Start with the label
Your paint code is usually printed on a factory sticker, plate, or certification label somewhere on the vehicle.
Step-by-step paint code guide
How to find your vehicle paint code without guessing.
Find the factory label, read the right code, and verify the color before ordering touch-up paint, spray paint, or pre-painted parts.
Paint code locations vary by manufacturer, model year, region, and vehicle history. Use this guide to find the code, then verify it before buying or applying paint.
What to look for
VIN1HGCM82633A004352
MODELSEDAN
C/TR040 / FA20
EXT PNTWA8555
The paint code is usually near a label
Look beside paint-related labels such as PNT, PAINT, COLOR, EXT, EXT PNT, C/TR, BC/CC, or manufacturer-specific markings.
Do not match by color name
Names like white, black, silver, and blue are too broad. The paint code is the safer reference for matching paint.
Verify before applying
Confirm the code if the label is unclear, missing, damaged, or the vehicle may have been repainted.
Step-by-step
The right order to find your paint code
Work through these steps before guessing from a color name, photo, swatch, or online listing.
01
Start at the driver-side door jamb
Open the driver door and inspect the pillar, latch area, door edge, and lower jamb. This is the fastest first check on many vehicles.
02
Find the paint-related label
Do not copy the first number you see. Scan for labels like PNT, PAINT, COLOR, EXT, EXT PNT, C/TR, BC/CC, or similar wording.
03
Copy the code exactly
Paint codes can include letters, numbers, spaces, dashes, prefixes, and suffixes. Copy the full code exactly as printed.
04
Verify before buying paint
Confirm the code, year, make, model, trim, finish type, and repaint history before ordering touch-up paint or painted parts.
Common locations
Where to check first
There is no single universal paint code location. Start with the driver-side door jamb, then move through the most common backup locations.
Browse Paint Code Locations✓
Driver-side door jamb
Start here first. Check the pillar, door edge, lower jamb, and latch area for the factory label.
✓
Passenger-side door jamb
Some vehicles place the certification or paint label on the passenger-side pillar or door edge.
✓
Glove box
Look on the inside walls, back panel, and glove box door. Some labels are small and easy to miss.
✓
Trunk or spare tire area
Check under the trunk floor, near the spare tire, on side trim panels, or inside the rear storage area.
✓
Under the hood
Look around the radiator support, firewall, inner fenders, hood underside, and strut towers.
✓
Rear hatch or cargo area
SUVs, hatchbacks, vans, and wagons may place paint information near rear panels or storage trim.
Label keywords
Do not copy the wrong number from the label
Factory labels often include VIN data, trim codes, barcodes, weight ratings, and manufacturing information. The paint code is usually near a paint-related word or abbreviation.
PNTPAINTCOLORCOLOUREXTEXT PNTC/TRBC/CCWA
Paint code examples
These are example formats only. Your actual vehicle code may look different depending on the manufacturer.
Toyota styleC/TR: 040/FA20
Honda styleNH-731P
GM styleWA8555
Ford styleEXT PNT: YZ
Before you buy paint
Finding the code does not guarantee a perfect match.
The paint code is the correct starting point, but age, sun exposure, repairs, repainting, finish type, and application method can still affect the final result.
The label is missing or damaged
Check the backup locations, then contact a dealer, paint supplier, or body shop with your VIN and vehicle details.
The vehicle was repainted
The original factory code may no longer match the current finish. A custom match from a painted part may be safer.
The vehicle has two-tone paint
Two-tone vehicles may use more than one exterior color. Confirm which code applies to the panel you plan to repair.
The finish is pearl, metallic, or tri-coat
Special finishes may need more than a single paint layer. Confirm the full paint system before ordering materials.
Paint code vs VIN
Use the VIN as backup, not your first paint match.
A VIN can help identify vehicle build details, and some dealers or suppliers may use it to research paint information. But the factory paint label is still the better first source when it is available.
Best practice
Find the factory label first. Use the VIN if the label is missing, damaged, unreadable, or needs dealer or supplier verification.
Verify before ordering
Before buying paint or painted parts, confirm these details.
✓
Check the factory label directly on the vehicle.
✓
Copy the paint code exactly as printed.
✓
Confirm the year, make, model, trim, and finish type.
✓
Check whether the vehicle has been repainted or repaired.
✓
Test paint in a small area before applying it broadly.
Next step
Still not sure where your paint code is?
Use the make-specific location guide next. Different manufacturers place labels in different areas and use different paint code formats.
FAQ
FAQs about finding your vehicle paint code
These questions focus on finding the factory label, reading the paint code correctly, and avoiding a bad paint match.
Where is the first place to look for a vehicle paint code?
Start with the driver-side door jamb. Open the driver door and check the pillar, latch area, lower jamb, and door edge for a factory sticker or certification label.
What words or abbreviations should I look for on the label?
Look for paint-related labels such as PNT, PAINT, COLOR, COLOUR, EXT, EXT PNT, C/TR, BC/CC, WA, or manufacturer-specific paint markers near a short letter-number code.
What does a vehicle paint code look like?
A vehicle paint code is usually a short combination of letters and numbers. Example formats include 040, NH-731P, WA8555, YZ, or C/TR: 040/FA20, depending on the manufacturer.
Is the paint code the same as the color name?
No. A color name like white, silver, black, or blue is not precise enough for matching paint. The paint code is the safer reference because it points to a specific factory paint formula.
Can I use my VIN instead of finding the paint code label?
A VIN can help a dealer, supplier, or body shop verify vehicle build details, but the factory paint label is still the best first source when it is available and readable.
What if the paint code label is missing?
Check the passenger-side door jamb, glove box, trunk, spare tire area, radiator support, firewall, hood underside, and strut towers. If you still cannot find it, contact a dealer, paint supplier, or body shop with your VIN.
What if my vehicle has been repainted?
If the vehicle has been repainted, the factory paint code may not match the current finish. A body shop or paint supplier may need to custom-match the paint from a painted part.
Should I test paint before applying it to the vehicle?
Yes. Even with the correct code, paint appearance can be affected by fading, sun exposure, repairs, finish type, and application method. Always test before applying paint to a visible area.
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.