You can easily cover scratches or spots on your vehicle by touching them up with your car’s original paint color. To match this paint color exactly, look for the color code listed on the vehicle information sticker in your car. Alternatively, you can figure out your car’s color code by finding the vehicle information number (VIN), a serial number that can be found through documentation related to your vehicle. Provide your car color code or VIN to a paint vendor to obtain an exact match for your car’s paint.
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 2:Locating the Color Code in Your Car
1Find the automobile information sticker inside your car. Since the 1980s, most cars feature a sticker that outlines identifying information about the vehicle. This sticker usually includes a bar code and lists the make of your car, the date and country of manufacture, and other relevant information. Look at your car manual to see where the information sticker can be found in your car, or look for it:XOn the inside of your door jambOn the inside of your car doorOn the driver side interior dashXUnder the hood at the front of the engineIn the rear wheel well, directly above the tire
2Look for the exterior paint color codes on the information sticker. In some vehicles, the codes for your car’s paint colors will be clearly labelled “VIN”. Scan through the information on the sticker to find codes specifically listed for paint or color. These codes may be separated into the body color and trim color, which are sometimes different.XThe number of letters or numbers in the specific color codes will vary between manufacturers.
3Look for a “C” code if you don’t see the words “paint” or “color.” In some vehicles, the paint color codes will be identified only with an abbreviation or shorthand. Look for the letter “C” which usually indicates color. You may also see the abbreviation “Tr” indicating the color of the trim on your car.XMethod 2Method 2 of 2:Finding Your Car’s Vehicle Identification Number
1Look for the 17-character VIN on your vehicle title. Your vehicle title is the legal document you receive when purchasing a car that lists you as its owner. This document will feature important information about your car, such as the make, year of manufacture, and current license plate number.X Locate your vehicle title and look for a code with a combination of 17 letters and numbers.XThere may be fewer characters in your VIN if your vehicle was manufactured before 1981.
2Get the VIN from your vehicle registration certificate. Your registration certificate is proof that your vehicle is owned by you and registered to you. This document features information about the driver and the car, including the make and model of the vehicle and the year it was manufactured. Look for the VIN right after these other car details.XA car must be registered before it can be driven on public roads.
3Check your insurance papers to see if your VIN is listed. When you insure your vehicle, you have to provide information about it to the insurance company. As such, your VIN should be listed on your insurance policy and may appear on insurance documents that you receive by mail. Check your automobile insurance papers to look for the 17 character VIN.XContact your insurance company for assistance if you can’t find your paperwork.
4Search your car repair records if you have had work done. Knowing your car’s VIN allows mechanics to find out precise details about how it was manufactured and what parts were used to build it. Check any repair receipts and records you may have to look for the VIN. The number may be written on these documents for reference.XYou should keep copies of your car repair records to prove that you have done your part to keep your vehicle in good shape if you eventually want to sell it.
5Contact your car dealership or manufacturer to decode your VIN. Your VIN contains enough identifying information about your vehicle to track down its specific color code.X Call or email your car dealership or manufacturer and ask them if they can provide you with your car color code. Provide your complete VIN as well as any other details they request, such as your name and contact information.
