How to Tell Paint Color by the VIN

1. Locate the VIN on the vehicle. The VIN is usually screwed in to the dashboard near the base of the windshield on the interior of the vehicle. Write down the 17-digit code.
2. Note what make your vehicle is; it will be somewhere on your car (if you don't know it). Look for symbols or badges on the trunk of the vehicle, such as VW for Volkswagen or T for Toyota.
3. Call the dealership associated with the make of your vehicle and let them know you'd like to be told the color code of your vehicle.
4. Read them your VIN. Each number or group of numbers can tell you a certain aspect of the vehicle. The groupings and number meanings differs from make to make, so there is no universal way of finding out your paint code. The VIN will not have the exact color code, but the dealership will be able to find out the exact color based on the VIN.
5. Obtain the paint code from the vehicle dealership representative. They may simply read you the actual paint code. If you'd just like to know the color of the paint, then ask for the color as well as the code. Once you've obtained the paint code, then you can look up the code on various automotive paint websites in order to purchase the proper touch-up or body paint.