Finding Your Vehicle Paint Color Code

  1. Home
  2. Paint Codes
  3. Find Your Color Code
How to Find Your Vehicle Paint Color Code Infographic

Why Finding Your Color Code Matters: In order to guarantee the accuracy of your color match, you must find your vehicle's exact color code. The color code identifies your specific paint color, including any factory variations. This ensures a perfect match every time.

Understanding Color Codes - Example

When you search for paint colors for your vehicle, you'll see a page that looks like this:

Color Code Example

2000 Acura Integra (EXAMPLE) Locate Color Identification Plate
 Color  Color Description  Color Code
   Voltage Blue Metallic Clearcoat  B-97M
   Clover Green Pearl Clearcoat  G-95P
   Championship White  NH-0

(The sample above is from a 2000 Acura Integra. There are actually more colors available for this model.)

How to Find the Color Code on Your Vehicle

The link shown, "Locate Color Identification Plate" provides a diagram showing exactly where to find the color code for your specific vehicle. For models past 1995, pages are divided into Domestic and Foreign vehicles. Simply locate your car in the appropriate table and check where the color code should be located.

Finding Your Color Code is Like an Easter Egg Hunt!

Some manufacturers always put the color code in one location, while others place it in unexpected spots. You're looking for a:

  • Metal plate with stamped or printed information
  • Sticker or decal with codes and numbers
  • Code stamped directly into the body (less common)

Study the diagrams closely and check multiple locations if needed!

Common Color Code Locations

On most vehicles, locating the code for automotive paint colors is straightforward. However, some vehicles (like the Audi A4 where it's hidden underneath the trunk carpet in the spare tire compartment on the right side!) will be more challenging.

Take the time to locate your exact color code - it's absolutely critical to ensure perfect color matching. A wrong code means wrong color!

Can't find your specific paint color? Working with candy paints, pearl paints, or solid colors? Read our guide on Choosing Paint Colors for more information.

Interactive: Where to Locate Your Color Code

Select your vehicle year below to see diagrams showing exactly where your color code is located:

Select your vehicle year:

Manufacturer-Specific Color Code Guide

Each vehicle manufacturer has unique color code formats and locations. Use this comprehensive guide to decode your specific vehicle:

Color Code Notes by Vehicle Make

  • Acura / Honda

    Location: Easy to find - color ID plate right on the driver's door jamb.

    Important: Many Acuras and Hondas have a factory code which makes a difference in the final color match.

    Learn more:

  • Audi

    Location: Hidden around the spare tire on a paper tag - can often be loose or folded over.

    Tip: Check thoroughly in the spare tire area, including under carpet.

    Audi Paint Codes

  • BMW

    Location: Usually underneath the hood by the strut towers.

    BMW Paint Codes

  • Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep / Plymouth (Mopar)

    Code Format: Appears as PS2 or QS2 where S2 is the actual color code.

    Ignore: The "P", "Q", or other prefix letters are just year codes, not part of the color. PNT before the code just means "Paint".

    Example: In "PS2", your color code is "S2"

    Learn more:

  • Ford / Lincoln / Mercury

    Location: Always on the driver's door jamb.

    Important: Look for a two-character code ABOVE where it says "Exterior Paint Code". The code shown BELOW is usually NOT the correct paint code.

    Ignore: CC Met (Clearcoat Metallic) and WB (Wheelbase) are not part of the color code.

    Tip: Look to the right of "EXT PNT" to find your code.

    Learn more:

  • GM (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn)

    Code Format: GM has a confusing system. The same color can appear multiple ways:

    Example: Code 96/WA8867 on our site may appear on your vehicle as:

    • 96U (Upper color for two-tone)
    • 96L (Lower color for two-tone)
    • 8867
    • WA8867
    • 8867L or 8867U

    Ignore: BC CC before the code (stands for Basecoat/Clearcoat)

    Two-Tone Vehicles: "U" = Upper Color, "L" = Lower Color (e.g., 96U and 36L)

    What to do: Match any portion of the code on your plate with what we show on our site.

    Learn more:

  • Hyundai

    Location: Usually on the driver's door jamb.

    Hyundai Paint Codes

  • Infiniti

    Location: Always on the driver's door jamb.

    Note: Easy to match with our color database.

    Infiniti Paint Codes

  • Jaguar

    Location: Usually on the driver's door jamb. In older models, check under the hood, trunk, etc.

    Jaguar Paint Codes

  • Kia

    Location: Usually on the driver's door jamb. In older models, check under the hood, trunk, etc.

    Kia Paint Codes

  • Land Rover

    Location: Usually on the driver's door jamb or under the hood.

    Land Rover Paint Codes

  • Lexus

    Location: Driver's door jamb

    Code Format: CTR:1C8/FB13

    • CTR = Color and Trim
    • 1C8 = Actual paint color code (this is what you need!)
    • FB13 = Trim code (ignore this)

    Example: In "CTR:1C8/FB13", your color code is "1C8"

    Lexus Paint Codes

  • Mazda

    Location: On the driver's door jamb. In older models, check under the hood, trunk, etc.

    Mazda Paint Codes

  • Mercedes-Benz

    Location: By the radiator, hidden in the middle of many other numbers.

    Why it's confusing: We get more emails from Mercedes owners than any other brand due to confusing code markings.

    Strategy:

    1. Look at colors shown on our site and write down probable color codes
    2. Search for these number groupings on your vehicle
    3. Some Mercedes have "DB" before the code, most do not

    Mercedes Paint Codes

  • Mini

    Location: Usually underneath the hood by the strut towers or by the driver door hinge.

    Mini Paint Codes

  • Mitsubishi

    Location: Under the hood or on the driver's door jamb.

    Mitsubishi Paint Codes

  • Nissan / Datsun

    Location: Always on the driver's door jamb.

    Note: Easy to match with our color database.

    Nissan/Datsun Paint Codes

  • Porsche

    Location: Usually around the spare tire, but can also be on driver's door jamb, under the hood, in trunk, etc.

    Joke: The only place they don't put it is inside the transmission... but maybe next year!

    Strategy: Determine most likely code from our site colors, then search for it on your vehicle.

    Porsche Paint Codes

  • Saab

    Location: Usually on the driver's door jamb.

    Saab Paint Codes

  • Scion

    Location: Usually on the driver's door jamb.

    Scion Paint Codes

  • Subaru

    Location: Usually underneath the hood by the strut towers.

    Subaru Paint Codes

  • Suzuki

    Location: Varies - color codes can be in multiple locations. Check the diagrams on our site.

    Suzuki Paint Codes

  • Toyota

    Location: Driver's door jamb

    Code Format: CTR:1C8/FB13

    • CTR = Color and Trim
    • 1C8 = Actual paint color code (this is what you need!)
    • FB13 = Trim code (ignore this)

    Note: Our site lists many two-tone combinations for your vehicle.

    Toyota Paint Codes

  • Volkswagen

    Location: Hidden around the spare tire on a paper tag - can often be loose or folded over.

    Volkswagen Paint Codes

  • Volvo

    Location: Usually underneath the hood towards either side.

    Volvo Paint Codes

  • Winnebago / Motorhomes

    Resource: Check this official Winnebago paint guide listing colors for Winnebago, Itasca, Rialta, and ERA motorhomes.

  • Other Vehicle Makes

    Brands: Austin, Fiat, MGB, Peugeot, Rover, Triumph, etc.

    Where to look: Check all the usual places:

    • Door jambs
    • Underneath the hood
    • Trunk lid area
    • Around the spare tire
    • Occasionally in unlikely places!
    Interior Colors

    Important: Interior colors are NOT color coded on vehicles anywhere.

    Late model vehicles: Typically use vinyl paint

    Older vehicles: Metal interiors use the same paint as exterior

    How to identify your interior color:

    1. Borrow our color books for matching, OR
    2. Visit a body shop with interior color chips to identify your color code

    Once we know the color code, we can make the paint for you.

Understanding VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

Important: VIN Does NOT Give You the Color Code!

We ask for the VIN to help us match your auto paint. However, the VIN does not give us your color code!

What the VIN does: It only tells us about any paint formula variance within an existing color code.

What you must do: Find the actual color code on your vehicle's identification plate to get professional results.

Additional Resources

Color Code Locations by Year

Browse color code location diagrams organized by vehicle year:

Frequently Asked Questions About Paint Codes

Where is the paint code located on my vehicle
Paint code locations vary by manufacturer. Common locations include: driver's door jamb (most common), under the hood near strut towers, trunk lid near spare tire, or glove box. Use our year-specific diagrams to find the exact location for your vehicle.
Can I use my VIN to get the paint color code
No, the VIN does not give you your color code. The VIN only helps identify paint formula variances within an existing color code. You must locate the actual color code on your vehicle's identification plate for accurate color matching.
What does the paint code look like
Paint codes vary by manufacturer. Examples include: Honda/Acura (NH-0, B-97M), GM (WA8867, 96/WA8867), Ford (two characters like M7), Chrysler (PS2, where S2 is the code), Toyota/Lexus (1C8 from CTR:1C8/FB13 format). Codes may be 2-6 characters with letters and numbers.
Where is the paint code on a Ford vehicle
Ford paint codes are always on the driver's door jamb. Look for a two-character code above where it says "Exterior Paint Code" or to the right of "EXT PNT". Ignore codes below "Exterior Paint Code" and labels like "CC Met" or "WB" (wheelbase) - these are not the paint code.
How do I read a GM paint code
GM codes can appear as: 96/WA8867, 96U, 96L, 8867, WA8867, 8867L, or 8867U. The "U" means upper color and "L" means lower color (for two-tone vehicles). "BC CC" before the code means basecoat/clearcoat. Match any portion of the code shown on our site with what's on your vehicle's plate.
Where is the paint code on a Toyota or Lexus
Toyota and Lexus have the code on the driver's door jamb in format like CTR:1C8/FB13. CTR stands for Color and Trim. The actual paint code is the middle portion (1C8 in this example). FB13 at the end is the trim code, not part of the paint color code.
Why is my Audi paint code hard to find
Audi hides the paint code around the spare tire on a paper tag that can be loose or folded over. On models like the A4, it may be underneath the trunk carpet in the spare tire compartment on the right side.
Where do I find the paint code on a Chrysler, Dodge, or Jeep
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep codes appear as PS2 or QS2 where S2 is the actual color code. The P or Q is just a year code. You may also see PNT (meaning paint) before the code. Ignore these letters and focus on the 2-3 character color code portion.
Where is the Mercedes paint code located
Mercedes codes are located by the radiator, right in the middle of many other numbers, making them confusing to find. Some have "DB" before the code, most do not. First identify likely codes from our color list, then search for those numbers on your vehicle.
How do I find interior paint color codes
Interior colors are NOT color coded on vehicles. You must either borrow our color books for matching or visit a body shop with interior color chips to have them identify your color code. Newer vehicles use vinyl paint; older vehicles with metal interiors use the same paint as exterior.
What if I can't find my paint code
Check all possible locations shown in our diagrams - some manufacturers place codes in unusual spots. The code may be a plate, sticker, decal, or stamped directly into the body. If you still can't locate it, contact us for assistance or consult your vehicle's owner manual.
Do all vehicles have paint codes in the same location
No. While some manufacturers consistently use one location (like Honda/Nissan always using driver's door jamb), others vary by model and year. Check our year-specific diagrams for your exact vehicle.

Order Touch Up Paint

PaintScratch Color Match Guarantee Badge
PaintScratch is an American Business
PaintScratch offers free shipping on all orders over $99!

Customer Testimonials

"I just got around to using my touch up paint today and I just want to say that color match is excellent! I will purchase from your company again."
D. Romsey
Uniontown , OH
"I received my order today, the color is exact. Great job! I was a little skeptical about getting touch-up paint this way, but you guys were right on the money."
R. Arcadipane
Brooklyn, NY
"Perfect color match, Thank You!"
G.K. - May 2014
Minnetonka, MN

Ready to order? Find your touch up paint color:

Over 100,000 touch up paint colors available - order yours now!

Order car touch up paint for all other Makes and Models

All major payment types are securely accepted by PaintScratch.com

Help Center | ©1999- PaintScratch.com | Privacy

PaintScratch, Inc. - 770 Mays Blvd STE 1 #5288, Incline Village, NV 89450