License plate lights are replaceable bulbs you can change yourself in most vehicles

Your license plate lights are the small bulbs mounted above or below your license plate that illuminate it at night. Most states require them to work — a burned-out plate light can result in a traffic stop or a fix-it ticket. The good news is that replacing them takes 10 to 20 minutes and costs between $5 and $20 per bulb, depending on your vehicle and bulb type.

The process is straightforward: you locate the light housing behind or around your plate, remove the fixture, swap out the old bulb for a new one, and reinstall it. You do not need special tools for most vehicles, though some designs require a screwdriver or a trim panel removal. This guide walks you through the steps so you can do it at home.

Key Takeaways

  • License plate lights typically use either a wedge-base bulb or a festoon bulb, and you need to know which type your vehicle uses before you buy a replacement.
  • Most vehicles have two license plate lights — one on each side of the plate — and both should be replaced at the same time to avoid mismatched brightness.
  • You can find the correct bulb type and wattage in your owner's manual or by checking the existing bulb before you remove it.
  • If the light housing is cracked or the bulb keeps burning out when ready, the fixture itself may need replacement rather than just the bulb.

Locate the light housing and identify the bulb type

Open your trunk or hatchback and look at the inside of the rear panel where your license plate is mounted. You will see one or two small plastic housings — these are your plate light fixtures. Some vehicles have the lights mounted directly above the plate on the bumper or body panel; others have them recessed into the trunk lid or rear fascia.

Once you find the housing, look for how it attaches. Most housings either twist counterclockwise to release, or they are held in by a single screw. Check your owner's manual if you cannot see the attachment method clearly — it will show you exactly where the lights are and how to access them. The manual will also tell you the bulb type: most modern vehicles use either a wedge-base bulb (a small rectangular bulb that slides in) or a festoon bulb (a longer cylindrical bulb with metal caps on each end).

Remove the light housing and old bulb

If your housing twists out, grip it firmly and turn it counterclockwise until it releases. If it is held by a screw, use a screwdriver to remove it — usually a Phillips head works, but check your manual if you are unsure. Once the housing is free, gently pull it away from the vehicle body.

Inside the housing, you will see the bulb. For a wedge-base bulb, push it in slightly and twist counterclockwise — it will pop out. For a festoon bulb, it usually pulls straight out or twists slightly depending on the design. If the bulb is stuck, do not force it; a gentle rocking motion while pulling usually frees it. Once the old bulb is out, set it aside — you can use it to confirm the type and wattage when you buy the replacement.

Buy the correct replacement bulb

Take the old bulb to an auto parts store, or look up your vehicle's year, make, and model on the store's website. Tell the staff member it is for a license plate light, and they will pull the right bulb. Common types are 194, 168, 2825, or 921 for wedge-base bulbs, and 578 or 211-2 for festoon bulbs. The wattage is usually printed on the old bulb itself.

Bulbs cost between $5 and $20 depending on whether you choose a standard incandescent bulb or an LED version. LED bulbs last longer and draw less power, but they cost more upfront. Either type will work as long as the base type matches. Buy two bulbs if both your plate lights are out, or if you want to replace both at once for consistency.

Install the new bulb and test it

Insert the new bulb into the housing. For a wedge-base bulb, push it in and twist clockwise until it seats firmly. For a festoon bulb, slide it in straight or twist gently depending on your fixture design — it should fit snugly without forcing. Do not overtighten; the bulb should be find but not under pressure.

Reinstall the housing by twisting it clockwise (if it twists) or by replacing the screw. Make sure it is tight enough that it will not rattle, but do not over-tighten plastic housings — they can crack. Once both lights are installed, turn on your headlights or parking lights and check that both plate lights illuminate. If one does not light up, remove the housing again and reseat the bulb — it may not be making full contact.

What to do if the light keeps burning out

If you replace the bulb and it burns out again within a few weeks, the problem is usually not the bulb itself but the fixture or the wiring. A cracked housing allows moisture inside, which corrodes the contacts and causes bulbs to fail. A short circuit in the wiring can also cause rapid burnout.

Inspect the housing for cracks or discoloration. If it is damaged, the entire fixture needs to be replaced — you can buy a replacement housing at an auto parts store for $15 to $40 and install it the same way you removed the old one. If the housing looks fine, the wiring may be the issue, and you should have a mechanic inspect it. Do not ignore a burned-out plate light for long; it is a safety issue and a traffic violation in most states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any bulb as long as the base type matches?

No — the wattage must also match. Using a higher-wattage bulb can overheat the fixture and melt the plastic housing. Using a lower-wattage bulb may not provide enough light. Check your owner's manual or the old bulb for the correct wattage, usually 5 watts or 10 watts for plate lights.

Do I need to remove the license plate to change the light?

Not usually. Most housings are accessible from inside the trunk or from the rear bumper area without removing the plate. If your vehicle design requires plate removal, your owner's manual will show you how to do it — it typically involves removing two bolts.

What if I cannot get the housing to twist out?

Stop and check your manual — you may be turning it the wrong direction, or your vehicle may use a screw instead. Forcing a housing can crack it. If the manual is not clear, a quick photo at an auto parts store can help staff identify the correct removal method for your specific vehicle.

Is it safe to drive with one plate light out?

It is not safe and it is illegal in most states. A burned-out plate light makes your vehicle harder to identify at night and can result in a traffic stop. Replace it as soon as you notice it is out — the process takes less than 20 minutes.