Where Is the Tesla Paint Code?
On a Tesla, the paint code is at the Driver-side door jamb — small label (newer cars) or in-vehicle 'Software' menu, printed on the label marked “PAINT (single character)”. The code follows the pattern 1 char (e.g., W, B, P, R, S). If the sticker is missing or faded, look it up by VIN below.
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Enter any 17-character VIN — we'll return the OEM paint code and factory color name from the build record.
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Tesla Paint Code Location — Every Spot to Check
Tesla prints the paint code in one main spot and backs it up in a couple of others. Start at the top of this list and work down if the label is hard to read.
- 1Primary location
Driver-side door jamb — small label (newer cars) or in-vehicle 'Software' menu
- 2Backup location
Tesla account dashboard (online)
- 3Backup location
Driver-side B-pillar (older Model S)
What the label says
Look for the row marked PAINT (single character). That's the line that carries the Tesla color code.
Code format
Single-character code (Tesla simplified palette). Pattern: 1 char (e.g., W, B, P, R, S).
Common Tesla Paint Codes & Color Names
A few well-known Tesla factory codes so you know what to expect on the sticker. Your exact code depends on the model year — always confirm against your own vehicle or VIN.
| Paint Code | Factory Color Name |
|---|---|
PPSW | Pearl White Multi-Coat |
PMNG | Midnight Silver Metallic |
PPSB | Deep Blue Metallic |
PPMR | Red Multi-Coat |
PBSB | Solid Black |
Tesla Paint Code Tips
The quirks worth knowing before you order paint for a Tesla.
Tesla uses a much smaller paint palette than legacy automakers — typically 5 colors per model.
The official paint code can be retrieved from your Tesla account or by tapping 'Controls → Software' in the touchscreen.
Red Multi-Coat and Pearl White are tri-coat finishes — Tesla-approved body shops are recommended for exact matching.
Tesla Sticker Missing or Faded? Use the VIN.
Door jamb stickers fade in the sun, get peeled during detailing, or disappear when a door is replaced after a collision. When the Tesla label is gone, the VIN is the reliable way back to the factory paint code.
Every Tesla build record carries the factory paint code, locked to the VIN at manufacture. Our free VIN check pulls that record so you can order touch-up, brief a body shop, or verify the current color matches the factory original.
Buying a used Tesla? If the current color doesn't match the factory code, the car was repainted — worth an accident history check to find out why.
Look up your Tesla code by VIN
No sticker needed — the factory code comes straight from the build record.
What to Do With Your Tesla Paint Code
Once you have the code, here's how to put it to work.
Order touch-up paint
Give the code to a Teslaparts counter or a touch-up supplier. For pearl/metallic finishes, ask for the matching base + clear so the repair doesn't flatten out.
Save it for later
Photograph the Tesla sticker in good light and store it with your documents. The code stays the same for the life of the car — no more trips back to the driveway.
Paint Code Location for Other Brands
Tesla Paint Code — Sources & References
Tesla color codes trace back to factory build records and OEM service literature. The references below are the authoritative origins behind Tesla VIN, paint, and history data in the United States.
- NHTSA VIN Decoder ↗
Federal reference decoder for Tesla VIN structure.
- NHTSA — Safety Recalls ↗
Open Tesla recall lookup by VIN.
- NMVTIS — Bureau of Justice Assistance ↗
Federal title-brand database covering every Tesla across all 50 states.
- EPA ↗
Coatings and VOC standards behind OEM Tesla paint formulations.
Tesla Paint Code — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the paint code on a Tesla?+
On a Tesla, the paint code is at the Driver-side door jamb — small label (newer cars) or in-vehicle 'Software' menu. Look for the label marked "PAINT (single character)". If that sticker is faded or missing, check tesla account dashboard (online) or driver-side b-pillar (older model s).
What does a Tesla paint code look like?+
Single-character code (Tesla simplified palette). The typical pattern is 1 char (e.g., W, B, P, R, S). For example, PPSW is Pearl White Multi-Coat, and PMNG is Midnight Silver Metallic.
Can I find my Tesla paint code with just the VIN?+
Yes. The factory paint code is recorded against the VIN in Tesla's build database, so a VIN-based lookup returns the original color code even when the physical door jamb sticker is damaged, faded, or was replaced during repair. Enter your VIN in the form above.
What is the difference between the Tesla paint code and the color name?+
The color name (e.g., "Pearl White Multi-Coat") is marketing copy that Tesla may reuse across model years with small formula changes. The paint code (PPSW) is tied to one specific formulation — it is what a paint supplier needs to mix an exact match.
How do I use my Tesla paint code for touch-up?+
Give the code — not the color name — to any paint supplier, dealer parts counter, or body shop. They mix to the code. For pearl or tri-coat Tesla finishes, a single touch-up pen won't match the depth; those need a base + mid-coat + clear process.
My Tesla was repainted and the sticker is gone — what now?+
Run a VIN-based paint code lookup. The factory code is locked to the VIN at manufacture, so it survives a respray or a replaced door. If the car's current color doesn't match the factory code returned, the vehicle was repainted — worth pairing with an accident history check to find out why.
Get Your Tesla Paint Code in Seconds
Enter a 17-character VIN to retrieve the factory Tesla paint code and color name — for touch-up, body shop matching, or to verify a respray on a used vehicle.
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