Find your car’s paint code fast. Decode the VIN below to confirm the exact year, make and model, then use the guide to find the paint code label on your vehicle.
Is the paint code in the VIN?
No. The 17-character VIN doesn’t contain the paint code. But the VIN tells you the exact year, make and model, which you need to find the right code and order matching paint. The paint code itself is printed on a label on the car and on the original window sticker or build sheet.
Where to find the paint code by brand
| Brand | Where to look | What the code looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Ford / Lincoln | Driver’s door frame label, marked EXT PNT | Two characters, e.g. UA, YZ, J7 |
| Chevrolet / GMC / Buick / Cadillac | Glovebox SPID label (marked BC/CC or WA) or door frame | WA plus numbers, or a letter-number code, e.g. GAZ |
| Toyota / Lexus | Driver’s door frame label, marked C/TR | Three characters, e.g. 218, 1F7, 3R3 |
| Honda / Acura | Driver’s door frame label | Letters and numbers, e.g. NH883P |
| Jeep / Ram / Dodge / Chrysler | Driver’s door frame label, marked PAINT | Three characters starting with P, e.g. PW7, PXR |
| Nissan / Infiniti | Driver’s door frame label, marked COLOR | Three characters, e.g. KAD |
| Hyundai / Kia | Driver’s door frame label, marked PAINT or EXT | Two or three characters |
How to find your paint code by VIN
- Decode the VIN above to confirm the year, make and model.
- Check the label inside the driver’s door frame (or the glovebox on GM vehicles).
- If the label is missing, ask a dealer for that brand: they can look up the factory paint code from the VIN.
- Use the code to order touch-up paint that matches exactly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get my paint code from the VIN for free?
A dealer for your car’s brand can usually look it up from the VIN at no cost. The label on the car is the fastest free option.
Is the color name enough to order paint?
Not always. One color name can cover several shades across years. The paint code is exact.
Why does my car have two paint codes?
Two-tone vehicles, or cars with a different roof or trim color, can list more than one code.