Driver's door jamb Most common
Edge of the door and pillar; white, silver or black sticker.
Find My Car Paint Code
Paint Code Finder
Find Your Vehicle's Paint Code
The paint code is the key to a perfect color match. Where to look on almost any vehicle, and how to read it.
Three steps to your paint code
A quick path from "I need paint" to the code on your vehicle.
1
Check the common spots
Door jamb first, then glove box, under the hood, trunk.
2
Look for the right label
Keywords: "PAINT", "COLOR", "EXT PNT", "C/TR", "BC/CC".
3
Note the code exactly
Photograph it and copy it character for character.
Common locations
Start with the driver's door jamb. If it is not there, work through the other spots.
Glove box
Inside door or side walls; some older vehicles carry a service parts label.
Under the hood
Radiator support, strut towers, firewall, underside of hood.
Trunk or cargo area
Under floor mat or cover, spare wheel well, side panels.
Under the seat
On or under the driver's seat; use a torch.
Other doors and paperwork
Rear door jambs; owner's manual, service booklet, build sheet.
How to read the label
The paint code sits among other numbers. Here is what to look for.
VIN1G1ZT52816F123456
MODEL1AB23
BC/CCWA8624 / FB13
TRIM192
DATE06/2024
- Look for the keyword on the label.
- Mind separators. Color and trim can be combined (example 202/FB13), and the paint code is usually the first part.
- Length varies. Watch for zero vs the letter O, and 1 vs I.
- Two-tone and multi-stage paints may show more than one code.
Find by brand
Search your manufacturer and open the card for where to look and what the label says.
No match. Try a different spelling, or check the common locations above.
Troubleshooting tips
If you still cannot find the code, try these.
Use your VIN
A dealer or manufacturer can sometimes decode the paint code from the VIN; ask the parts department.
Check the paperwork
The original build sheet, window sticker, service booklet or owner's manual often lists the paint code.
Know the color name
If you only have the color name, it can narrow the search; the code is still needed for an exact match.
Faded or resprayed car
If the car was repainted, the original code may not match; a color match from a sample may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a paint code?
A short alphanumeric code the manufacturer assigns to a specific color. It identifies the exact formula used at the factory.
Is the paint code the same as the color name?
No. The color name is descriptive (for example "Midnight Blue"). The paint code is the precise reference used to mix the paint.
Can I find my paint code from the VIN?
Sometimes. A dealer or manufacturer can often decode it from the VIN. It is still best to confirm against the label on the vehicle.
Why does my car have two codes?
Two-tone and multi-stage finishes use more than one code, for example a base color plus a clear or accent color.
Will my paint match perfectly after years in the sun?
Color fades and shifts over time, so a fresh mix may differ slightly.
Does the code work worldwide?
The code identifies the color formula, which is used globally. Local naming and availability can vary by market.
Locations and label wording vary by model, market and year. This guide is general; verify against your vehicle.