How to Identify Car Color Codes

You can easily treat scratches or spots on your car by applying the original paint. For the original paint color, look for the color code listed on the vehicle information label. Or you can identify your car’s color code by looking for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) in the accompanying manual. Then, provide the color code or VIN to the paint dealer to purchase the correct color.

Table of Contents

Find color codes on cars

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Look for information labels on cars. Since the 1980s, most cars have been labeled with identifying information about the vehicle. This label usually includes the barcode, brand, date of manufacture, country of manufacture, and other relevant information. Look in the manual to locate the label on the vehicle, or look at: ^{[1] X Research Source}

Inside the door frame.
Inside the door.
On the dashboard on the driver’s side.
Underneath the bonnet in front of the engine.
On the rear wheel tire.

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Find the exterior paint color code in the information label. On some cars, the paint color code will be clearly indicated as “VIN”. Go through all the information in the label to find the code listed specifically for paint or color (cpor). Parameters can be divided into body color and trim color, the two categories are sometimes not the same. ^{[2] X Research Source}

The number of letters or numbers in a specific color code will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

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Look for the code “C” if you don’t see the word “paint” or “cpor”. On some vehicles, the paint color code will be indicated by initials or initials. Look for the letter “C” that represents cpor. You can also see the initials “Tr” for the trim color of the car (trim cpor). ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Find vehicle identification number

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Find the 17-character VIN in the vehicle registration file. The registration document is the legal document you receive when you buy a car. This document includes important information about the vehicle, such as the make, year of manufacture and current license plate. Go through this file to find a 17-digit alphanumeric VIN.

If the car was manufactured before 1981, it is possible that the VIN will contain fewer characters.

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Find the VIN code in the registration paper (also known as the car rote). The registration certificate is proof that you are the registered owner of the vehicle. This document includes information about the owner and vehicle such as make, model, year of manufacture, and so on. The VIN number will be right after other information about the vehicle in the registration certificate. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Cars must be registered to be able to travel on the road.

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Check your insurance documents to find your VIN. When applying, you will need to provide vehicle information with the insurance company. Therefore, the VIN will be listed on the insurance policy or documents the company sends you in the mail. Look through your car insurance documents to find a 17-character VIN.

Contact your insurance company for assistance if you cannot find the relevant documentation.

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Find maintenance records – car maintenance (if any). The VIN number will help the technician to accurately identify the details of the manufacturing process as well as the vehicle’s components. Check your car maintenance invoices and records to find the VIN. This number can be written in the reference. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

If you intend to sell the car in the future, keep copies of these records as proof that the vehicle has been well maintained during use.

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Contact your dealer or manufacturer to decode the VIN. The VIN number will include full vehicle identification information to help you identify the specific color code of the car. ^{[6] X Research Source} Call or email the dealer/manufacturer and ask for information on car color codes. In addition to the VIN, you will also need to provide other information they ask for, such as name and contact information.

Advice

It’s a good idea to keep your VIN somewhere outside your car so you can provide it immediately in case of an emergency.
For best results, wash your vehicle before applying paint.
You can search the car paint color database to determine the exact color code of your vehicle.

Steps

Find color codes on cars

Find vehicle identification number

Advice

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