How to Find Your Car Paint Code

What Is a Car Paint Code?

A car paint code is a unique identifier that tells you the exact color of your vehicle. Manufacturers assign these codes to ensure perfect color matching for paint repairs, touch-ups, or full repaints.

Common Locations to Find Your Car Paint Code

1. Driver’s Side Door Jamb
   • Open the driver’s door and look at the area where the door latches.
   • You’ll often find a label or sticker that includes the paint code, along with the VIN and other vehicle information.
2. Under the Hood
   • Look for a metal plate or sticker on the firewall, strut tower, or the underside of the hood.
   • Some manufacturers place paint codes near the engine bay.
3. Glove Compartment
   • Certain vehicles, especially GM cars, have a service parts identification label inside the glove box.
4. Trunk or Spare Tire Area
   • Check inside the trunk lid or under the carpet where the spare tire is stored.
   • You may find a sticker that lists the paint code there.
5. Owner’s Manual or Dealer Resources
   • Sometimes, the owner’s manual mentions the location of the paint code.
   • If you can’t find it physically, your dealer can look it up using your VIN number.

How to Read a Paint Code

• Paint codes can be a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., NH-830M, 1F7, WA8624).
• On the label, it might be called:
  • Paint Code
  • Color Code
  • C/TR (Color/Trim Code) (common on Toyota)
  • EXT PNT (Exterior Paint) (common on Ford)

What to Do Once You Have the Paint Code

• Use the code to order touch-up paint or spray cans.
• Provide the code to a body shop or auto parts store for accurate color matching.
• Verify the code before purchasing any paint product.

Additional Tips

✅ If you have trouble locating the code, call your vehicle manufacturer’s customer service.

✅ Many online resources allow you to search by make, model, and year to help narrow down the paint codes.

✅ Keep your VIN number handy—a dealership can look up the paint code for you.