Factory Paint Codes for Trucks: What They Are and Where to Find Them

Whether you’re restoring an aging truck, repairing scuffs and bruises from the trail, or shopping for color-matched accessories from RealTruck, knowing your ride’s factory paint code plays a big role in ensuring the new paint matches what’s existing. Every truck, car, and SUV is assigned a specific paint code, allowing repair shops and aftermarket manufacturers to identify the exact factory-applied shade. 

These codes are unique for each make, model, color, and sometimes even model year. Knowing this identifier can prevent ugly mismatches and ensure accuracy when ordering paint-matched parts from retailers like RealTruck, which offers exact matches for products like fender flares, camper shells, and tonneau covers. 

Before we cover where to find your vehicle’s paint code, let’s first understand what a paint code is and what it signifies. A paint code is a short alphanumeric identifier used by auto manufacturers to label and catalog exterior paint colors, of which most manufacturers have tens, if not hundreds. Depending on the brand, a paint code may consist of letters, numbers, or a combination of the two, such as “PDM,” “E4,” or “1D6.”

Manufacturers use paint codes throughout the production process to ensure consistent color across assembly lines, factories, and global markets. Instead of relying on color names alone, paint codes provide a precise reference for the exact color formula used to mix the paint. 

While paint codes are often used in the manufacturing process, they aren’t simply forgotten once a vehicle rolls off the assembly line. Some of the most common uses for paint codes occur well after a vehicle’s manufacturing date, including:

• Collision repair and bodywork

• Touch-up paint

• Color-matched aftermarket accessories

• Restoration projects

All of the above activities require precise paint matches for smooth, seamless repairs and modifications. If the paint color varies even slightly, the vehicle likely won’t look right in certain lighting and conditions. 

Retailers like RealTruck use factory paint codes to offer color-matched accessories—like toppers and bed covers—designed specifically for your make and model. 

While every manufacturer offers multiple colors across its models, specific colors are more common than others. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular colors for various manufacturers, along with their affiliated paint codes. 

While every manufacturer assigns paint codes to its colors, the location and labeling conventions vary by brand. Most trucks display the paint code on a factory-installed label inside the vehicle, but the exact placement and appearance of the code may differ. 

Check out the most common locations to find your truck’s paint code below, broken down by manufacturer. Be mindful that every truck is different, and your vehicle’s paint code may not appear exactly as shown. 

In most cases, a vehicle’s paint code can be found on a factory-installed label in the driver’s side door jamb. That being said, not all vehicles are the same. Below are some of the most common locations where each manufacturer will place this information label. 

On GM trucks (Chevy/GMC), the paint code is typically found on a label located inside the glove box. In the example shown above, the paint code is “U 9260.” The “U” indicates an upper body color, while the “BC/CC” label stands for Base Coat/Clear Coat, indicating that it’s a two-stage paint job. 

Ram and Dodge trucks typically list the paint code on a label in the driver’s side door or door jamb. In this example, the paint code is “PDM.”

Ford places the paint code on the driver’s side door jamb as part of the vehicle certification label. In this example, the paint code is “E4.”

On Nissan trucks, the paint code is commonly found near the bottom of the driver’s side door jamb. In this example, the paint code is “KH3.”

Toyota paint codes are typically found on the driver’s side door or door jamb. In this example, the paint code is “1D6.”  The “C/TR” abbreviation stands for Color/Trim. 

Jeep paint codes are often listed on the driver’s side door jamb or under the hood. Codes are usually two or three characters, such as “PAU” in the above example. 

For an extensive list of Jeep paint codes and colors, check out our comprehensive Jeep paint color guide. 

Honda trucks, like the Ridgeline, usually display the paint code on the driver’s side door jamb. The code might appear as a short alphanumeric string, sometimes followed by a color name. In the above example, the paint code is “R549P.”

If you’re having trouble locating the paint code in the traditional way (on the manufacturer-installed decal), you may be able to decode your truck’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) instead. Dealerships and online VIN research tools can often provide the original exterior color and paint code information. 

That said, locating the paint code directly on the VIN is usually faster and more accurate, especially when ordering paint or color-matched accessories. While VIN lookups may list out the color name, they may not include the exact paint code formula for your particular model and year. 

Once you know your vehicle’s paint code, upgrading your truck with color-matched accessories is a possibility. Color-matched parts can elevate your truck’s looks while maintaining a factory-style appearance. 

RealTruck offers a wide selection of paint-matched accessories, including tonneau covers, fender flares, and camper shells, all designed to match factory paint codes. With decades of manufacturing and retail experience under our belt, RealTruck makes it easy to find parts that fit your exact make, model, and color. 

If you’d rather go the DIY route, you can always paint-match your own parts. For more information on this process, consult our fender flare painting guide.

Even if you know your truck’s exact paint code, achieving a perfect match isn’t always easy. Especially on an older vehicle, factors like paint age, sun exposure, and environmental wear can cause factory paint to fade to a different shade. Metallic and pearlescent shades are especially susceptible to fading with age—they’re also notoriously difficult to match. 

Proper surface prep is key for touching up paintwork. Before slapping on paint, be sure to remove any surface rust, clean the area thoroughly, and apply the paint in multiple thin layers to avoid runs and sagging metallics. Don’t skip the clear coat either, as this step offers significant gloss and UV protection. 

For larger repairs or highly visible areas where a brush won't cut it, consider taking your vehicle to a competent auto body repair shop. Panel blending, bodywork, and high-quality paint can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting solid results. However, for an older truck without much value, it may make sense to attempt a DIY repair. 

A: If the factory label is missing or damaged, don’t worry—you still have options for finding the code. Try methods such as VIN lookups, contacting a dealership, and using professional paint-matching services.

A: Not always. While manufacturers may use the same names across multiple generations, the paint formula and code may change. Always verify the code specific to your truck’s year, rather than a general color code.

A: If your truck was repainted at some point in its life, the factory paint code may no longer match. In these cases, it’s best to use professional paint-matching services to ensure a close match.