Your paint code is a short alphanumeric string that tells a body shop or paint supplier exactly which color your car left the factory in
Every car manufacturer assigns a unique code to each paint color they produce. This code — usually three to five characters long — is printed on a label somewhere on your vehicle, most commonly inside the driver's door jamb or under the hood. When you need to touch up a scratch, repair a dent, or repaint a panel, a technician uses this code to mix paint that matches your car's original finish. Without it, you risk ending up with a color that looks close in some light but noticeably different in others.
The code itself is just information — it doesn't cost anything to find, and you don't need special tools. But locating it before you need it saves time and frustration when you're dealing with damage or scheduling body work.
Key Takeaways
- Your car's paint code is printed on a label attached to the vehicle, most often inside the driver's door jamb or on the underside of the hood.
- The label may also appear on the driver's side door edge, the trunk lid, or the firewall, depending on the manufacturer.
- If the label is missing or unreadable, you can contact your car's manufacturer with your VIN, and they can tell you the paint code.
- Once you have the code, write it down and keep it in your glove box or take a photo so you have it when you need body work done.
Check the driver's door jamb first
Open your driver's side door and look at the frame where the door closes — the vertical strip of metal or plastic on the car's body. Manufacturers typically attach a white or silver label here that lists several codes and specifications. The label is usually about the size of a postage stamp and may be laminated or printed directly on the jamb.
Look for a line that says "Paint," "Color," "Exterior Color," or straightforward shows a color name followed by a code. The code itself might look like "PB" (for a specific blue), "WB" (white), "SB" (silver), or a longer string like "3G1" or "PBSW." Write down exactly what you see, including any letters and numbers.
Look under the hood if the door jamb is blank
If the driver's door jamb doesn't have a label or the label is too faded to read, pop your hood and search the underside. Check the firewall (the metal wall between the engine and the cabin), the inside of the hood itself, or the frame near the radiator. Some manufacturers, particularly European ones, place the paint code label in these locations instead.
The label in the engine bay may be dirtier or harder to spot than the one on the door jamb, so bring a flashlight and look carefully. If you find a label but the paint code line is faded, try taking a photo with your phone's flash — sometimes the code becomes visible in the image even if you can't read it with your eyes.
Check other common label locations
If you've checked the door jamb and under the hood without success, look at the driver's side door edge (where the door meets the frame when closed), the trunk lid, or the inside of the fuel door. Some manufacturers also place labels on the rear quarter panel or inside the spare tire well.
The label format is usually the same regardless of location: a small white or metallic sticker with multiple lines of codes. Once you find any manufacturer label on your car, the paint code should be on it — you just need to identify which line it is. If you're unsure which code is the paint code, take a photo of the entire label and bring it to a paint supplier; they can tell you which number or letters refer to color.
Contact the manufacturer if the label is missing
If your car's label has been removed, damaged, or is completely illegible, you can still find your paint code through the manufacturer. Gather your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — a 17-character code found on your registration, insurance card, or stamped on the dashboard near the windshield. Call your car's manufacturer's customer service line or visit their website and look for a "paint code lookup" or "color information" tool.
Provide your VIN and the year, make, and model of your car. The manufacturer can tell you the paint code that was applied at the factory. This process usually takes a few minutes over the phone, though some manufacturers require you to submit the request online and may take a day or two to respond. Keep in mind that if your car has been repainted by a previous owner, the manufacturer's code will tell you the original color, not the current one — but that's usually what body shops need anyway.
Write down the code and keep it accessible
Once you have your paint code, don't rely on memory. Write it down on a piece of paper and store it in your glove box, or take a clear photo with your phone and save it in a notes app or photo album. Include the year, make, and model of your car along with the code so you have all the information a paint supplier or body shop might need.
Some people also tape a small label with the paint code directly inside the fuel door or on the back of the sun visor for quick reference. This takes less than a minute and can save you significant time if you need to order touch-up paint or schedule repairs months or years later.
What to do when you order paint or schedule body work
When you contact a paint supplier or body shop for a repair, give them your paint code first. They'll use it to mix or order paint that matches your car's original finish. If you're ordering touch-up paint online or at an auto parts store, the code is usually all they need — you can often search the store's website by code and find the exact product for your vehicle.
If a technician tells you they can't match your car's color using the code, or if the paint looks noticeably different after the repair, ask them to verify the code against your car's label or the manufacturer's records. Mismatched paint is usually a sign the code was entered incorrectly or the car was previously repainted, and catching this early prevents wasted time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my car has been repainted and I don't know the current color?
The manufacturer's code tells you the original factory color, which is what most body shops prefer because it's the most accurate match. If you need to match the current color instead, a paint supplier can use a color-matching tool to scan your car and create a custom code. This costs more than using the factory code but works if the previous owner repainted the car a different shade.
Can I use the paint code to order touch-up paint myself?
Yes. Auto parts stores and online retailers let you search by paint code and will ship you a small bottle or pen of touch-up paint for your specific car. Make sure you have the correct code before ordering, and test the paint on a hidden area first to confirm it matches.
Does the paint code tell me anything besides the color?
The code identifies the specific color formulation, which can include details like whether the paint has a metallic finish, pearl effect, or matte coating. A body shop uses the code to order or mix paint with the exact same finish, not just the same shade.
What if the label is there but I can't read which line is the paint code?
Take a clear photo of the entire label and show it to a paint supplier or body shop — they see these labels constantly and can point out the paint code line when ready. You can also call your car's manufacturer with your VIN and ask them to confirm which code is the paint color.