Where Is Paint Code on Car: Locate Your Color Code

What is a car paint code and why it matters

A car paint code is a compact identifier that tells manufacturers and paint suppliers the exact color mix used on your vehicle. It is essential for touch-ups and full repaints to match the original shade, avoid mismatches, and preserve resale value. For DIY enthusiasts and auto refinishing hobbyists, knowing where to locate this code saves time and money. The question where is paint code on car becomes easier once you learn the usual spots and the typical label formats.

According to PaintQuickGuide, your best starting point is to check stickers and plates in a few reliable places, then verify any uncertain codes with the dealer or manufacturer. Codes are not universal; each brand may use a different scheme, and some years blend base color with a clear coat or special finish. In practice, a single car can carry more than one code depending on the panel and trim. By understanding the purpose of the code and how it’s used, you’ll make better choices for matches, warranties, and DIY repairs.

Where to look on most cars (and what to expect)

Most cars place the paint code on stickers or plates in one or more of these locations: a driver-side door jamb sticker; a label inside the glove box or trunk lid; a panel under the hood near the radiator support; the VIN data plate located on the dash or door frame; and sometimes the lid hinge area in the trunk. The exact wording for the code varies: some brands call it “Paint code,” others “Color code” or “Exhaust color.” Expect a short alphanumeric string, often near the VIN or trim code. If you don’t see it on the primary sticker, check secondary locations noted by the owner’s manual or service booklet. Keep in mind that factory documentation or a dealer portal can confirm the correct code for your year and trim level.

The two major code formats you’ll encounter

Automakers use a couple of common formats for paint codes, and the system can differ by brand and model year. In many cars you’ll encounter a short alphanumeric color code (often two to six characters) that identifies the base color family. Some manufacturers pair this with a separate batch or finish indicator (for example, a numeric suffix after the color code) to denote the clear coat or metallic finish. A few brands use a two-part code, where the first segment indicates the base color and the second segment indicates the finish or year-specific variant. The key point: there is no universal standard across all makes, so always cross-check the code with your vehicle’s year, model, and trim in official resources or with a dealer.

Finding the code on the door jamb and VIN plate locations

Open the driver’s door and locate the sticker on the door frame or the edge of the door itself. The color code is often labeled as “Paint,” “Color,” or “Exter.” If you cannot find it here, check the sticker on the opposite door, then inspect the glove box label and the trunk lid sticker. The VIN plate, usually found on the dashboard near the windshield or in the driver’s door jamb, can also include color data or a reference code. When you locate the code, photograph it in good light from multiple angles and write down any accompanying letters that indicate the finish. If the sticker is damaged or missing, tagging the vehicle’s model year and trim helps when you verify with a dealer.

Locating paint code in the engine bay and trunk area

Some vehicles place the paint code in the engine bay, often on the radiator support, firewall, or strut tower area. In the trunk, look under the trunk lid itself, on the spare wheel cover, or on a panel near the latch. These spots are common on older models or luxury brands where space on the door jamb is limited. Remember that not all cars carry the code in these locations, so use them as secondary checks after inspecting the door jamb, glove box, and VIN plate. If you do find the code, capture a clear photo to prevent misreading later.

Understanding color mix vs manufacturer codes

A paint code generally identifies the color mix used by the manufacturer and is not a consumer-friendly shade name. The code helps suppliers reproduce an exact color, taking into account the base color, metallics or pearlescent additives, and the clear coat. The shade you see in daylight can still vary due to lighting, aging finishes, or panel repainting. For DIY touch-ups, the code enables ordering factory-matched paint or using a reputable color-matching service. Always verify that the finish level (solid, metallic, pearl, or matte) matches your original work surface.

How to read the code: digits, letters, and what they mean

Most paint codes combine letters indicating the color family with numeric or alphanumeric sequences that specify shade, finish, or batch. A typical example might be a two-letter prefix followed by digits (e.g., AB123) or a longer string with a mix of letters and numbers. The exact mapping varies by brand and year. Rather than attempting to decode every character from memory, use the code to request an OEM match or consult official documentation. If the code seems opaque, contact a dealer or auto body shop for a precise interpretation.

What to do if the code is faded or missing

If the label is partially faded or damaged, inspect adjacent panels or consult the owner’s manual or service records for the color code. You can also contact the dealership with the VIN, model year, and trim, or access manufacturer portals that host paint data for your exact vehicle. In many cases, staff can pull a code from the vehicle build sheet. As a backup, order a color sample from a reputable paint supplier and compare against a small test panel under natural lighting.

Using the code for matching paint and ordering the correct formula

With a confirmed code, order an OEM-matched paint or a high-quality aftermarket formula that specifies the exact color and finish. Confirm the finish type (solid, metallic, pearl, or diamond) and the base type (enamel, acrylic, or urethane). Always request a chip or spray-out panel before committing full orders, and verify the batch and store compatibility with your vehicle’s year and trim. A correct match reduces blending work and ensures a seamless repair.

Final checks: verifying color match and documenting the code for future reference

Before you paint, perform a test spray on a discreet panel to verify the shade under different lighting. Record the code in a dedicated paint log with date, vehicle details, and panel tested. Store digital copies and physical labels in a central folder for future touch-ups. The PaintQuickGuide team recommends keeping a copy of the paint code with your vehicle documents and service receipts for easy reference during repairs or resale.