The basic steps to replace a license plate light

Most license plate bulbs take five to ten minutes to replace. You will need a screwdriver (usually Phillips head), possibly a socket wrench or hex key depending on your vehicle, and a replacement bulb that matches your car's year and model. The bulb sits in a fixture mounted directly above or below the license plate, held in by a single screw or bolt.

Start by opening your trunk or hatchback and locating the plastic housing on the inside panel behind the license plate. You will see either a screw or a bolt holding the fixture in place. Remove it, then gently pull the entire fixture toward you. The bulb will either twist out counterclockwise or slide straight out of its socket, depending on your vehicle's design. Insert the new bulb the same way the old one came out, push the fixture back into place, and tighten the screw or bolt.

Key Takeaways

  • Access the bulb from inside your trunk by removing the screw or bolt that holds the fixture to the vehicle body.
  • The bulb either twists counterclockwise or slides straight out; check your owner's manual if you are unsure which motion applies to your car.
  • Buy a replacement bulb that matches your vehicle's year, make, and model — the wrong bulb may not fit or may not be street legal.
  • The entire job usually takes under ten minutes and requires only a screwdriver or socket wrench.

Finding the right replacement bulb for your vehicle

License plate bulbs come in different sizes and socket types. The most common are 194, 168, and 921 bulbs, but your specific car may use a different size. The safest way to find the correct bulb is to check your owner's manual under "lighting" or "bulb specifications." If you do not have the manual, you can search online using your vehicle's year, make, and model plus the words "license plate bulb size."

When you buy the bulb, bring your old one to the auto parts store and ask the staff to match it. They can usually identify the size by sight. You can also take a photo of the bulb and show it to the store employee. Bulbs cost between two and eight dollars depending on whether you choose a standard incandescent bulb or an LED version. LED bulbs last longer but cost more upfront.

Accessing the fixture from different vehicle types

On most sedans and hatchbacks, you access the license plate light from inside the trunk. Open the trunk, look at the interior panel directly behind where the license plate is mounted on the outside, and you will see the fixture housing. On some pickup trucks and SUVs, the fixture may be mounted on the bumper itself, and you may need to remove a plastic cover or bumper trim piece to reach it from underneath or from the side.

If your vehicle has a liftgate instead of a trunk, the process is the same — open the liftgate and look at the interior panel. For vehicles with a rear hatch, the fixture is usually on the hatch itself rather than the body. Check your owner's manual if you cannot locate the fixture, as some older or specialty vehicles have unusual mounting locations.

Twisting versus sliding bulbs

Once you have the fixture in front of you, look at how the bulb sits in its socket. If the bulb has two small pins on the sides, it slides straight out — do not twist it. If the bulb has a threaded base like a miniature light bulb, twist it counterclockwise to remove it. Trying to twist a pin-type bulb or slide a threaded bulb will break it.

When you insert the new bulb, line up the pins or threads with the socket opening and use the same motion in reverse. Push or twist gently until you feel resistance, then stop. Do not force the bulb into the socket, as this can damage both the bulb and the fixture.

Testing the light before you finish

Before you close the trunk or hatchback, turn on your vehicle's lights or ask someone to stand behind the car and tell you if the license plate light is working. If it does not light up, the bulb may not be seated correctly. Remove it and try again, making sure it is pushed or twisted all the way in.

If the light still does not work after you have reseated the bulb, the fixture itself may be damaged or the electrical connection may be loose. Check that the fixture is fully pushed back into its mounting hole and that the screw or bolt is tight. If the light remains off, the problem may be a blown fuse or a wiring issue that requires a mechanic.

When to replace both bulbs at once

Most vehicles have two license plate lights, one on each side of the plate. If one bulb has burned out, the other is likely to follow soon. Many people replace both bulbs at the same time to avoid having to do the job twice in a few weeks. This is especially practical if you are already inside the trunk with your tools.

If only one side is out, you can replace just that one. However, if the working bulb is more than a year old, consider replacing it too. The cost of a second bulb is small compared to the time and effort of opening the trunk again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a burned-out license plate light?

No. A burned-out license plate light is illegal in all states and can result in a traffic citation. Police officers often use it as a reason to pull over a vehicle, so it is worth fixing right away. The job takes less than ten minutes.

What if the bulb keeps burning out after a few weeks?

Repeated bulb failure usually means the fixture is getting too much voltage, often due to a faulty voltage regulator or a wiring short. This is an electrical problem that a mechanic should diagnose. Continuing to replace bulbs without fixing the underlying issue will waste money.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before changing the bulb?

No. License plate lights draw very little power and pose no shock risk. You do not need to disconnect the battery or turn off the vehicle. Just make sure the lights are off before you start, so you do not accidentally touch a hot bulb.

Is an LED license plate bulb worth the extra cost?

LED bulbs cost more upfront but last much longer than incandescent bulbs — often five to ten years instead of one to two years. If you plan to keep your vehicle for several years, an LED bulb saves money over time and reduces how often you have to open the trunk.

What if I cannot find the fixture or cannot remove the screw?

Check your owner's manual for the exact location and access method for your vehicle model. If the screw is stuck or corroded, spray it with penetrating oil and wait a few minutes before trying again. If you still cannot remove it, a mechanic can do the job for thirty to sixty dollars.