The VIN itself doesn't contain the paint code, so no free VIN decoder can show it. The code is printed on a label on the car, most often in the driver-side door jamb, and a dealer's parts department can look up the original color from your VIN.
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Does the VIN contain the paint code?
No. The 17 characters cover the maker, model, engine, model year, plant and serial number. Color is an option recorded in the maker's build data, which is linked to the VIN but isn't part of it. That's why sites that promise a "paint code by VIN" either send you to a dealer or sell a build-sheet report.
Where the paint code label is, by make
| Make | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Toyota, Lexus | Driver door jamb label, marked "C/TR" (color / trim) |
| Honda, Acura | Driver door jamb label |
| Ford, Lincoln | Driver door jamb certification label, marked "EXT PNT" |
| Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac | "Service Parts Identification" label in the glove box, center console or trunk; paint codes often start with WA or U |
| Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram | Driver door jamb label; codes are usually 3 characters starting with P (e.g. PW7) |
| Nissan, Infiniti | Driver door jamb label, marked "COLOR" |
| Hyundai, Kia | Driver door jamb label, marked "PAINT" or "EXT" |
| Mazda | Driver door jamb label |
| Subaru | Vehicle ID plate under the hood or the driver door jamb |
| Volkswagen, Audi | Vehicle data sticker in the trunk, often near the spare wheel, or in the service booklet |
| BMW, MINI | Driver door jamb or a plate under the hood near the strut tower |
| Mercedes-Benz | Driver door jamb (B-pillar) or a label under the hood |
Getting the paint code from a dealer with your VIN
- Find your VIN on the dashboard or registration (see where to find the VIN).
- Call or visit the parts department of a dealer for your make and give them the VIN.
- Ask for the exterior paint code and name, and write both down: touch-up paint is sold by code.
FAQ
Can you get a paint code from a VIN?
Not by decoding it: the paint code isn't one of the 17 characters. A dealer's parts department can look up the original color from the VIN in the maker's build records.
Where is the paint code on my car?
Usually on a label in the driver-side door jamb. GM vehicles keep it on a parts label in the glove box or trunk, and Volkswagen and Audi on a data sticker in the trunk.
Why does my paint not match the code exactly?
Paint fades and varies slightly between batches and plants, so body shops blend new paint into neighboring panels rather than relying on the code alone.