License plate lights burn out and can be replaced in under 10 minutes

A burned-out license plate light is a quick fix you can do yourself with basic tools. Most cars have two lights mounted in the housing above or below the plate, and replacing one takes a screwdriver, a replacement bulb, and about five minutes per side. You do not need a mechanic — the bulb sits in a socket you can access from behind the housing, and the whole job costs between $5 and $15 for the bulb itself.

The process is the same whether you have one light or two, and whether your car is new or older. The only variation is which type of bulb your vehicle uses, which you can find in your owner's manual or by looking at the current bulb before you remove it.

Key Takeaways

  • License plate light bulbs are accessible from behind the housing and can be replaced without removing the entire fixture.
  • You will need a screwdriver (usually Phillips head), the correct replacement bulb for your vehicle, and about five minutes per light.
  • The bulb type varies by car — check your owner's manual or photograph the old bulb to match it at an auto parts store.
  • If the light still does not work after replacing the bulb, the socket or wiring may be damaged and will need a mechanic.

Locate the housing and access the bulb from behind

Open your trunk or hatchback and look at the inside wall directly behind the license plate. You will see a plastic housing with one or two round sockets protruding inward. This is where the bulbs sit. Some housings are held in with one or two screws; others clip in place. If yours has screws, remove them now. If it clips, gently pull the entire housing straight out toward you.

Once the housing is loose or removed, locate the bulb socket. It will be a plastic cylinder with the bulb inside. Grip the socket firmly and twist it counterclockwise — most bulbs use a quarter-turn release. The socket will slide out, and the bulb will come with it. Do not force it; if it does not turn easily, check that you are twisting in the right direction.

Remove the old bulb and install the new one

Once the socket is out, look at the bulb. It will either be a bayonet-style bulb (two small pins on the bottom) or a wedge-style bulb (a flat rectangular base). Photograph it or write down the number printed on the base — this is the bulb designation, usually something like 194, 168, or 921. Take this number to an auto parts store, or order the same bulb online.

To remove the old bulb, push it straight in and twist counterclockwise. It will pop out. Insert the new bulb by pushing it straight in and twisting clockwise until it stops. Do not force it — it should seat smoothly. Slide the socket back into the housing and twist clockwise until it is snug. If the housing has screws, replace them. Test the light by turning on your headlights or parking lights.

Check both sides if your car has two lights

Most vehicles have two license plate lights, one on each side of the plate. If both are burned out, repeat the process on the second side. If only one is burned out, you may want to replace both at the same time so they match in brightness and age — this prevents one from burning out again in a few weeks while the other still works.

After you have replaced the bulbs, close your trunk and test the lights again from outside the car. Walk around to the back and confirm both lights are on. If one light is still dark, the socket may be damaged or the wiring may have a loose connection — this is the point to take it to a mechanic rather than troubleshoot further yourself.

What bulb type your car uses

The most common license plate light bulbs are the 194 (wedge-style) and the 168 (also wedge-style). Some older vehicles use a 921 or 912 bayonet bulb. Your owner's manual will list the correct bulb under "Lighting" or "Bulb Specifications." If you do not have the manual, you can also call your car's dealership parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you the bulb number.

Auto parts stores stock all of these bulbs, and they are inexpensive — usually $3 to $8 per bulb. LED replacements are also available and last longer, though they cost a bit more upfront. Either type will work in your license plate housing.

Tools and materials you will need

Gather these items before you start: a Phillips head screwdriver (or flathead, depending on your housing), a replacement bulb in the correct size, and a clean cloth or gloves to handle the new bulb. Some people prefer to wear gloves when handling halogen bulbs because skin oils can shorten the bulb's life, though this matters less with LED bulbs.

You do not need a jack, a lift, or any special tools. If your housing is clipped rather than screwed, you may not need a screwdriver at all — just your hands. The entire job can be done in a parking lot with items you probably have at home.

When to see a mechanic instead

If you replace the bulb and the light still does not come on, the problem is not the bulb. The socket may be corroded, the wiring may be loose, or the circuit may have a break. A mechanic can diagnose this in a few minutes and repair it — usually by replacing the socket or rewiring the connection. This is not a job to keep troubleshooting on your own.

If the housing itself is cracked or the socket is broken, you may need to replace the entire housing rather than just the bulb. This is still a straightforward job, but it requires ordering the correct housing for your vehicle and is worth having a mechanic handle if you are not comfortable with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Use the exact bulb type listed in your owner's manual. Using the wrong bulb can cause it to not fit, burn out quickly, or not light at all. The bulb number is printed on the base of the old bulb, so you can match it without guessing.

Do I have to remove the entire license plate to access the light?

No. You access the light from inside the trunk or hatchback, behind the plate. The plate itself stays in place. This is why the job takes only a few minutes.

What if the housing is stuck and will not come out?

Do not force it. Check that you have removed all screws or released all clips. If it is still stuck, spray a small amount of penetrating oil around the edges and wait a few minutes. If it remains stuck, a mechanic can remove it without damage.

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

No. A burned-out license plate light can result in a traffic stop in most states. Replace it as soon as you notice it is out. The bulb is inexpensive and the job takes minutes.

Will an LED bulb work in my license plate housing?

Yes, LED bulbs work in standard license plate housings and last much longer than traditional bulbs. They cost more upfront but may save you money over time because you will not have to replace them as often.