License plate lights are easy to replace yourself in most vehicles

A burned-out license plate light takes five to fifteen minutes to fix and costs between $5 and $20 for the bulb. You do not need special tools or a mechanic. The steps are nearly identical across most cars: locate the light housing behind or around your license plate, remove the lens or housing, swap out the old bulb for a new one that matches your vehicle's specifications, and reinstall everything. The hardest part is usually knowing which bulb type your car uses — that information is in your owner's manual or on a label inside the housing itself.

Most people can complete this job in their driveway with just a screwdriver and a few minutes of time. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, any mechanic or auto parts store can do it for you, usually for $20 to $50 in labor.

Key Takeaways

  • Most license plate lights use a standard bulb type (usually 194, 168, or 2825) that costs $5 to $15 and takes minutes to install.
  • Your owner's manual or the housing label tells you the exact bulb type your vehicle needs — do not guess.
  • The light housing typically twists, clips, or screws out from behind the plate, and the bulb usually pulls straight out or twists counterclockwise.
  • If the light still does not work after you replace the bulb, the housing itself may be damaged or the wiring may have failed.

Locate your license plate light housing

Walk to the back of your vehicle and look directly above, below, or to the sides of your license plate. Most cars have one or two small light fixtures mounted on the bumper or body panel. Some vehicles mount the light inside the bumper cover itself, so you may need to look underneath or feel around the edges of the plate area.

If you cannot see a light housing, check your owner's manual — it will show you exactly where the light is located on your specific model. Some luxury or newer vehicles hide the light inside a trim piece or behind a removable panel. The manual will also tell you whether your vehicle has one light or two.

Find the correct bulb type for your vehicle

Before you remove anything, you need to know which bulb your car uses. Open your owner's manual and search for "license plate light" or "rear light bulbs." The manual will list the bulb type by number — common types are 194, 168, 2825, or W5W.

If you do not have the manual, look at the light housing itself. Many housings have a label printed on the back or inside that shows the bulb type. You can also call your vehicle's dealership with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you the bulb type over the phone, usually at no cost.

Once you know the type, buy a replacement bulb at an auto parts store, a big-box retailer, or online. Bring the old bulb with you if you have already removed it — the staff can match it to make sure you get the right one.

Remove the light housing

The housing is held in place by one of three methods: a twist-lock, a clip, or a screw. Look at the edges of the housing to see which one applies to yours.

Twist-lock: Grip the housing firmly and turn it counterclockwise about a quarter turn. It should come free. If it is stuck, do not force it — spray a small amount of penetrating oil around the seam, wait a few minutes, and try again.

Clip: Look for a small tab or lever on the side or bottom of the housing. Push or pull it gently and the housing should pop out. You may need to use a plastic pry tool or a flathead screwdriver wrapped in cloth to avoid scratching the bumper.

Screw: Use a screwdriver (usually Phillips head) to remove one or two screws holding the housing in place. Keep the screws in a small container so you do not lose them.

Replace the bulb

Once the housing is out, look at how the bulb is installed. Most bulbs either pull straight out or twist counterclockwise a quarter turn.

Pull-out bulbs: Grip the bulb gently and pull it straight toward you. Do not rock it side to side. Insert the new bulb by pushing it straight in until it seats fully.

Twist bulbs: Turn the bulb counterclockwise about a quarter turn and it will come free. Insert the new bulb, push it in gently, and twist clockwise until it stops. Do not overtighten.

Avoid touching the glass part of the new bulb with your bare fingers — the oils on your skin can shorten the bulb's life. If you do touch it, wipe it clean with a dry cloth before installing it.

Reinstall the housing and test the light

Slide or screw the housing back into place. If it is a twist-lock, turn it clockwise until it stops. If it is a clip, push it in until you hear or feel it click. If it is a screw, tighten the screws firmly but do not overtighten.

Turn on your headlights or have someone stand behind the car while you turn on the lights. The license plate light should glow. If it does not, turn off the lights, remove the housing again, and check that the bulb is fully seated. If the light still does not work after you reinstall it, the wiring or housing may be damaged and you may need a mechanic to diagnose the problem.

What to do if the light still does not work

If you installed a new bulb and the light does not turn on, the problem is usually not the bulb. The most common causes are a blown fuse, corroded wiring connections, or a damaged housing.

Check your vehicle's fuse box — the location and diagram are in your owner's manual. Look for the fuse labeled for rear lights or license plate lights and check whether it is blown (the wire inside will be broken or blackened). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same amperage. If it blows again immediately, there is a wiring problem and you should see a mechanic.

If the fuse is fine, the wiring connections inside the housing may be corroded or loose. This is harder to fix yourself and usually requires a mechanic to inspect and repair. Water damage inside the housing is also common in older vehicles and typically requires housing replacement rather than repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any bulb type as long as it fits?

No. Using the wrong bulb type can cause the light to be too dim, too bright, or to burn out quickly. It can also damage the wiring or housing. Always use the bulb type specified in your owner's manual or on the housing label.

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

No. License plate lights run on low voltage and it is safe to change the bulb with the battery connected. You do not need to disconnect anything.

What if the housing is cracked or the lens is cloudy?

A cracked housing will let water inside and damage the wiring. A cloudy lens reduces light output. In either case, you should replace the entire housing, not just the bulb. Replacement housings cost $15 to $40 and are available at auto parts stores or online.

How often do license plate lights burn out?

Most modern bulbs last three to five years under normal use. If your light burns out much more frequently, the housing may be getting water inside, or the wiring may be sending too much power to the bulb. Have a mechanic check it if you are replacing the bulb more than once a year.