Learn How to Replace a License Plate Light

Understanding License Plate Lights and Why They Matter

License plate lights are small but important lights located above or below your vehicle's rear license plate. Their main purpose is to illuminate your plate so other drivers and law enforcement can read your registration number at night. Most states and provinces require these lights to function properly, making them a legal requirement rather than an optional feature.

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A license plate light typically consists of a bulb housed in a protective fixture made of plastic or metal. The light connects to your vehicle's electrical system through wiring that runs from your car's main power supply. When you turn on your headlights or parking lights, the license plate lights activate automatically on most vehicles. Some newer cars have LED license plate lights that last longer and use less power than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Understanding how these lights work helps you recognize when something is wrong. If one or both lights stop working, you'll notice that your license plate becomes invisible at night. This creates a safety hazard because other drivers cannot see your vehicle's identification. More importantly, a burned-out license plate light can result in a traffic citation in most jurisdictions. Police officers routinely check vehicle lighting during traffic stops, and a non-functioning license plate light gives them legal grounds to issue a ticket.

The cost of replacing a license plate light ranges from $10 to $75 depending on your vehicle type and whether you visit a mechanic or do the work yourself. Most replacement bulbs cost between $5 and $20. If you handle the replacement yourself, you'll only pay for the bulb. Visiting a repair shop may include labor charges that can range from $20 to $50. Dealerships typically charge more than independent mechanics for the same job.

Practical Takeaway: Check your license plate lights monthly by walking around your vehicle after dark with your headlights on. Look at both sides of the plate to ensure even illumination. If you notice one light is dimmer than the other or completely dark, plan to replace the bulb soon.

Tools and Materials You'll Need for the Replacement

Before starting your license plate light replacement, gather the necessary tools and materials. The good news is that this project requires minimal equipment, and most people already have these items at home. You won't need specialized automotive tools or expensive equipment.

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The primary material you'll need is a replacement bulb. License plate lights commonly use one of several bulb types: 194, 168, W5W, or T10 bulbs. These are small, wedge-shaped bulbs that cost between $3 and $8 each at auto parts stores. To determine which bulb type your vehicle needs, consult your owner's manual or check the existing bulb before removing it. Write down the bulb number printed on the base so you can match it exactly. Some vehicles use two separate bulbs (one on each side of the plate), while others use a single bulb that illuminates both sides.

For tools, you'll need a basic screwdriver set that includes both Phillips and flathead varieties. Most license plate light fixtures attach with one or two small screws. A Phillips head screwdriver handles most applications, but having a flathead screwdriver helps with prying open plastic lens covers. Many modern vehicles have light fixtures that snap together, eliminating the need for screwdrivers entirely.

Other helpful items include a flashlight or headlamp so you can see clearly while working underneath your vehicle's rear end. A small container or bag prevents losing tiny screws during the job. Wearing gloves is optional but recommended to keep your hands clean. You may also want to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris, especially if your vehicle is older and the fixture is corroded.

Optionally, having a clean cloth or paper towel nearby is useful for wiping away dirt or corrosion from the fixture. If the bulb contacts appear corroded or discolored, a pencil eraser can gently clean the metal contacts inside the socket. This improves electrical connection and ensures proper brightness.

Practical Takeaway: Visit your local auto parts store with your vehicle's year, make, and model information ready. Staff members can help you identify the correct replacement bulb and may even show you how to access it in your specific vehicle.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Removing the Old Light Fixture

The first phase of the replacement process involves safely accessing and removing the old light fixture. This requires patience and attention to detail, as license plate light fixtures are often small and located in tight spaces behind your vehicle.

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Start by parking your vehicle on a level surface away from traffic. Engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. If your vehicle is parked outside at night, position it under a street light or use a flashlight to illuminate the work area. Approach the rear of your vehicle and locate the license plate. Examine the area directly above or below the plate where the light fixture attaches to your car's body.

Look for screws or clips holding the fixture in place. Most vehicles have one or two screws visible on the fixture's edges. Some fixtures have a single center screw, while others have screws on both the top and bottom. Using your Phillips or flathead screwdriver, slowly turn each screw counterclockwise. Don't apply excessive force, as the screws are often small and can strip easily. If a screw resists turning, apply steady pressure rather than sudden force.

As you remove screws, gently pull the fixture away from the vehicle's body. The fixture will be connected by electrical wiring inside the vehicle's bumper or body cavity. Don't yank the fixture forcefully, as this can damage the wiring. Instead, pull steadily and carefully while looking behind the fixture to ensure the wires aren't catching on anything.

Once the fixture is partially removed, locate where the wiring connects. Most vehicles have a connector that plugs into the fixture, while others have wires soldered directly to the fixture terminals. If your vehicle has a plug connector, press the small release tab or squeeze the connector to disconnect it. The wiring will remain in the vehicle while the fixture comes free. If wires are soldered to the fixture, you'll need to de-solder them using a soldering iron, or you can carefully cut the wires short and splice new ones to the old terminals when installing the new bulb.

Inspect the removed fixture for damage. Check whether the bulb is indeed burned out by examining its filament. A functioning bulb has an intact, bright filament inside, while a burned-out bulb has a broken or darkened filament. This confirms that bulb replacement is the correct solution.

Practical Takeaway: Take a photo of the fixture and wiring before removal. This reference photo helps during reinstallation, especially if multiple wires or connectors are involved.

Installing the New Bulb and Reassembling the Fixture

With the old fixture removed, you can now install the replacement bulb. This step is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it the easiest part of the entire project.

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Hold the fixture in your hands and locate the bulb socket. The old bulb may still be in the socket, or it may have fallen out during removal. If the old bulb is present, gently push it in toward the fixture body and then twist it counterclockwise approximately one-quarter turn. The bulb should slide out easily. Don't apply excessive force or twist too hard, as the bulb can break, especially if it's made of glass.

Take your new replacement bulb and examine its base. You'll notice two small pins or a wedge-shaped base depending on the bulb type. These features ensure the bulb can only be installed in one orientation. Insert the new bulb into the socket, aligning the pins or wedge with the socket opening. Push the bulb gently into the socket until it stops, then twist it clockwise about one-quarter turn until you hear or feel a slight click. This twist-lock mechanism holds the bulb securely in place. Don't force the bulb or overtighten it, as this can break the filament inside the new bulb.

Before reinstalling the fixture in your vehicle, test the bulb if possible. If you have access to a 12-volt power source or a testing light, connect it to the fixture's terminals to verify the new bulb illuminates. Most home garages don't have this equipment, so you may need to wait until the fixture is reinstalled to test it properly.

Examine the socket interior for corrosion or debris. If you see