License plate lights are straightforward to replace yourself in most cars

Your license plate lights are small bulbs mounted above or below your plate that let other drivers see your plate number at night. They burn out like any other bulb, and replacing them usually takes five to ten minutes with no special tools. On most vehicles, you can do this in your driveway—you do not need a mechanic.

The exact steps depend on your car's design. Some lights are accessed from behind the bumper, others from inside the trunk. Once you know where yours are, the job is straightforward: remove the fixture, take out the old bulb, and install a new one that matches the original.

Key Takeaways

  • License plate light bulbs typically cost between $5 and $15 each and are available at any auto parts store or online.
  • Most vehicles let you access the lights by removing a single screw or plastic clip from the fixture, with no tools beyond a screwdriver.
  • The correct bulb type is printed in your owner's manual or stamped on the fixture itself—common types are 194, 168, or 2825.
  • If the light still does not work after you install a new bulb, the wiring or socket may be damaged and you should have a mechanic inspect it.

Locate your license plate light fixtures

Open your trunk and look at the inside surface of the panel that faces the license plate. On most sedans and SUVs, you will see one or two round or rectangular plastic fixtures mounted there. These are your license plate lights. If you cannot see them from inside the trunk, check underneath the bumper on the outside—some vehicles mount them there instead.

If you still cannot find them, consult your owner's manual. Search the index for "license plate light" or "rear light assembly." The manual will show you exactly where they are on your model and how to access them. You can also take a photo of your license plate area at night and look for the small lights glowing above or below it.

Remove the light fixture

Once you have located the fixture, look for a single screw or plastic clip holding it in place. Most fixtures are held by one screw on the side or bottom, or by a clip you can pry out with your fingernail or a flat screwdriver. Turn the screw counterclockwise or gently pull the clip outward until the fixture comes loose.

Some fixtures twist out instead of unscrewing. If yours has a twist-lock design, grip the fixture and rotate it counterclockwise until it releases. Pull the entire fixture away from the bumper or trunk panel. Be gentle—the wiring is still attached, and you do not want to damage the connector.

Identify and purchase the correct bulb

Look at the bulb inside the fixture. You will see a number stamped or printed on the base—common types are 194, 168, 2825, or W5W. Write down this number. You can also check your owner's manual under "light bulb specifications" or "replacement bulbs," which will list the correct type for your vehicle.

Take the number to any auto parts store—AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, or Advance Auto Parts all stock these bulbs, and they cost between $5 and $15 each. You can also order them online from Amazon or the manufacturer's website. Buy two if you want to replace both sides at once, since the other bulb will burn out soon after.

Remove the old bulb and install the new one

With the fixture in your hand, locate the bulb socket. On most fixtures, the bulb twists counterclockwise to release it. Grip the bulb gently and turn it until it comes free. Do not pull hard—the socket is fragile. If the bulb is stuck, try rocking it gently side to side as you turn.

Take the new bulb and insert it into the socket, aligning the pins or tabs on the base with the slots inside. Push gently and turn clockwise until it stops. Do not force it—it should seat smoothly. If it does not, remove it and check that the pins are aligned correctly. Once the bulb is find, reinstall the fixture by reversing the steps you used to remove it: screw it back in or clip it back into place.

Test the light before you finish

Turn on your headlights or have someone turn on the car while you stand behind it to see if the new light works. The plate should be clearly lit. If the light does not come on, remove the fixture again and check that the bulb is seated all the way in the socket. Twist it slightly to make sure it is making contact.

If the light still does not work after you have reseated the bulb, the socket or wiring may be damaged. This is not something you can fix yourself—take the car to a mechanic to have the circuit inspected. A damaged socket usually costs $50 to $150 to replace, depending on the vehicle.

When to call a mechanic instead

If you cannot locate the fixture, or if it requires removing the bumper or other panels to access, a mechanic can do the job faster than you can learn the process. Some vehicles have fixtures that are difficult to reach without special knowledge of the design.

Also call a mechanic if the bulb burns out again within a few weeks, or if multiple bulbs on the same side are not working. This usually means the wiring or connector is faulty, not the bulb itself. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and repair it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any bulb, or does it have to be the exact type?

Use the exact type listed in your manual or stamped on the fixture. Using the wrong bulb can cause it to burn out quickly, not fit properly, or draw too much power from the circuit. The correct bulb is inexpensive and widely available, so there is no reason to substitute.

What if one light works but the other does not?

If one side is dark and the other is lit, the dark side has a burned-out bulb. Replace it using the same steps. If you replace the bulb and it still does not light, the socket or wiring on that side is damaged and needs a mechanic's attention.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before I start?

No. License plate lights draw very little power and are low-voltage. Disconnecting the battery is not necessary and will not make the job safer. straightforward turn off the car and work in good light.

How often do license plate lights burn out?

Most bulbs last several years, but it depends on how often you drive at night and the quality of the bulb. Once one burns out, the other is usually not far behind. If you are replacing one, consider replacing both at the same time to avoid a second trip.

Is it illegal to drive with a burned-out license plate light?

Yes, in most states. A police officer can stop you for a burned-out plate light, and you may receive a citation. Replace it as soon as you notice it is not working. The job takes ten minutes and costs less than a ticket.