Where to Find Your Audi Paint Code

You can usually find your Audi paint code on a sticker in the trunk (near the spare wheel or side panels), in the service book, in your MyAudi digital records, or by asking an Audi dealer with your VIN. These codes are short alphanumeric identifiers (for example, LY9B or LZ7S) that precisely define your vehicle’s original paint color.

Why the Audi Paint Code Matters

For Audi owners, the paint code is essential whenever you need bodywork, touch-up paint, or a full respray. Unlike marketing color names such as “Brilliant Black” or “Glacier White,” the code ensures that the shop or supplier mixes an exact match to the factory finish. This is especially important for modern multi-layer and metallic paints, where small deviations are immediately visible.

Primary Locations of the Audi Paint Code on the Car

Audi typically places a data sticker—often called the vehicle data sticker or options sticker—on or in the vehicle. This label lists multiple codes, including the paint code. Below are the most common physical locations you should check on your car.

• In the trunk near the spare wheel well: Open the trunk and lift the floor panel. Look on or near the spare wheel well, or on the trunk floor area, for a rectangular white or light-gray sticker with many three-character option codes and a line of text including the paint code.
• On the trunk side panels or inner rear panel: In some models, the sticker is on the side panel inside the trunk, behind the carpet, or on the inner panel near the latch area.
• Inside the service/maintenance booklet: Audi often places a duplicate of the vehicle data sticker inside the front pages or inside cover of the service or warranty booklet that came with the car.
• Driver’s door area (less common but possible): While the main door jamb sticker usually shows VIN and tire information, some models or markets may include paint data here, though it’s less consistent than the trunk and service book locations.

Once you know these likely locations, a careful inspection around the trunk and service documentation will usually reveal the sticker containing your paint code, even on older models.

How to Read the Audi Paint Code on the Data Sticker

Finding the sticker is only the first step—decoding it correctly ensures you order or mix the right color. Audi paint codes follow fairly consistent patterns and are usually located near the top or middle of the sticker, next to or below the model designation and VIN.

Typical Audi Paint Code Formats

Audi paint codes generally use a combination of letters and numbers. Understanding the common patterns helps you recognize the code quickly, even among many other numbers on the sticker.

• Four-character codes starting with “L”: For example, LY9B (Brilliant Black), LZ7S (Daytona Grey Pearl), LC9A (Ibis White). The “L” usually indicates “Lack” (German for paint).
• Sometimes printed with a space or dash: The same color might appear as “L Y9B,” “LY9B,” or “Y9B” on invoices or labels, but the four-character “Lxxx” format is the core code paint suppliers use.
• Accompanied by a color name: On some stickers it might read like “LY9B BRILLANTSCHWARZ” or the English translation “Brilliant Black” next to or under the code.
• Separate from trim codes: Interior trims have their own codes; don’t confuse leather or fabric codes (often three characters or alphanumeric) with the exterior paint code starting with “L.”

By locating the four-character “Lxxx” code and cross-checking it with the printed color name, you can be confident you’ve identified the correct factory paint reference.

Steps to Identify the Code on the Sticker

Once you have the sticker in front of you, a systematic approach helps you quickly pinpoint the paint code among the many numbers and option codes.

1. Locate the vehicle data sticker: Confirm you’re looking at the sticker with the VIN, model designation, engine/transmission codes, and a grid of three-character option codes.
2. Scan for “L” followed by three characters: Look for a sequence like “LY9B,” “LZ5F,” “LC9A,” or similar, often printed in the upper or middle portion of the sticker.
3. Check for accompanying text: Right next to or beneath the code, there may be a color name in German or English (e.g., “BRILLANTSCHWARZ,” “GLACIER WHITE”).
4. Note it exactly as printed: Write down the full code, including the “L,” and the color name. Paint suppliers may ask for either or both.
5. Photograph for reference: Take a clear photo of the sticker with your phone so you have a permanent, legible copy when ordering paint or visiting a body shop.

Following these steps will help you quickly isolate the exterior paint code from the other technical and option data on the sticker, minimizing the chance of mixing it up with unrelated codes.

Finding the Paint Code When the Sticker Is Missing or Damaged

On older Audis or vehicles that have had trunk repairs, the data sticker may be missing, painted over, or unreadable. In such cases, owners still have several reliable ways to retrieve the correct paint code.

Check the Service Book and Digital Records

Before turning to a dealership, it’s worth checking any documentation that came with the car and modern digital tools provided by Audi.

• Service or warranty booklet: Open the service book and look for a duplicate vehicle data sticker on the first few pages or inner cover, mirroring the one originally placed in the trunk.
• Previous invoices or body shop records: If the car has had paintwork done before, invoices may list the Audi paint code or the color formulation used for that repair.
• MyAudi or Audi app (where available): In some regions, logging into your MyAudi account and adding your vehicle by VIN can surface detailed build information. While not guaranteed, certain markets or dealer-linked systems may show the paint code or exact color name.

These sources are especially valuable if the physical sticker is damaged, since they often contain the same factory data preserved in a more durable or easily accessible form.

Ask an Audi Dealer Using Your VIN

If paperwork and apps don’t provide the answer, your Audi dealership can typically retrieve the paint code from factory records using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

• Contact the parts or service department: Call or visit an authorized Audi dealer and provide your VIN (visible through the windshield or on the registration document).
• Request the original paint code: Ask specifically for the exterior paint code and color name as built from the factory.
• Verify against current color: If the car has been resprayed or wrapped in the past, confirm visually that the current exterior matches the code, especially if you only need to repair one panel.
• Get a printout or email: Request a printed or emailed copy of the build sheet or color information so you have a permanent record for future repairs.

Using the VIN through an authorized dealer is often the most authoritative method for confirming your paint code, ensuring that even if physical labels are gone, the original specification is still accessible.

Using the Paint Code for Touch-Up and Repairs

Once you have the correct Audi paint code, you can source compatible products and services that match your car’s original finish. Understanding how to use that code reduces the risk of a noticeable mismatch after repairs.

Ordering Touch-Up Products

For small chips or scratches, touch-up solutions are usually sufficient and can be ordered precisely using the paint code.

• OEM touch-up sticks from Audi: Audi dealers and official parts suppliers often sell paint pencil kits matched to factory codes, sometimes including both color and clear coat.
• Aftermarket touch-up from paint specialists: Many online paint providers allow you to enter “Audi” and your specific code (e.g., LY9B) to obtain matched pens, bottles, or aerosol cans.
• Confirm year and model: Some color names repeat across years with slight variations, so include the production year and model when ordering.
• Buy clear coat if required: Most modern Audi finishes are basecoat + clear coat systems; you’ll need both for a proper repair.

By specifying the exact Audi paint code when ordering, you substantially increase the chances that a small repair blends in with the surrounding bodywork rather than drawing attention.

Body Shop and Respray Work

For larger repairs involving panels or full resprays, professionals rely heavily on the paint code but may also perform additional refinements to achieve an invisible match.

• Provide the paint code to the body shop: Share the code (e.g., LZ7S) and color name on intake so the shop can select the correct formula in its mixing system.
• Expect blending and adjustments: Even with the correct code, technicians often blend into adjacent panels and tweak formulas to account for aging, sun fade, and prior repairs.
• Check sample spray-outs: A quality shop may spray a test card using the formula tied to your code, then compare it to your car before painting the vehicle itself.
• Keep records for future work: Ask the shop to note the code, brand of paint, and mix variation used, in case future repairs require a consistent approach.

In professional hands, the paint code is the starting point for an accurate color match, but it’s often combined with visual checks and blending techniques to overcome any differences caused by age and exposure.

Common Problems and Misconceptions About Audi Paint Codes

Owners often encounter confusion around color names, multiple codes, and differences between documentation. Clearing up a few frequent issues will help you avoid costly mistakes.

Marketing Name vs. Code

Many drivers know only the marketing name of their car’s color, but that alone can be misleading when ordering paint.

• Same name, different formulas: Audi has reused names such as “Brilliant Black” or “Ice Silver” across years and models, occasionally with slight variation in formulation.
• Different names, similar appearance: Colors that look nearly identical to the eye may have distinct underlying codes and formulas.
• Suppliers prioritize codes: Paint suppliers and body shops typically search by code first; color names are secondary and less precise.
• Always pair name with code: When possible, provide both—e.g., “Brilliant Black, code LY9B”—to eliminate ambiguity.

Recognizing that the code is more precise than the marketing name ensures you communicate clearly with suppliers and repairers, especially for older or special-order colors.

Multiple Numbers and Confusing Labels

Modern Audis carry numerous identifiers, and not every code on a sticker or label relates to paint. Misreading these can lead to ordering the wrong product.

• Don’t confuse VIN with paint code: The VIN is a 17-character string, while the paint code is typically four characters starting with “L.”
• Ignore tire and emission labels: Door jamb or under-hood stickers with tire pressures or emission data rarely include paint information.
• Interior and trim codes differ: Leather and interior trim codes (e.g., for seats or dashboards) are separate from the exterior paint code.
• Check for repeated “Lxxx” pattern: If multiple “Lxxx” codes appear, the one associated with an exterior color name (e.g., “SCHWARZ,” “SILBER,” “GRAU”) is the paint code.

By focusing on the specific format of Audi paint codes and verifying them against color names, you can filter out unrelated numbers and avoid wrong orders or mismatched touch-up products.

Key Takeaways and Summary

To locate your Audi paint code, start by checking the vehicle data sticker in the trunk area—typically near the spare wheel well or on a side panel—and the duplicate sticker in your service or warranty booklet. You are looking for a four-character code starting with “L” (such as LY9B, LZ7S, or LC9A), often printed next to the color name. If the sticker is missing or illegible, consult your MyAudi digital records where available, or contact an authorized Audi dealer and ask them to retrieve the original paint specification using your VIN. Once identified, use this code whenever you order touch-up paint, buy aerosol cans, or commission bodywork, as it gives paint suppliers and body shops the precise formula needed to match your car’s factory finish.

Where can I find my Audi code?

You can find your Audi vehicle code on the security film attached to your keys at the time of purchase or on an activation card. If you cannot find it there, check your vehicle’s registration documents, under the carpet in the trunk, or contact an authorized Audi dealer for assistance. 
Where to look

• On your keys: The 10-digit code is often under a scratch-off security film on a tag that comes with your keys. 
• On an activation card: Look for an Audi Connect activation card, which is provided with your keys and may contain the code. 
• In the trunk: A vehicle identification sticker with various codes, including your engine code, may be located under the carpet in the trunk, often near the spare tire. 
• In your service booklet: A sticker with your vehicle’s details, including your engine code, is typically on the front page of your maintenance or service booklet. 
• Your registration documents: The code may be printed on your vehicle’s registration documents. 
• Within the myAudi app: If you’ve previously linked your account, you may be able to find an 8-digit Audi Connect PIN in your vehicle profile within the app. 
• Within the MMI system: Some models may display the code in the MMI infotainment system under vehicle settings. 

If you still can’t find it

• Contact your dealer: An authorized Audi dealer can help you locate the code using your VIN. This can often be done remotely or for free by visiting the dealership. 
• Call Audi support: You can call Audi support for assistance. Be prepared to provide information to verify your identity and ownership. 

Where is the paint code on an Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 paint code is most commonly found on a sticker in the trunk, under the floor mat or spare tire. Other locations include the door jamb or door hinge area, or possibly on the first page of the owner’s manual in the glove box.
 
This video demonstrates how to find the paint code sticker in the trunk: 1mLive FreeYouTube · Sep 23, 2019
Primary location: Trunk/Cargo area 

• Open the trunk or lift the cargo area cover. 
• Look under the floor mat or carpeted section. 
• You may need to lift the spare tire to find the sticker on the floor of the well or the side panel. 

Other possible locations

• Door jamb: Check the sticker on the door frame. 
• Owner’s manual: In some newer models, the paint code is listed on the first page of the owner’s manual, which is usually in the glove box. 
• Door hinge: The paint code can sometimes be found on a sticker near the door hinge. 

This video shows an alternative location for finding the paint code on the door jamb: 33sREADY CAR PAINTSYouTube · Jan 14, 2023

How do I find my Audi paint code?

You can find an Audi paint code in the trunk by lifting the trunk liner, under the spare tire compartment, or on a sticker in the wheel well. The code is typically on a manufacturer’s sticker labeled “PAINT NO.” and can be 2 to 4 characters long, including both letters and numbers. 
This video shows how to find the paint code in the trunk of an Audi: 1mPaintScratch Automotive Touch Up PaintYouTube · Apr 21, 2020
Common locations for the paint code

• Trunk/Cargo Area: This is the most common place to look. 
  • Lift the trunk liner or floor mat to access the spare tire well. 
  • Look for a sticker with a “PAINT NO.” heading or “PAINT NO.” label. 
  • The code may be near or on the spare tire. 
• Door Jamb: Some models might have the code on a sticker on the door frame or in the door hinge area. 
• Owner’s Manual: Newer models may display the paint code on the first page of the owner’s manual, which is usually in the glove box. 

What to look for

• The sticker: The paint code is on a sticker, often with other vehicle information like the VIN or build date. 
• “PAINT NO.”: The sticker will usually have a heading that says “PAINT NO.” to help you identify the code. 
• Code format: The code can be a combination of letters and numbers and may vary in length (e.g., LZ7S/6Y, LY9C/T9, or LS9R/2Y). 

This video shows another example of where to find the paint code sticker in the trunk of an Audi: 59sTeeJayLCYouTube · Jun 20, 2024
If you still can’t find it

• Visit your local dealer: The dealer can look up the paint code for you using your VIN. 
• Use a VIN lookup tool: Some online tools can help you find the code using your VIN. 

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.