How to Find Your Car Paint Code: Color ID Tag and VIN Help

Find the Right Paint Code Before You Order

A paint color code is a short group of letters and numbers, also known as the color code or paint code. It is usually printed on a sticker or metal plate called the Color ID Tag. Use this code, not the color name or an online swatch, to choose the right touch up paint.

  1. Look for the Color ID Tag. Check for a sticker or metal plate marked PAINT, PNT, COLOR, C, or EXT.
  2. Choose your vehicle brand. Use the brand guide below to see where that brand usually puts the paint label.
  3. Still can't find it? Have the year, brand, model, and VIN ready when you ask a dealer, the vehicle maker, or PaintScratch for help. The VIN identifies the vehicle, but it does not include the paint code.
  4. Check the code before ordering. Make sure the paint code you choose matches the code on your vehicle.
Off-white paint changing appearance under different lighting

Why you can't "eyeball it"

We know this car is a single, off-white color. But the image on the screen actually contains countless shades of gold, green, and purple - depending on the lighting and reflections.

Every screen displays color differently, so what you see on your phone may not match the real thing. Relying on an "eyeballed" match from a screen is a gamble that usually leads to a patchy, mismatched finish.

Color swatches from the same paint appearing different

Swatches don't match reality

In this image, each color swatch shows the exact same paint with the same Color Code. But depending on where the image was sampled, swatches may appear very different. Which one is the "right" color?

Selecting paint using Color Codes will ensure you get the right paint color, no matter what you see onscreen.

Two green paint names sharing the same color code

Different names, same color

Often, a vehicle manufacturer will just use a new name to describe an old color. If you know your color is Jade Green Metallic (Color Code: 3G), and all you see on the screen is Jasmine Green Metallic (Color Code: 3G), these are the same colors. Again, the color code is how we mix the paint, not the paint description.

Metallic and flat vehicle paint finishes

Metallic vs Flat Paint Colors

Often, the color description will help you find your color. Say the only two reds shown for your vehicle Garnet Red Metallic and Bright Red. If your vehicle has sparkly flecks of aluminum in the finish, then the Garnet Red Metallic would probably be your color. If your paint appears uniform and flat, you should select the Bright Red. For the best match, check the color code on your vehicle.

Two-tone vehicle paint colors

Two-Toned Vehicles

Two-tone vehicles usually have one "master code" covering the whole color scheme. Individual paint codes often won't appear on the vehicle, so match our descriptions to the part you are repairing. Keep in mind that some combinations include "unpainted" sections, ie. plastic trim that does not require paint. It may feel like a guessing game, but that master code is usually the factory guide to the individual colors.

What is a Color ID Tag?

Your Color ID Tag is usually a small, thick rectangular sticker or stamped metal plate. It will be packed with other manufacturing data, barcodes, and technical specs such as the VIN or vehicle weight limits.

Think of the Color ID Tag as a hidden "hello, my name is" sticker for the car's paint. When the car is built, the factory hides this special sticker somewhere safe. Its only job is to carry an important message for whoever needs to fix the paint later.

The Paint Color Code

The Color Code is the secret password printed on that sticker. It's usually a weird mix of letters and numbers, like "WA8555" or "YZ."

This code isn't a normal word; it is the exact recipe for the paint. It tells the paint-maker exactly how many drops of blue, red, or sparkly silver to mix together so the new paint matches the car perfectly.

How They Work Together

If you just look at a car, you might say, "That car is blue." But if a rock scratches the exterior, regular "blue" paint won't match the original finish.

You have to find the Color ID Tag (the sticker) to read the Color Code (the secret recipe). Once our paint technicians enter that secret recipe into our system, we can mix the exact, perfect match so the car looks brand new again!

  • Toyota paint code sticker example

    A sticker or decal with letters and numbers.

  • Subaru paint code plate example

    A metal plate with stamped or printed information.

  • Volvo paint code stamped on the vehicle body

    A code stamped directly into the body.

Identifying Your Paint Color Code

  • Look for Keywords: Scan the text for abbreviations that indicate color, such as PNT, C, COLOR, PAINT, or EXT (for exterior).
  • Find the Sequence: The code itself will generally be a short combination of two to six letters and numbers.
  • Check the Layout: This alphanumeric code is almost always located directly next to or right below the keywords, frequently near the bottom edge or lower corners of the tag.

If you are having trouble reading your Color ID Tag, click the button below and we'll help you determine your Color Code.

Help Me Find My Color

Most Common Paint Color Code Locations

  • Paint code location in the driver's side door jamb

    Driver's side door or door jamb

    The most common location. The code may be on the pillar itself, the door edge, or near the latch.

  • Paint code location in the spare tire area

    Inside the spare tire area

    Codes here are often on a paper sticker which can fall off or become damaged.

  • Paint code location on the radiator support

    Radiator support

    This is the metal bar at the very front of the engine bay, usually visible when the hood is open.

  • Paint code location inside the glove box

    Inside the glove box

    It may be on the back, sides, or door to the compartment.

  • Paint code location in the trunk or rear storage

    Trunk or rear storage

    The tag may be on the sides, seat backs, door, or floor of the rear storage. It might take some searching!

  • Paint code location in the passenger side door jamb

    Passenger side door or door jamb

    The code may be on the pillar itself, the door edge, or near the latch.

  • Paint code location on the back firewall

    Along the back firewall

    This is the wall that separates the engine from the passenger area.

  • Paint code location on the interior hood side

    Interior hood sides

    Check under the hood on the sides of the engine compartment.

  • Paint code location on the driver's side strut tower

    On top of the driver's side strut tower

    This sticker may also be on the passenger side strut tower. It may be difficult to read if covered in dirt or oil.

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PaintScratch color identification help

Expert advice and guidance

Help Me Find My Color

Not sure which color to choose? No problem. Let us know your vehicle details and our team of experts will help you find the correct paint color.

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Assorted automotive touch up paint colors

If we do not have your color

Missing Color Request

Know your Color Code but can't find matching paint? Our experts can research the formula and mix it for you, even if it's not listed on our site.

Report a missing color

Classic & Rare Colors

If your vehicle has a classic, rare, or discontinued color, standard factory formulas may not be available or may no longer match accurately due to age, fading, or prior repainting.

If your color is listed but results are uncertain:

  • Test the paint first before applying it to your vehicle.
  • If a factory formula is no longer available, a refund will be issued.

If you can't find a matching code:

  • If your paint code is missing, discontinued, or the vehicle has been repainted, we recommend a custom hand match.
  • For the most accurate result, you can mail in a small painted part (such as a fuel door) for custom matching.

Custom matching ensures the closest possible match for older or uncommon colors and helps avoid unnecessary reorders or repainting.

Custom Hand-Matched Paints

Send us a part and we'll hand-mix a perfect match.

Paint Color Code Locations by Vehicle Make

Each manufacturer uses different formats and locations. Use the guides below for brand-specific help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Color Codes

Where is the paint code on my vehicle?

Most paint codes are found on the driver's door jamb. Other common locations include under the hood, inside the trunk near the spare tire, or less commonly the glove box. You can use our make and year-specific diagrams to confirm the exact location for your vehicle.

Can I use my VIN to find the paint code?

No. The VIN does not contain your paint code. It can help identify formula variations after the correct code is known. For the most accurate match, locate the paint code on the vehicle itself.

What does a paint code look like?

Paint codes are short combinations of letters and numbers, typically 2-6 characters long. Formats vary by manufacturer, but the code is usually labeled on the vehicle's identification plate or sticker.

Are paint codes in the same place on every vehicle?

No. Some manufacturers use consistent locations, while others vary by model and year. Check the diagrams for your exact vehicle year and make.

Why are some paint codes harder to find than others?

Some manufacturers place paint codes in hidden or unusual locations, such as under trunk carpeting or among many other numbers. This is common with brands like Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes.

How do I find interior paint color codes?

Interior colors usually aren't factory-coded on vehicles. To identify one, match it using physical color chips or a body shop reference book. Once identified, we can make the paint for you.

What if I still can't find my paint code?

Double-check all locations shown in the diagrams, including less obvious areas. On classic or rare vehicles, you may need to contact the manufacturer directly. If you're still unsure, contact us and we'll help guide you.

I found my paint code, but there's no matching paint on this site.

If you know your paint code, but we don't have a matching paint listed on our site, don't worry! Simply fill out a Missing Color Request and we can mix a custom match.

Is the VIN the same as the paint code?

No. The VIN identifies the vehicle. The paint code identifies the exact paint color. A dealership may use the VIN to look up vehicle records, but you should confirm the paint code on the vehicle before ordering.

What if the paint-code label is missing or unreadable?

Check the other common label locations shown in this guide. If the label is missing or too damaged to read, contact the vehicle manufacturer or a dealership. You can also use Help Me Find My Color for more help.

Can two paint colors have similar names?

Yes. Manufacturers can reuse color names or use similar names for different paints. For the best match, order by the paint code, not the color name alone.

Are we missing something?

We're always expanding our catalog! If you can't find your vehicle, please let us know and we'll do our best to find the color you need.