Paint Code Finder — Find Any Car's Color Code

Three reliable ways: (1) check the service sticker inside the driver-side door jamb — the code is a 2-5 character sequence next to the VIN; (2) if the sticker is missing or faded, run a free VIN-based lookup, since the factory code is permanently linked to the VIN; (3) if you only know the color name, match it to the exact factory code in the brand directory below.

Often yes — but with a caveat. A name like 'Crystal Black Pearl' usually maps to a specific code (NH731P on Honda), but the same name can be reused across model years with a slightly different formula and a new code. Use the name to narrow it down, then confirm the exact code by VIN or door jamb sticker before ordering paint.

They solve the same problem from different starting points. A VIN lookup is best when you have the VIN and want the exact code instantly. A finder is best when you want to browse by brand or match a known color name to its code. Most people use both — find the likely color name here, then confirm the precise code by VIN on our paint code lookup tool.

On most vehicles it's on the driver-side door jamb, on the same white or silver label as the VIN and tire pressures. Audi, VW, and Porsche commonly place it in the spare tire well or front trunk. BMW and Mini often print it on the engine-bay strut tower. The brand directory above lists the exact spot for each make.

Find your factory paint code first — never order by color name alone. Give the code to any touch-up retailer so they mix the exact factory formula. For pearl and tri-coat colors, a single touch-up pen won't match the depth; those need a multi-stage application from a body shop.

Prefixes encode the brand system. Honda/Acura use a color-family letter (NH = neutral/black, R = red, B = blue). VW and Audi codes start with 'L'. GM uses a 'WA' prefix or 3-character RPO code. Stellantis (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram) uses a 'P' prefix. Knowing the prefix helps you spot the code on a faded sticker.

Indirectly, yes. Find the factory code recorded against the VIN, then compare it to the car's current color. If they don't match, the vehicle has been resprayed — which can signal prior accident repair. Pair this with an accident history check to find out why.

Yes. Browsing the brand directory and matching color names to codes is completely free with no sign-up. The VIN-based lookup is also free and returns the factory paint code and color name instantly.