How to Replace a License Plate Light?｜BLIAUTO Practical Maintenance Guide

The license plate light may be small, but it plays a crucial role in illuminating your license plate during nighttime driving and ensuring visibility. Whether it's for vehicle inspection compliance or avoiding police stops, a functioning license plate light is essential. However, due to its small size and hidden position, many drivers fail to notice when the bulb burns out or dims over time.

This guide from BLIAUTO will walk you through how to quickly and safely replace your license plate light, helping your vehicle stay legal, safe, and well-maintained at all times.

1. Why Should You Care About the License Plate Light?

Unlike headlights that impact driving vision, license plate lights serve three key purposes in low-light conditions:

Ensure your plate is clearly visible: Required by traffic regulations.

Avoid fines or inspection failures: A faulty license plate light could result in a citation or failed vehicle inspection.

Maintain lighting consistency: Especially important when your vehicle is equipped with LED taillights or accent lighting — old yellowish license plate lights can look out of place.

2. Preparation Before Replacement

Required Tools:

Flathead screwdriver or plastic trim tool

Clean cloth (to protect car paint)

Replacement bulbs or LED license plate modules (confirm your vehicle’s spec)

Gloves (to avoid contaminating the bulb)

Common Bulb Types:

W5W (T10)

C5W (31mm/36mm/39mm, etc.)

Some vehicles use integrated LED modules that require complete replacement

It’s recommended to check your vehicle owner’s manual or use BLIAUTO’s bulb compatibility database to find the correct fit.

3. Step-by-Step Replacement Instructions

Step 1: Turn Off the Power or Ignition

To prevent electric shock or short circuits, turn off the ignition and remove the key.

Step 2: Locate the License Plate Light

Usually found above the rear trunk lid or in the rear bumper. On SUVs, it may be located on the tailgate’s lower edge.

Step 3: Remove the Light Cover or Housing

For external lens covers, gently pry them open with a screwdriver or trim tool.

For embedded lights, remove screws or clips from the trunk interior or bumper underside.

⚠️ Use gentle force to avoid cracking the lens or scratching the paint.

Step 4: Remove the Old Bulb

Pull the old bulb out gently by hand. If it’s tight, lightly pull the socket instead.

Wear gloves to avoid transferring oils to the new bulb.

Step 5: Install the New Bulb

Insert the new bulb securely into the socket.

For LED bulbs, check polarity (positive and negative) — reversed polarity may prevent lighting.

Step 6: Test the Light

Turn on the parking lights and check if the license plate light is on and bright.

If it doesn’t light up, reverse the bulb orientation or check the connector.

Step 7: Reassemble the Light

Reinstall the lens or housing in its original position.

Check that all clips or screws are secure to prevent water intrusion or loosening.

4. Replacement Tips & FAQs

Q1: What are the advantages of LED license plate lights over halogen?

Longer lifespan, higher brightness, energy-saving, and lower heat output

Cool white light is closer to daylight, making the plate more visible at night or on camera

Q2: Why do LED lights flicker or show errors after installation?

This is usually caused by a mismatch in power consumption detected by the car's monitoring system. Choose LED bulbs with built-in CANBUS decoders, or add an external resistor to solve the issue.

Q3: What should I do after replacement?

Use your phone to take a night photo of the rear plate and make sure the license plate is evenly lit with no dark spots or glare.

5. Conclusion: A Small Bulb, A Big Deal

Never underestimate the impact of your license plate light. It’s not only about compliance but also reflects your attention to detail and vehicle care. Replacing it is a simple task, and any driver can do it by following the steps above.

To look up compatible bulb models or purchase high-quality LED license plate lights, visit the BLIAUTO official website or contact our support team for professional assistance.