Dodge Paint Code
by VIN

Where the Dodge paint code is

On 2007 and newer Dodges, the paint code is on the vehicle information label inside the driver’s door jamb. Touch-up suppliers describe it as sitting near the barcode on that label. Open the driver’s door and look at the pillar and door edge.

On older Dodges the location moved around by model:

• Top of the radiator support on many older cars and trucks, often under engine grime.
• Firewall on some models, such as the passenger side of the firewall on the Avenger.
• Floor pan under the passenger seat, or in front of the radiator, on some Caravans and Ram trucks.

If you can’t find it in the engine bay of an older Dodge, wipe the radiator support down before giving up. The tag is often there under the grease.

What Mopar paint codes look like

A typical Dodge paint code is three characters, starting with the letter P, followed by letters or digits. That’s the Mopar format shared with Chrysler, Jeep and Ram.

Real Dodge colors and codes, as listed by touch-up paint suppliers:

Color name	Code
Pitch Black (listed as Black)	PX8
White Knuckle / Bright White	PW7
Destroyer Grey	PDN
Granite Crystal Metallic	PAU
Octane Red / Velvet Red Pearl	PRV

On some labels and in some catalogs, the same color shows up with a different first letter. For example, suppliers list Brilliant Black under both PXR and AXR. The last two characters usually stay the same. Give the supplier the full code from your label, and tell them if it doesn’t start with P.

Is Octane Red the same paint as Velvet Red Pearl?

Dodge is a good example of names and codes drifting apart in both directions.

• One code, several names. Suppliers list code PRV under Octane Red on the Challenger and Charger and Velvet Red Pearl on other models. The PW7 white was sold as White Knuckle on some models and Bright White on others.
• One name, several codes. Velvet Red Pearl on older Chargers used a different code from the PRV paint sold under that name more recently. A 2017 Velvet Red and a 2023 Velvet Red may not be the same paint.
• Shared Mopar paint. Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Ram draw from the same paint catalog. One supplier lists the PRV red under four names across those brands: Delmonico Red, Velvet Red, Octane Red and Snazzberry Red.
• Lookalike blacks. Pitch Black (PX8) and the pearl blacks that suppliers list under PXR and PXJ look close in a photo but are different paints.

Can a Dodge dealer get the paint code from the VIN?

Yes, from the factory build data tied to the VIN, but not from the 17 characters themselves (why the VIN doesn’t contain the paint code).

How StickerByVIN helps with a Dodge paint code

For Dodge we get original window stickers through a licensed window-sticker data partner, as part of the $9.99 Full Report. Before you pay, we run a free check that tells you whether a sticker is on file for your exact VIN. If none is on file, we say so before you pay. The report then gives full recall details, owner complaint counts and the decoded build data in one PDF with a permanent link, with no option prices and no matched paint code.

If we have the Dodge’s sticker, the Full Report handles the color like this (the label locations above stay free):

1. We read the exterior color name printed on it, such as Destroyer Grey.
2. We map that name to a Mopar code only on a confident match for that model and year.
3. If the name could match more than one code, like Velvet Red Pearl, we show the name and send you to the door jamb label.

Every VIN also gets the free NHTSA decode and recall count. For the sticker itself, see Dodge window sticker. For packages and option codes, see the Mopar build sheet.

How do I touch up Pitch Black (PX8) or Granite (PAU) on a Dodge?

• Match the code, not the name. Read the code off the door jamb label and order that exact code.
• Know your finish. Pearl and metallic colors like PAU need a clearcoat over the color to match the factory shine. Solid PX8 still looks dull without clear.
• Test on a hidden spot, like the inside of the door jamb, and let it dry before judging the match.
• Allow for fade. Older red and black Dodges that have sat outside may be lighter than fresh paint mixed to the original formula.
• Repainted panels won’t match the label. Compare the jamb color with the outside of the door if something looks off.

For other makes, start at the paint code lookup.

Sources

• NHTSA vPIC VIN decoder, the free federal database behind our decode
• NHTSA recall lookup, to check open recalls on your exact VIN
• Dodge, the maker’s site for owners and dealer contacts