Instant VIN Reports
How to Find Car Paint Code by VIN
Input your VIN to quickly and accurately discover your car’s original color and paint type. This tool ensures precise matching for any touch-up or repaint job, preserving your vehicle’s resale value and its original charm.
Can You Find Paint Code by VIN?
While a window sticker lookup by VIN can reveal the car paint color (exterior and interior) and the paint type (e.g. clear coat), it doesn’t provide the precise paint code.
What is Car Paint Code?
A car paint code is a unique identifier for a vehicle’s exact paint color and finish, crucial for repairs, modifications, or classic car restorations. This code is usually located on a label inside the car, such as the driver’s door jamb or glove compartment.
How to Get Your Car’s Paint Code by VIN Number
Paint codes by VIN are unique identifiers that match your car’s original paint color. Follow these simple steps to find yours:
- Locate your 17-digit VIN on the car or its documents.
- Enter the VIN into the form above.
- Generate the vehicle window sticker to access the original paint colors.
- Match the paint colors to your car’s exact shade.
How to Get Your Car’s Paint Code by VIN Number
The paint code can usually be found on labels located in the door jamb or radiator support areas of your vehicle. Some manufacturers also used to explain in the owner’s manual where to locate the paint code. If this doesn’t work, you can call your dealership to help find your paint code by VIN number.
Driver door sticker
Typically found on the driver’s side door frame, check for a label with paint code details. Car manufacturers that utilize this location include Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volvo.
Radiator support
Look under the hood near the radiator support. Labels here often list the paint code. Car manufacturers that utilize this location include BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, and Volvo.
Glove box
You can find the code inside the glove box, either on the door or within the box interior. You may need to remove the items inside to view the paint code. Manufacturers that utilize this location include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Isuzu, and Suzuki.
The trunk
The sticker may be under the deck lid, inside the rear compartment, spare tire cover, or even on the wheel housing. Manufacturers that utilize this position include Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen.
Inside the wheel well
Check for a sticker inside all wheel wells. While some brands use the front passenger, others the rear driver’s side, so it’s best to check all of them. Manufacturers that may use this location include Buick, Cadillac.
On the floor
A tricky one! Look on the floor behind the back passenger’s seat or under the front seats. Manufacturers who use this location include Chevrolet, Chrysler, GMC.
Window Sticker to Get Paint Color by VIN
On how to find car paint code, a window sticker can help provide a detailed summary of your vehicle, including its original paint color, interior colors, paint type and comprehensive car features, including MSRP, warranties, and fuel economy. It’s a comprehensive tool for precise customization or repairs.
Understanding Paint Codes
Paint codes are sequences of letters and numbers that ensure an exact match to your car’s original paint. They help in achieving seamless repairs and customizations while maintaining authenticity.
Paint Color Code Formats
Paint codes combine letters and numbers to denote the color family and specific shade. For example, “AX123” might indicate a metallic red with a specific finish, ensuring precise matches for repairs or updates.
What are the Uses of Vehicle Paint Codes?
Accurate Color Match
VIN-based paint codes help you to match your car’s original color when you need to cover up scratches, preserving its appearance.
Resale Value Impact
Maintaining the original paint color through precise touch-ups helps protect the vehicle’s resale value.
Customization Precision
Touch up paint by VIN enables accurate color selection for customizations, ensuring a flawless finish.
Restoration Projects
If you are doing a restoration project, be it for modern cars or classic cars, knowing their exact paint code helps to ensure accuracy in the final results.
What Type of Vehicle Do We Cover?
Our car color by VIN tool provides window stickers for a wide range of vehicles:
- Cars
- Classic Cars
- Motorcycles
- Heavy Duty Trucks
- RV & Trailer
Paint Code Formats For Different Car Makes
Can you recognize a paint code if you’ve found it? Just like the locations differ for many manufacturers, the paint code format also differs greatly. Here are formats for some popular car brands:
Car Makes and Paint Code Formats
| Car Make | Paint Code Format |
|---|---|
| Acura, Mitsubishi | NH-XXXX |
| Audi, Volkswagen | Two to four digits with numbers and/or letters |
| BMW | Three numbers |
| Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer | Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three-digit number and letter combination |
| Chrysler, Dodge | Starts with P, Q, G, or T, three digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT. |
| Ford, Hyundai, Kia | Two digits with numbers and/or letters |
| Honda | NHXXXX or YRXXXXX |
| Infiniti | Three digits with numbers and/or letters, may include a fourth digit after a space |
| Isuzu | Three digits with numbers |
| Jeep | Starts with P, Q, G, or T, three digits with letters and numbers. Older models may have two digits. May be prefaced by PNT. |
| Lexus, Toyota | Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR |
| Lincoln | Two digits with numbers and/or letters |
| Mazda | Two or three digits with numbers and/or letters |
| Mercedes Benz | DB-XXX |
| Mini, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki | Three digits with numbers and/or letters |
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not all decoders include paint codes. Our VIN Decoder provides access to the window sticker by VIN which provides information about a car paint information for accurate results.
Use the code to confirm the color matches for touch-ups or customizations with a trusted auto-paint provider.
Check your vehicle documents or look for the VIN on the dashboard or door jamb.
Yes, you can often find color details through a VIN-based report. For the most accurate results, obtain your car’s original Window Sticker by VIN lookup.