License plate lights are straightforward to swap yourself—no special tools needed
A burned-out license plate light takes five to fifteen minutes to fix, depending on whether your car uses a bulb you twist out or one held in by a small screw. You'll need a replacement bulb (usually a 194 or 168 size, which cost $2 to $5), a screwdriver that matches your car's fasteners, and a flashlight. The whole job happens at the back of your car in your driveway. If you've never done this before, the hardest part is usually just finding the right bulb type for your vehicle—the rest is straightforward.
Most cars have one or two license plate lights mounted directly above or below the plate on the bumper. The housing either twists out from behind or is held by small screws on the outside. Once you remove the housing, you pull or twist out the old bulb, slide in the new one, and reinstall everything. No electrical knowledge required.
Key Takeaways
- Check your owner's manual or the bulb itself to find the correct replacement size—most cars use a 194 or 168 bulb, but some use different types.
- License plate light housings either twist out from behind the bumper or are held in place by one or two small screws you remove from the outside.
- Once the housing is out, the bulb either twists counterclockwise or pulls straight out depending on the socket type.
- Test the new bulb before you close everything up by turning on your headlights and checking that the light comes on.
Find the correct bulb type for your car
The easiest way to know which bulb you need is to look at your owner's manual—search the index for "license plate light" or "exterior lights." The manual will list the exact bulb size. If you don't have the manual, you can also look at the old bulb itself once you remove it; the size is printed on the base.
Most cars use either a 194 bulb or a 168 bulb. Some older vehicles or luxury cars use different sizes like 921 or 912. Buy the bulb before you start the job so you're not halfway through and stuck waiting. Bulbs are sold at any auto parts store, most drugstores, and online—they're inexpensive and come in both standard and LED versions. LED bulbs last longer but cost a bit more.
Locate the license plate light housing
The license plate light sits directly above or below your license plate, mounted on the bumper or the body panel. Look at the back of your car and you'll see a small rectangular or round plastic housing with a lens. This is what you're removing.
Some cars have one light centered above the plate; others have two lights, one on each side. If both are out, you'll replace them one at a time using the same method. Get a flashlight and a small screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on your car) and position yourself so you can see the housing clearly.
Remove the light housing
There are two common designs. The first type twists out: place your fingers on the sides of the housing and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It should come free in your hand. The second type is held by screws: use your screwdriver to remove one or two small screws from the outside of the housing, then gently pull the whole unit toward you.
Once the housing is out, you'll see the bulb socket inside. If the housing is stuck, don't force it—check that you're turning in the right direction or that you've removed all the screws. A little wiggling while you turn usually helps. Once it's free, set it somewhere safe where you won't step on it.
Replace the bulb and test it
Look at the bulb socket inside the housing. Most bulbs twist in counterclockwise to remove them—push gently and turn. Some bulbs pull straight out without twisting. Once the old bulb is out, insert the new one the same way it came out: twist clockwise if it twists, or push straight in if it pulls. Don't force it; it should slide in smoothly.
Before you reinstall the housing, turn on your headlights and check that the new light comes on. This saves you from having to take it apart again if something went wrong. Once you see it light up, turn off your headlights and reinstall the housing by twisting it clockwise (if it twists) or screwing it back in place. Make sure it's snug so water doesn't get inside.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is buying the wrong bulb size. Always check your manual or the old bulb before you buy. The second mistake is forcing the housing when it's stuck—if it won't budge, you're probably turning the wrong direction or missed a screw. Take a breath, look again, and try the other direction.
Don't touch the glass part of a new halogen bulb with your bare fingers; the oils from your skin can cause it to burn out early. If you do touch it, wipe it clean with a dry cloth. Finally, don't skip the test step. It takes thirty seconds and saves you from reassembling everything only to find the bulb doesn't work.
When to call a mechanic instead
If the housing is cracked or the lens is cloudy, replacing just the bulb won't help—you'll need a new housing. If the housing won't come out after you've tried both removal methods and checked your manual, the fasteners may be corroded or you may have the wrong tool. A mechanic can handle this in minutes, usually for $20 to $50 in labor plus the cost of the housing.
If your license plate light still doesn't work after you install a new bulb, the socket itself may be damaged or there may be a wiring problem. This is beyond a bulb replacement and requires electrical diagnosis, which is worth taking to a shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my license plate light is actually burned out?
Park in a dark area at night, turn on your headlights, and look at the license plate. If the area around the plate is dark and the light doesn't come on, the bulb is burned out. If the light is dim or flickering, the bulb is failing and should be replaced soon.
Can I use an LED bulb instead of a regular bulb?
Yes. LED bulbs are brighter, last much longer, and use less power. They cost more upfront but save money over time. Make sure you buy an LED bulb in the correct size for your car—194 LED, 168 LED, and so on.
What if I can't find the bulb size in my owner's manual?
Take a photo of the old bulb and bring it to an auto parts store. The staff can match it to the correct size. You can also search your car's year, make, and model online plus "license plate light bulb size" and find the answer in seconds.
Do I need to disconnect the battery before replacing the bulb?
No. The license plate light circuit is low-voltage and low-power. You don't need to disconnect anything—just turn off your headlights and you're safe to work.
Is it illegal to drive with a burned-out license plate light?
Yes, in most places. A burned-out license plate light can result in a traffic stop and a ticket. It's also a safety issue because it makes your plate hard to read at night. Replace it as soon as you notice it's out.