Ford Door Code Explained

The Ford “door code” is the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver-side door jamb. It shows the build month and year, weight ratings (GVWR and GAWR), the VIN and vehicle type, plus Ford build codes — most usefully the two-character EXT PNT paint code. It does not list the equipment group or factory options.

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Every field on a Ford door-jamb label

Federal rules (49 CFR 567.4) fix what every certification label must contain and require it on the driver's hinge pillar, door-latch post or door edge where practicable. Ford prints its own build codes alongside those required fields.

Fields on a Ford Safety Compliance Certification Label, example values, meaning and source
FieldLooks likeWhat it tells youWhere it comes from
Manufacturer name“MFD. BY FORD MOTOR CO.”Who assembled the vehicle.Required by 49 CFR 567.4
Date of manufactureMonth / year, e.g. 05/25When assembly was completed — the build date, not the model year.Required by 49 CFR 567.4
GVWRPounds (and kg)Maximum loaded weight of the vehicle.Required by 49 CFR 567.4
GAWR front / rearPounds per axleMaximum load each axle is rated for.Required by 49 CFR 567.4
Conformity statementConforms to all applicable FMVSS…Certifies compliance with federal safety (and bumper/theft) standards in effect on the build date.Required by 49 CFR 567.4
VIN17 charactersShould match the windshield VIN and the title.Required by 49 CFR 567.4
TypePASS CAR, MPV, TRUCKFederal vehicle-type classification.Required by 49 CFR 567.4
EXT PNT (exterior paint)Two characters, e.g. YZFactory paint code — read it with the model year.Ford build code
Other build-code boxesInterior trim, drivetrain and similarShort codes whose layout varies by year and model; not an options list.Ford build code

The paint code (EXT PNT)

The paint code is the field most people are looking for. It is two characters, and Ford reuses codes across eras, so the code and model year together identify the color — the Ford paint code reference lists documented colors with swatches. Ford's order guides use the same two-character codes: the 2025 F-150 guide, for example, introduces Marsh Gray (T9) and Space White Metallic (A3).

What the door label can't tell you

The label identifies the vehicle; it is not an options list. It won't show the equipment group (such as 302A — see Ford equipment group codes explained), free-standing packages such as Tow/Haul or FX4, or what each option cost. Those are on the original window sticker — try the free Ford window sticker by VIN lookup — or in the build record for the VIN. The separate tire and loading placard on the same pillar covers seating capacity, tire sizes and pressures.

Use the label to check consistency: the VIN should match the windshield and title, the build date should fit the model year, and the paint code should match the color you see. A mismatch is worth asking about.

Need the options, not just the door codes?

Enter the VIN on the Ford build sheet page. The availability check is free; you pay $9.99 only if detailed build data exists for that vehicle.

Ford build sheet by VIN

Free availability check first · $9.99 one-time only if detailed build data exists for the VIN · no subscription

FAQ

What is the Ford door code?

It usually means the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the driver-side door jamb. Federal rules require it to show the manufacturer, month and year of manufacture, GVWR, GAWR for each axle, a safety-standards statement, the VIN and the vehicle type; Ford adds build codes such as the two-character paint code (EXT PNT).

Where is the paint code on a Ford door jamb?

In the “EXT PNT” box on the certification label. It is two characters — for example YZ is Oxford White — and Ford reuses codes across eras, so the code plus the model year together identify the color. The Ford paint code reference lists documented codes.

Does the Ford door sticker show the equipment group or options?

No. The label identifies the vehicle and its weight ratings and carries a few build codes. The equipment group (such as 302A) and packages are on the original window sticker or in the build record for the VIN.

What is the build date on a Ford door sticker?

The month and year printed at the top of the label is the date of manufacture — federally defined as when work was completed at the main assembly location. It can differ from the model year.

Can I decode the other codes on my Ford door label?

Some, with care. Besides paint, Ford labels carry short codes for items such as interior trim and drivetrain whose layout varies by year and model, and Ford does not publish a public decoder for every box. For the factory equipment itself, use the window sticker or a VIN build sheet.

Sources

This CarWhere build sheet is reconstructed from available VIN-level build data. It is not an official Ford Monroney label or factory certificate.

Related Ford resources

Build sheet by model

Ford guides