookup
Can you find a paint code by VIN?
Sometimes a dealer, parts supplier, paint vendor, or body shop can use your VIN to help verify vehicle build details. But for most drivers, the best first step is still to check the factory paint label on the vehicle.
Use the VIN as backup if the label is missing, damaged, unreadable, or needs professional verification.
Learn About VIN Paint Code LookupBuild your match with confidence
Find the code first. Verify it before buying.
VehiclePaintCodes.com is a practical reference for paint code locations, label examples, VIN lookup limits, and make-specific guides.
Paint code accuracy disclaimer
VehiclePaintCodes.com provides general paint code location guidance and reference information only. Paint codes, labels, color names, and formulas can vary by manufacturer, model year, trim, region, prior repairs, fading, repainting, and two-tone or specialty finishes. Always verify your paint code with the vehicle’s factory label, manufacturer, dealer, paint supplier, or qualified body shop before ordering or applying paint.
We are not responsible for mismatched paint, repair costs, application errors, property damage, vehicle damage, or other losses resulting from use of the information on this site.