Find Your Volkswagen's Color Code

A color code is the unique ID for your car's specific paint. Color codes are the only way to guarantee a perfect match - names are unreliable.

Where to find your Volkswagen Color Code

Volkswagen color codes can be found on a Color ID Tag, which is typically a small, rectangular sticker or metal plate packed with technical vehicle data. It often features a silver, black, or white background with dense alphanumeric text and barcodes.

In addition to the Color Code, the Color ID Tag contains a lot of other information - like the VIN, wheelbase, and interior trim. See the diagram below to determine which of these codes corresponds to your exterior paint.

What a Volkswagen color code ID tag looks like

How to find your Volkswagen color code

Identifying your Color Code

Volkswagen paint codes can be difficult to find. Most are located around the spare tire area, printed on a paper color id tag that is guaranteed to fall off and disappear just when needed; not on a metal plate in the driver door jamb. Typical format: LD7X/2R (two codes: LD7X and 2R). LD7X corresponds to Platinum Gray Metallic Clearcoat; 2R is also used for the same color. Really old Volkswagen can be nearly impossible to figure out.

Where to Look for your Volkswagen's Color Code

Inside the Spare Tire Area

Codes here are often on a paper sticker which can fall off or become damaged.
Driver's Side Door or Door Jamb

The most common location. The code may be on the pillar itself, the door edge, or near the latch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Color Codes

Where is the paint code on my Volkswagen?

Most paint codes are found on the driver’s door jamb. Other common locations include under the hood, inside the trunk near the spare tire, or less commonly the glove box. You can use our make and year-specific diagrams to confirm the exact location for your vehicle.

Can I use my Volkswagen's VIN to find the paint color code?

No. The VIN does not contain your paint color code. It only helps identify formula variations after the correct color code is known. You must locate the paint code on the vehicle itself for accurate matching.

What does a Volkswagen paint code look like?

Paint codes are short combinations of letters and numbers, typically 2–6 characters long. Formats vary by manufacturer, but the code will always be clearly labeled on the vehicle’s identification plate or sticker.

Are Volkswagen paint codes in the same place on every vehicle?

No. Some manufacturers use consistent locations, while others vary by model and year. Always check the diagrams for your exact vehicle year and make.

Why are some Volkswagen paint codes harder to find than others?

Some manufacturers place paint codes in hidden or unusual locations, such as under trunk carpeting or among many other numbers. This is common with brands like Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes.

How do I find interior Volkswagen paint color codes?

Interior colors are not factory-coded on vehicles. To identify an interior color, you’ll need to match it using physical color chips or a body shop reference book. Once identified, we can make the paint for you.

What if I still can’t find my Volkswagen paint code?

Double-check all locations shown in the diagrams, including less obvious areas. On classic or rare vehicles, you may need to contact the manufacturer directly. If you’re still unsure, contact us and we’ll help guide you.

More About Volkswagen Color Codes

Volkswagen codes can be difficult to find. Most Volkswagen color codes are going to be somewhere around the spare tire area. They are printed on a paper color id tag which is guaranteed to fall off and disappear just when you need to find it. I don't know how much extra a metal plate affixed to the driver door jamb would have cost, but apparently too much. . The typical color code format is: LD7X/2R The color code above is actually two different color codes, LD7X and 2R which can be used. Typically most Volkswagen's have the LD7X, but occasionally we see the 2R. Why did they do this? Who knows! LD7X corresponds to Platinum Gray Metallic Clearcoat Again, the 2R is also used on some Volkswagen's for the same color. Really old Volkswagen can be nearly impossible to figure out. Plus, they are discontinuing some of these toner colors so custom matching is the way to go. Same Color Code, Different Name Volkswagen, like all manufacturers, uses the exact same color across many models and then will have a different color name for each model. It's the same paint! This is why the color code is so important to order the correct paint. For example, LD7X, above we call Platinum Gray Metallic Clearcoat. It could also be called Gray Clearcoat, Platinum Moonstone Clearcoat, etc. depending on what the marketing department decided to call it.

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