License plate lights burn out and need replacing just like any other bulb

Your license plate light is a small bulb mounted above or below your plate that illuminates it at night so police and other drivers can read your registration number. It burns out eventually—usually after a few years of use—and when it does, you have a burned-out bulb to replace, not a broken fixture. The job takes 5 to 15 minutes and costs between $5 and $20 for the bulb itself, depending on your vehicle's make and model.

Replacing it yourself is straightforward if you have basic tools. You do not need a mechanic, and you do not need to remove the license plate. The process is the same whether you have one light or two (most vehicles have one on each side).

Key Takeaways

  • License plate lights are small bulbs that illuminate your plate at night, and they burn out like any other bulb after a few years of use.
  • You can replace the bulb yourself in 5 to 15 minutes using only a screwdriver and the correct replacement bulb for your vehicle.
  • The bulb type varies by vehicle—common types are 194, 168, or 921—so check your owner's manual or the old bulb before you buy a replacement.
  • If the light still does not work after you replace the bulb, the wiring or socket may be damaged and you will need a mechanic to diagnose it.

Locate the light housing and remove the lens cover

Look directly above or below your license plate on the back of your vehicle. You will see a small rectangular or round plastic housing—that is the light fixture. Some housings are held in by a single screw or clip on the outside; others require you to reach behind the plate from inside the trunk or hatch.

If the screw or clip is visible from outside, use a screwdriver to remove it. If you cannot see a fastener, open your trunk or hatch and look at the back of the light housing from the inside. You may see a plastic tab, a clip, or a small screw. Gently pry or unscrew the housing to separate the lens from the body. The lens is the clear or translucent cover; the body is the part that stays mounted to the vehicle.

Be gentle when you pry—the plastic can crack if you force it. If the housing seems stuck, try wiggling it gently side to side before pulling.

Remove the old bulb and note its type

Once the lens is off, you will see the bulb socket. The bulb either twists out (like a car interior light) or pulls straight out (like a push-fit bulb). If it twists, turn it counterclockwise gently until it releases. If it pulls, grip it firmly and pull straight toward you.

Look at the base of the old bulb. You will see a number stamped or printed on it—this is the bulb type. Common license plate light bulbs are 194, 168, 921, or W5W. Write this number down or take a photo of the bulb. If the number is hard to read, check your owner's manual under "Bulb Specifications" or "Lighting" and look for the license plate light entry.

Do not guess at the bulb type. Using the wrong bulb can cause the light to be too dim, too bright, or not work at all.

Buy the correct replacement bulb

Take the bulb type number to an auto parts store, or order it online using your vehicle's year, make, and model. Most license plate bulbs cost $5 to $15 per bulb. You can buy a single bulb or a pack of two or four.

If you want the light to be brighter, you can buy an LED bulb instead of a standard incandescent one. LED bulbs last longer (often 10 years or more versus 2 to 3 years for incandescent) and draw less power from your battery. They cost more upfront—usually $10 to $20 per bulb—but the longer lifespan makes them worth it for most owners.

Make sure the bulb you buy matches the type number. The packaging will say "194" or "168" or whatever type you need. If you are unsure, show the package to the store employee and tell them your vehicle year, make, and model.

Install the new bulb and test it

Insert the new bulb into the socket. If the old bulb twisted out, twist the new one in clockwise until it stops—do not force it. If the old bulb pulled out, push the new one straight in until you feel it seat firmly in the socket. You should hear or feel a small click.

Before you reassemble the housing, turn on your headlights or parking lights to test the new bulb. Get out and look at the license plate. The light should be bright and even. If it does not light up, the bulb may not be seated correctly—remove it and push it in again, making sure it is fully inserted.

Once the bulb works, snap the lens cover back onto the housing. If it screws on, turn it clockwise until snug but not tight. If it clips on, press it firmly until you hear or feel the clip engage. Test the light one more time to make sure the lens cover did not loosen the bulb.

What to do if the light still does not work

If you installed a new bulb and the light still does not come on, the problem is not the bulb. The socket may be corroded, the wiring may be damaged, or the connector may be loose. This is beyond a straightforward bulb replacement and requires a mechanic to diagnose.

Before you take it to a shop, check one more thing: make sure your headlights or parking lights are actually on. Some vehicles only light the license plate when the headlights are on, not when the parking lights are on. Turn on your headlights and check again.

If the light still does not work with the headlights on, a mechanic will need to test the wiring and socket with a multimeter to find the fault. This usually costs between $50 and $150 in labor, depending on how difficult the socket is to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any bulb that fits, or does the type number matter?

The type number matters. Different bulb types have different brightness levels and electrical draws. Using the wrong type can make the light too dim to read the plate, or it can overload the circuit and blow a fuse. Always match the type number on your old bulb.

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

No. The light housing is separate from the plate. You can access it from outside or from inside the trunk without touching the plate itself. Removing the plate is unnecessary and wastes time.

How often do license plate lights burn out?

Incandescent bulbs typically last 2 to 3 years of regular use. LED bulbs last much longer—often 10 years or more. The exact lifespan depends on how often you drive at night and how much vibration the vehicle experiences on rough roads.

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

Yes, in most places. A burned-out license plate light is a traffic violation because it makes your plate unreadable at night. Police can stop you for it, and you may receive a citation. Replace it as soon as you notice it is out.

What is the difference between LED and incandescent license plate bulbs?

LED bulbs are brighter, last longer (10+ years versus 2–3 years), and use less power. Incandescent bulbs are cheaper upfront but burn out sooner. For license plate lights, LED is worth the extra cost because you will not have to replace it as often.