How to Identify Your Car's Paint Code

You can easily fix scratches or spots on your car by applying the original paint. To ensure the color matches exactly, locate the paint code on the vehicle's information label. Alternatively, you can find the paint code by searching for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in the owner's manual. Then, provide the paint code or VIN to a paint dealer to purchase the correct color.

Locate the vehicle's information label. Since the 1980s, most cars have been equipped with a label detailing key vehicle identification information. This label typically includes a barcode, brand, manufacturing date, country of origin, and other relevant details. Check the owner's manual to identify the location of the label, or look in the following areas:

• Inside the door frame.
• On the door panel.
• On the dashboard near the driver's seat.
• Under the hood in front of the engine.
• On the rear tire sidewall.

Locate the exterior paint code on the information label. On some cars, the paint code is clearly labeled as "VIN." Review all the information on the label to find the specific code for the paint or color. The details may be divided into body color and trim color, which can sometimes differ from each other.

• The number of characters in the code may vary by manufacturer.

Look for the "C" code if you don't find the words "paint" or "color." On some vehicles, the paint code is represented by the first letter or an abbreviation. Search for the letter "C" to represent color. You may also come across the abbreviation "Tr" indicating the trim color of the vehicle.

Search for the 17-character VIN in the vehicle registration documents. The registration document is the legal paperwork you receive when you purchase a car. It contains essential information such as the make, model year, and current license plate number. Check this document for the 17-character alphanumeric VIN.

• If the car was made before 1981, the VIN may have fewer characters.

Locate the VIN on the vehicle's registration certificate (also called the car registration). The registration certificate serves as proof of ownership. It includes details about the owner and the vehicle, such as the make, model, production year, and more. The VIN will appear immediately after other vehicle information in the registration document.

• The vehicle must be registered to be legally driven on the road.

Check your insurance documents for the VIN number. When registering your vehicle, you'll need to provide information to your insurance company. Therefore, the VIN will be included in the insurance contract or other documents they send to you by mail. Review your car's insurance paperwork to find the 17-character VIN.

• Contact your insurance company for assistance if you can't find the relevant documents.

Look for your car's maintenance records (if available). The VIN will help technicians pinpoint specific details about the production process and vehicle parts. Check the invoices and maintenance records for the VIN. This number may be noted in the reference documents.

• If you plan to sell the car later, keep copies of these records as proof that the car has been well-maintained during ownership.

Contact the dealer or manufacturer to decode the VIN. The VIN will include full vehicle identification information that can help you determine the exact paint code of your car. Call or email the dealer/manufacturer for support with the paint code details. In addition to the VIN, you may need to provide other requested information, such as your name and contact details.