Where to Find the Paint Code on a Honda Civic

The paint code for most Honda Civic models is printed on the manufacturer’s certification label on the driver’s side door jamb (the pillar the door latches to). Open the driver’s door and look for a white or silver sticker; the exterior color code appears as a short alphanumeric string (for example, NH-731P or B-593M). It is not in the VIN. Below, we explain how to identify the code, what it looks like, and where else to check if the label is missing—covering Civics from older generations through current models.

What you’re looking for

Honda lists the exterior paint code on a door-jamb label often titled “Manufactured by Honda Motor Co.” or similar. On many Civics, it appears near fields such as “COLOR,” “PAINT,” “EXT COLOR,” or alongside “TRIM.” The code is typically 3–6 characters and may include a hyphen and a suffix letter.

The following points will help you recognize a Honda paint code once you find the label:

• Format: Usually letters plus numbers, sometimes with a hyphen (e.g., NH-883P, B-XXXM, R-XXX).
• Prefixes:
  – NH = whites/grays/blacks
  – B = blues
  – R = reds
  – G = greens
  – YR = yellows/golds.
• Suffix letters:
  – P = Pearl
  – M = Metallic
  – No suffix or “-X” often indicates solid/non-metallic finishes.
• Location on label: Typically in the same block as “TRIM” but specifically marked as color/paint; it may be on the lower portion of the certification sticker.

If you see a two-part string, the paint code is the portion that follows the exterior color label; interior trim codes are separate and should not be used when ordering paint.

Step-by-step: How to locate it

Use this quick process to find the code on most late-model and many older Honda Civics.

1. Open the driver’s door and face the body pillar (B-pillar) where the door latches.
2. Find the white/silver certification label that lists the VIN, tire info, and manufacturing details.
3. Scan the label for “COLOR,” “PAINT,” or “EXT COLOR.” On many Civics, the color code appears adjacent to or beneath these fields.
4. Write down the full code as shown, including any hyphens and suffix letters (e.g., NH-731P).
5. Verify it matches the format (letters + numbers, often with -P or -M). Do not use the VIN for paint matching.

This code is what body shops, parts counters, and touch-up paint vendors use to mix an exact match for your Civic’s factory color.

If the sticker is missing or unreadable

On older Civics or cars that have had body repairs, the label can be damaged or replaced. If you can’t read it, try these options.

• Contact a Honda dealer with your VIN: Dealers can look up your factory exterior color in Honda’s service database and provide the paint code.
• Check under the hood on older models: Some 1980s–1990s Hondas placed a small plate or sticker on the firewall or radiator support with color info.
• Look in documentation: Original window sticker, build sheet, or past body shop invoices may list the paint code.
• Use a professional scan: High-quality body shops can spectro-scan the paint to find the closest formula if the original code is unavailable.

These alternatives ensure you get the correct formula even when the door-jamb label isn’t usable.

Common mistakes to avoid

Identifying the wrong string or relying on the VIN can lead to mismatched paint. Keep these pitfalls in mind.

• Using the VIN: Honda VINs do not encode exterior paint color.
• Confusing interior trim with exterior paint: “TRIM” codes describe upholstery and panels, not body color.
• Relying only on the color name: Names can repeat or vary by market/year; the code is the definitive reference.
• Copying supplier/mixing numbers: Only the Honda paint code (e.g., NH-XXX, B-XXXM) is universal across brands and years.

Always provide the exact paint code, not just the marketing color name, when ordering paint or getting bodywork.

Examples of Civic paint codes (non-exhaustive)

These sample codes illustrate what you might see. Your car’s exact code may differ by year, trim, and market.

• NH-731P (a black pearl)
• NH-883P (a white pearl)
• B-593M (a blue metallic)
• R-513 (a solid red)
• NH-877P (a gray pearl)

Use these only as format references; always read your Civic’s specific label or verify with a dealer.

Summary

Your Honda Civic’s paint code is almost always on the driver’s side door-jamb certification label and looks like a short alphanumeric code (e.g., NH-xxx, B-xxxM, R-xxxP). It’s not part of the VIN. If the label is missing or unreadable, a Honda dealer can retrieve the code by VIN, and older models may have under-hood tags. Having the precise code ensures an exact paint match for touch-ups and repairs.

Where to find paint code Honda Civic 2013?

The paint code for a 2013 Honda Civic is typically located on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. This sticker, often found near the door latch or underneath the barcode, will contain the paint code, usually a combination of letters and numbers. 
This video shows how to locate the paint code sticker on a Honda Civic: 16sScratchWizardYouTube · Mar 21, 2013
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Door Jamb Sticker: The most common location is on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. 
• Sticker Details: The sticker may also include other information like the vehicle’s VIN, production date, and tire pressure recommendations. 
• Paint Code Format: Honda paint codes usually consist of letters and numbers, sometimes ending with “M” or “P” for metallic or pearl finishes. 
• Factory Code: Some Honda models, including the Civic, may have a separate factory code that further refines the paint color, particularly for subtle variations. This factory code is often found on the same sticker and is the 11th digit of the VIN. 
• Confirmation: When ordering touch-up paint or replacement parts, it’s recommended to confirm the color code and any factory codes with the parts provider to ensure a perfect match. 

This video explains the different parts of the sticker that contains the paint code: 54sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Apr 2, 2019

Where is the Honda paint code on VIN?

LABEL SAMPLES. *NH623M-L, NH623M-S, NH623M-U are NOT the SAME. Paint Color Code “NH623M” and factory code “C” (NH623M-C) which is located on the drivers side door jamb. If you do not see your factory code from the color tag, you need to look at the 11th digit of your VIN which is located on the drivers side dashboard.

Where do I find the paint code on my Honda Civic?

The Honda Civic paint code is located on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb (the area on the car’s frame where the door latches). Open the driver’s door and find the sticker, which will contain information about the vehicle, including the paint code. The code is typically a short string of letters and numbers, often starting with “NH” for a Honda paint color.
 
Steps to find the paint code:

1. 1. Open the driver’s door . Opens in new tabon your Honda Civic. 
2. 2. Locate the sticker . Opens in new tabon the door jamb (the car’s frame). This sticker often has a barcode and other vehicle information. 
3. 3. Find the code . Opens in new tabon the sticker. It is typically in the bottom center of the sticker or labeled as “COLOR” or “PAINT”. 
4. 4. Identify the code, . Opens in new tabwhich will be a combination of letters and numbers. For example, a pearl white Civic might have a code like NH883P. 

If you have trouble finding the code, you can also check a VIN plate under the hood or contact a local Honda dealership’s parts department with your vehicle’s registration number or VIN. 
This video demonstrates how to locate the paint code on a Honda Civic: 54sYOUCANICYouTube · Jan 23, 2023

What part of my VIN is the paint code?

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) itself doesn’t directly contain the color code. The VIN is a unique identifier for a vehicle, but it doesn’t include detailed information like the specific paint color. To find the paint code, you’ll need to look for a separate sticker or plate on the vehicle, often located in the driver’s side door jamb or on the dashboard. You can also use the VIN to obtain a vehicle option report from the manufacturer or a dealership, which will include the paint code. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• VIN vs. Color Code: The VIN is a 17-character code that identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, year, and other key features, but it doesn’t typically specify the exact paint color. 
• Finding the Color Code: The color code is usually found on a separate sticker or plate on the vehicle, often in the driver’s side door jamb or on the dashboard. It may be labeled as “EXT. PT,” “C,” or with a combination of letters and numbers, according to Maaco. 
• Using the VIN to Find the Code: While the VIN doesn’t directly provide the color code, it can be used to access a vehicle’s option report, which will include the paint code. You can get this report from the manufacturer or a dealership by providing the VIN. 
• Example: For some GM vehicles, there’s a Regular Production Option (RPO) code decal that includes a 4-digit paint code, according to Quora.