What Paint Code Is My Audi? How to Find It, Decode It, and Use It

Your Audi’s paint code is usually a three-character alphanumeric code (sometimes with additional characters) that precisely identifies the factory color of your car; you can typically find it on a vehicle data sticker (or QR “Vehicle Data” label on newer models), in the service book, inside the trunk or spare wheel well, or by using your VIN through an Audi dealer or trusted parts database. This code is essential for ordering touch-up paint, panels, or performing accurate repairs.

Why Your Audi’s Paint Code Matters

When you need bodywork, detailing, or even a minor touch-up, knowing the exact paint code ensures the new paint matches the original finish. Audi uses many subtly different shades that can look identical at a glance but differ slightly in tint, metallic content, or pearl effect. The paint name alone (such as “Daytona Grey”) is not always enough to guarantee a perfect match; body shops and paint suppliers rely on the exact code to mix paint to factory specification.

Where to Find the Paint Code on an Audi

Audi provides the paint code in several physical and digital locations on the vehicle and in the documentation. Understanding where to look can save time and prevent mistakes.

1. Vehicle Data Sticker (Older and Many Current Models)

The most common place to find the paint code on many Audi models built in the 2000s and 2010s is the vehicle data sticker. This sticker lists key build information including option codes and paint details.

The following list outlines typical locations where you can find the Audi vehicle data sticker.

• In the trunk / boot floor: Lift the carpet or floor panel; the sticker is often near the spare wheel well or on the side panel inside the trunk.
• In the spare wheel well: On some models, the sticker is affixed directly inside the well underneath or beside the spare wheel.
• Inside the service or warranty booklet: Audi frequently duplicates the same vehicle data sticker inside the first pages of the service book supplied with the car.
• On the side of the trunk opening: Some sedans and Sportback models place the sticker vertically on a side panel around the trunk area.

Once located, the vehicle data sticker is usually a white or light-gray label containing the VIN, engine code, gearbox code, option codes, and one or more paint-related codes; among these is the paint code that identifies your car’s exterior color.

2. QR “Vehicle Data” Label on Newer Audis

On more recent Audi models (particularly late 2010s onward), the traditional data sticker has been supplemented or replaced by a QR-coded “Vehicle Data” label. This allows dealership equipment—or sometimes a smartphone app—to read and decode the car’s build data, including color information.

The following list describes the modern approaches Audi uses for QR-based vehicle data labels.

• QR label in the trunk or door area: Some newer models carry a QR label in the trunk area or on a door pillar that, when scanned by dealer tools or authorized apps, reveals build and paint data.
• Digital records at the dealership: Even if the physical sticker is missing, the same information is stored in Audi’s internal systems accessible by VIN.
• Owner app integration (where available): In some markets, Audi’s connected services and apps can pull basic vehicle data, though paint code detail varies by region and app version.

If a QR sticker is present, you can ask an Audi dealer or qualified body shop to scan it or use it along with your VIN to retrieve the exact paint code associated with your vehicle’s build specification.

3. Driver’s Door Jamb and Other Labels

While not as consistent as the main data sticker, some Audi models provide color information on supplementary labels, particularly in the door openings.

The following list shows additional locations that may display your Audi’s paint code or color name.

• Driver’s side B-pillar label: Near the door latch, you’ll see a compliance label with VIN, weight ratings, and sometimes color information; occasionally, the paint code or at least the color name appears there.
• Passenger-side door jamb: Certain markets use extra labels for local regulations, which in some cases list the paint name.
• Under the hood (less common): On some older or special models, a secondary sticker or plate under the hood may mention paint code or color details.

These labels are not standardized worldwide, so while they can sometimes reveal the paint name or code, they are best used as a cross-check rather than your only source of information.

4. Service Book and Original Purchase Documentation

If the physical labels on the car are damaged or missing, your original documents may still hold the key. Many owners overlook that the service book often mirrors the data sticker from the car itself.

The following list summarizes document-based sources where you can find or confirm the paint code.

• Service or maintenance booklet: Open the front cover or first pages; a copy of the vehicle data sticker is usually attached here with all the same codes as the sticker in the vehicle.
• Original sales invoice or order form: Dealers often list the paint name and, sometimes, the three-character paint code on the purchase paperwork.
• Audi “Certificate” or build sheet: In some regions, you can request a factory data sheet from Audi, which will list the official paint code and color description.

These document sources are particularly useful if the vehicle has been resprayed or modified, allowing you to distinguish between the original factory color code and any aftermarket work.

5. Using the VIN Through a Dealer or Online Database

When stickers and documents are inaccessible, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) becomes the most reliable path to retrieving your Audi’s paint code. The VIN ties directly to the factory configuration stored in Audi’s systems.

The following list describes common ways to use your VIN to obtain an accurate paint code.

• Contact an Audi dealership: Provide your VIN and ask them to look up the “paint code” or “exterior color code” in the factory database; this is typically a quick request for the service or parts department.
• Use reputable online parts catalogs: Some independent parts databases allow you to enter your VIN and will display color information, including paint code and name, though accuracy varies by provider and region.
• Independent body shop with OEM access: Well-equipped body shops may have access to official or licensed databases that decode VINs to retrieve paint formulas and codes.

Because the VIN is unique to your specific car, a VIN-based lookup is often the safest way to confirm the correct paint code, particularly for models with mid-year color changes or multiple shades under one marketing name.

How to Recognize and Read an Audi Paint Code

Once you’ve located the relevant sticker or documentation, the next challenge is identifying which of the many codes actually corresponds to the paint. Audi uses standardized formats, but there can be more than one string related to color.

Common Audi Paint Code Formats

Audi paint codes typically consist of three characters, sometimes followed by additional letters or numbers. The format is shared across the Volkswagen Group, but with Audi-specific color names and combinations.

The list below highlights typical patterns and examples of Audi paint codes.

• Three-character alphanumeric codes: Examples include LY9B, LZ7S, or LH9X. These often break down with “L” signifying “Lack” (paint) and the following characters identifying the exact shade.
• Two-part codes with and without the “L” prefix: You may see both Y9B and LY9B used; both refer to the same color, but the full version with “L” is the complete internal code.
• Code plus marketing name: A sticker might show something like LY9B BRILLIANTSCHWARZ or LZ7S DAYTONAGRAU PERLEFFEKT, pairing the code with the German color name.

On the data sticker, the paint code is usually near other build codes and may appear alongside interior trim codes; focusing on entries that begin with “L” and that are accompanied by a color name is generally the most effective approach.

Examples of Popular Audi Paint Codes

To make the identification process more concrete, it helps to see how popular Audi colors are represented as paint codes in real-world cases.

The following examples show some widely used Audi colors and their associated paint codes.

• Brilliant Black: Often listed as LY9B / Y9B. A solid black widely used across many Audi models.
• Ibis White: Commonly LY9C / Y9C. A clean, solid white known for its bright appearance.
• Daytona Grey Pearl Effect: Usually LZ7S / Z7S. A dark grey with a pearl effect, popular on S and RS models.
• Misano Red Pearl Effect: Often LY3M / Y3M. A vivid red with a pearl layer.
• Nardo Grey: Typically LY7C / Y7C. A flat, solid grey favored on performance and design-focused models.

While these examples provide useful reference points, your specific vehicle could have a similar-sounding or related shade with a completely different code, so always verify against your own sticker or VIN data.

Distinguishing Between Factory Color and Respray

Many used Audis have had panels repainted or entire color changes, which can complicate the search for the correct paint code if the car no longer matches its original specification.

Checking for Repainted Panels

Visual clues can reveal whether your car still wears its factory color or has been resprayed at some point in its life.

The following list outlines signs that suggest non-factory paintwork on an Audi.

• Color mismatch across panels: Doors, bumpers, or wings that appear slightly different in shade, especially under strong sunlight, may indicate partial resprays.
• Paint lines or overspray: Look around rubber seals, window edges, and door jambs for rough edges, tape lines, or stray paint spots.
• Texture differences: Factory paint tends to have a consistent orange-peel texture; smoother or rougher panels can reflect aftermarket work.
• Different color in hidden areas: Check inside the fuel filler, under the hood, and inside door jambs; if these differ from the exterior, the car may have been fully resprayed to another color.

If the visible color does not match the factory code from the sticker or VIN lookup, a body shop may need to color-match the existing paint rather than rely solely on the original factory code.

When the Sticker Is Missing or Damaged

Sometimes the trunk sticker has peeled away, or the service book has been lost. In those cases, you will need to rely on a combination of VIN data and professional assessment.

The list below describes strategies for identifying the correct color when original stickers are no longer available.

• VIN-based lookup via dealer: Ask an Audi dealer or authorized service center to provide the paint code and color name tied to your VIN.
• Spectrophotometer scan: A professional body shop can scan a clean, flat section of the paint with a color-measuring device to generate a formula close to the existing finish.
• Cross-check with previous repair records: If the car has had insurance repairs, body shop invoices might list the color code or mixing formulas used.

Combining factory records with physical paint analysis offers the best chance for an accurate match, especially if your Audi has undergone non-standard color work or extensive repairs.

Using the Paint Code for Touch-Ups and Repairs

Once you know your Audi’s paint code, you can use it to source touch-up products or instruct a body shop to ensure precision in repairs and refinishes.

Ordering Touch-Up Paint

Small chips and scratches can often be addressed with touch-up kits, but the correct code is crucial to avoid a visible mismatch.

The following list explains how to use the paint code when purchasing touch-up products.

• OEM touch-up pens or bottles: Audi dealers and authorized parts retailers sell OEM-branded touch-up kits labeled with the correct code and color name.
• Aftermarket suppliers: Reputable paint suppliers can mix paint by code; ensure their database clearly lists Audi paints and confirm the code and model year.
• Clearcoat and primer: For metallic and pearl finishes, you will usually need color coat plus clearcoat; solid colors might be available as single-stage, but a clearcoat often improves durability.

Even with the correct code, factors like paint aging and exposure can slightly alter the appearance, so it is wise to test the touch-up paint on a hidden area before tackling visible panels.

Body Shop Repairs and Partial Resprays

For collision repairs or cosmetic refreshes, body shops rely on the paint code as a starting point, but often fine-tune the formula to match your specific car.

The list below outlines how professionals use your Audi’s paint code during repair work.

• Base mix from factory formula: Painters mix a base color using the code’s official formula from Audi or paint manufacturer databases.
• Spray-out cards: They spray sample cards and compare them against the car in natural light, adjusting tint if necessary.
• Blending adjacent panels: Instead of painting a single panel edge-to-edge, shops commonly blend into neighboring panels so slight differences are visually hidden.

This combination of code-based mixing and on-car adjustment is why providing the correct paint code is so important; it minimizes the amount of corrective work needed to achieve an invisible repair.

Frequently Asked Points of Confusion

Because Audi shares components across its range and uses similar names for different shades, owners often encounter recurring questions when trying to identify their color.

Is the Paint Code the Same as the Color Name?

The marketing name and the code are related but not interchangeable. For example, several different greys may share the word “Grey” or “Grau” in their names but have distinct codes and appearances.

The following list clarifies the relationship between paint codes and color names.

• One code, one formula: Each paint code corresponds to a specific formula, including pigments and metallic or pearl components.
• Similar names, different codes: “Daytona Grey” and “Quantum Grey” may sound similar but use very different codes and formulas.
• Regional naming differences: The same code might have slightly different marketing names in different countries or languages, while the underlying formula remains identical.

When ordering paint, the code is more reliable than the name; use the name as a confirmation, not as your primary reference.

Can Two Audis with the Same Code Look Different?

Yes, it is possible, especially on older cars or those exposed to harsh conditions. Aging, polishing, and environmental factors all affect appearance over time.

The following list outlines reasons why identical paint codes can produce slightly different visual results.

• UV fading and oxidation: Sun exposure can lighten or dull paint, particularly reds and dark colors.
• Previous blending and repairs: A car that has already been partly resprayed may not fully match the original factory tone, even if the correct code was used.
• Differences in application: Spray-gun settings, film thickness, drying conditions, and clearcoat choice can change how a color reflects light.

Professional body shops compensate for these variables by adjusting the formula and blending techniques while still using the official code as the baseline.

Summary

Your Audi’s paint code is the precise identifier for its factory exterior color. You will usually find it on the vehicle data sticker in the trunk or spare wheel well, on a duplicate sticker in the service book, or via a QR “Vehicle Data” label or VIN-based lookup through an Audi dealer or reputable database. The code typically follows a three-character format such as LY9B or LZ7S and may appear alongside the color’s marketing name. Because Audi offers many closely related shades and finishes, relying on the exact paint code—rather than the color name alone—is critical for accurate touch-ups, collision repairs, or full resprays. If physical stickers are missing or the car has been repainted, combining a VIN lookup with professional color-matching at a body shop is the most reliable way to ensure a correct and visually seamless result.

Can I check paint code by reg?

Finding your paint code by reg is the easiest method but it’s not always possible – but it’s not difficult to find it in other ways. Car manufacturers generally record the original paint code of your car in the boot, under the bonnet, or inside the door jamb. The codes looks like a short list of letters and numbers.

What color is my Audi by VIN?

You can find an Audi paint code using your VIN by contacting a dealership or using online VIN lookup tools, as the VIN itself doesn’t directly contain the code. The most reliable method is to find the code directly on the vehicle, typically on a sticker in the luggage compartment, under the trunk lid, or on the driver’s side door frame.
 
How to find your Audi paint code
Method 1: Check the vehicle’s stickers 

• Luggage compartment: Open the trunk and look for a sticker on the trunk lid, on the wall of the compartment, or under the floor mat. 
• Door frame: Check the driver’s side door frame or jamb. 
• Other locations: Some stickers may be found in other locations like under the bonnet or behind a panel in the trunk, especially on certain models like the Q7. 
• Vehicle identification sticker: The sticker is often located in the trunk and may include other vehicle information like interior codes. 

Method 2: Use your VIN

• Contact a dealership: Provide your VIN to the dealership, and they can look up the paint code in their database. 
• Use online VIN decoders/lookup tools: Many online paint and auto parts websites allow you to enter your VIN to find the correct paint code for your specific vehicle. 

Method 3: Consult your owner’s manual

• Your owner’s manual may contain information about the paint code, though it’s less reliable than checking the vehicle itself or using a VIN lookup. 

Can I use my VIN to find paint code?

No, you cannot find your car’s paint code by VIN alone, as the VIN is a unique vehicle identifier and does not contain the paint code. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting the manufacturer or a dealership, or by looking for the paint code on a sticker in your car. 
Where to find your paint code

• On a sticker inside the driver’s door: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar that contains terms like “EXT PNT” or “BODY COLOR CODE,” says CarParts.com. 
• On a label under the hood: Some cars have a sticker or placard with paint information in the engine bay, although it can sometimes be hard to read due to age and heat, according to AutoZone.com. 
• In your owner’s manual: The paint code is often listed in the service history or owner’s manual for your vehicle, notes Holts Auto. 

If you can’t find the code on your car 

• Contact the dealership: Provide the VIN to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and they can look up the exact factory paint color for you, says JustAnswer. 
• Use online VIN decoding tools: Some online tools and websites can help you find paint codes, but you should always verify the code directly from your vehicle or a dealer for accuracy, as online tools may have inaccuracies, notes Partify. 

How to find Audi paint code?

Oh got my axe. And now you’ll have to lift up the cover on your spare tire. And if you look around this area you’re going to find a tag. And if we look at it close we can see an LY9C/Y9C.