Got pulled over for a damaged license plate light?
You’re not alone — this tiny but crucial safety feature often slips under the radar.
The license plate light is a small bulb at the back of your car that ensures your license plate is visible to other drivers and law enforcement, especially at night.
If this light goes out and isn’t replaced quickly, you could end up paying a hefty fine.
Read on to learn how to replace license plate lights from inside and outside the car or truck. We’ll also highlight the tell-tale signs of tag light failure to help you spot them before it’s too late.
This Article Contains:
- How to Replace License Plate Light from Outside
- How to Replace the License Plate Light from Inside the Trunk
- How Much Does a License Plate Light Replacement Cost?
- 4 FAQs on License Plate Lights
How to Replace License Plate Light from Outside
Depending on your car’s make and model, you can replace the number plate light or tag light in two ways: from outside the vehicle or inside the trunk.
But before we dive into it, make sure you have these items handy:
- Protective gloves
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- New bulb based on your plate type
- Trim tool (if available)
Note: Most states require you to use white light, but check your local vehicle laws and regulations.
Don’t have access to these tools?
In that case, it’s best to let a professional mechanic do the job.
Now, let’s check out the steps a mechanic will take to replace your license plate lamp from the outside.
Note: For safety, the mechanic will park your car in a dry, well-lit area and turn off the engine. They might also disconnect your car’s battery.
Step 1: Locate the License Plate Light and Remove the Covers
The mechanic will locate the light housing above your license plate (between the tail lights and above the rear bumper). It’s typically accessible by removing a few screws, bolts, or even a retaining clip, that’s holding the light cover in place.
The cover may have a rubber gasket attached to ensure water and debris don’t damage the lights. So, when removing them, the mechanic will ensure the gasket stays attached.
Note: If the light housing isn’t detachable and is mounted near the rear bumper, the technician will go underneath the bumper to locate the light’s wiring harness. They’ll then turn the base of the wire to the left side to reach the license plate lamp.
Step 2: Remove the Old Bulb
Next, wearing protective gloves, they’ll carefully remove the old bulb from the bulb housing by turning it counterclockwise. If the light bulb is stuck, they’ll check the bulb housing for a retaining clip, use pliers to press them down, and remove the light bulb.
Step 3: Install the New Bulb
When installing the new license plate light fixture, they’ll ensure the bottom prongs (connectors) align with the holes in the bulb socket and push them into each socket until they click into place.
If the license plate light assembly is accessible from underneath the bumper, the mechanic will twist the bulb base clockwise to ensure it’s securely fastened back into position.
Step 4: Test the New Lights
Before reattaching the light fixture, the mechanic will start your car or truck and turn on the lights to ensure the replacement bulb works properly. If it doesn’t, they’ll inspect the vehicle’s wiring and fuse for any problems.
Step 5: Reattach the Covers
The mechanic will then turn off the vehicle and screw the light cover back in place.
Step 6: Dispose of the Old Bulb Correctly
According to local regulations in your area, the mechanic will carefully dispose of the old bulb. Since most license plate light bulbs are incandescent or LED lights, they’re usually recyclable.
Now, let’s explore how a license plate light bulb is replaced from the inside.
How to Replace the License Plate Light from Inside the Trunk
Here are the installation steps a mechanic would take to access and replace your tag lights from inside the trunk:
Step 1: Open the Trunk and Take Out the Fasteners
The trunk liner in your vehicle is held in place with plastic fasteners that resemble screws or bolts.
The mechanic will access the license plate light assembly by opening the trunk lid and removing the trunk liner or trim piece with a trim tool. While doing this, they’ll store the removed screws in a box to keep them from being misplaced.
Step 2: Unscrew the Bulb Bases
They’ll find the bases of your tag lights connected to thick black wires. Using their hands or a pair of pliers, the mechanic will turn them counterclockwise and loosen them. Once they’re loose, they’ll pull the bases from the vehicle’s ports to access the light bulb.
Step 3: Remove the Old Bulb
They’ll remove the old bulbs by pulling them out from the bulb socket. If the bulbs are secured with plastic or metal tabs, they’ll press these tabs down to release them from the housing.
Step 4: Install the New Bulb
The mechanic will install the replacement bulb and align its connectors with the socket holes to ensure the new bulb fits securely in the light assembly.
Step 5: Test the New Lights
Before reattaching the bases, your automotive mechanic will start your car and turn on the headlight to check if the new bulb lights up. If it doesn’t, they’ll check the wiring harness and fuse.
Step 6: Reattach the Bases and Fasteners
The mechanic will then reassemble the light assembly, align the trunk liner with the vehicle’s body, and reattach the trim piece with fasteners.
Step 7: Dispose of the Old Bulb Correctly
As mentioned above, the automotive mechanic will typically dispose of the incandescent or LED light bulbs at a recycling center, depending on your local regulations.
Next, let’s look at how much this whole process might cost you.
How Much Does a License Plate Light Replacement Cost?
Replacing a license plate light bulb should cost about $160-185, which includes $10-$12 for the parts and $150-$170 for labor.
However, these costs can vary depending on your car’s model. For example, the light replacement on a BMW may cost more than for a Toyota or Honda. It will also vary based on whether you choose an OEM or aftermarket bulb and where you get the replacement done (dealership or auto repair shop).
Tip: When purchasing an aftermarket bulb, remember to check the warranty.
Now that you’ve understood the installation instruction steps and explored the costs of replacing a license plate light, let’s address some common queries.
4 FAQs on License Plate Lights
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about number plate light replacement:
1. What Are the Symptoms of a Failing License Plate Light?
If your tag lights start to fail, you may notice the following signs:
- Lights flickering on and off
- Low brightness or dim lights
- The tag light doesn’t illuminate when the headlight is on
2. What Causes the License Plate Light to Fail?
You may need a license plate bulb replacement for any of the following reasons:
- Blown fuses
- Loose or corroded connections
- Faulty wiring
- Damaged light housing or lens
- Extreme weather conditions
3. Can You Drive with a Burned Out License Plate Light?
Driving with a burned-out license plate bulb isn’t recommended because law enforcement officials can pull you over and ticket you.
Most US states, such as Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, etc., require drivers to have a well-functioning rear license plate bulb that emits white light.
4. Can a Faulty License Plate Light Drain Your Battery?
A faulty license plate light is unlikely to drain your battery significantly as it uses very little power. However, if the light’s wiring is damaged or the switch is faulty, the light might remain on, depleting the battery over time.
Additionally, if the light malfunctions due to larger electrical issues, such as short circuits or a blown fuse, it could drain the battery.
So, if you suspect such an issue, instead of attempting a DIY, visit a repair shop or call certified mobile mechanics for help.
Shine Bright on the Road with AutoNation Mobile Service
A license plate light is legally required for vehicle identification and preventing nighttime accidents. If your light bulb has lost its brightness, have a mechanic replace it with a new LED bulb as soon as possible.
To avoid being ticketed while driving to a repair shop, let AutoNation Mobile Service’s mobile mechanics come to you. We offer upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Contact us to have our certified mobile mechanics install a new tag light LED bulb, brake light bulb, or headlight bulb right from your driveway.