Acura ILX License Plate Bulb Size

The Acura ILX license plate utilizes 168 and 12961 bulb sizes for the exterior lighting components located at the rear of the vehicle. Data for the specific bulbs covers the range from 2013 through 2022.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
2021-2022	12961
2013-2020	168

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 4.9W.	168

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Acura ILX uses two different license plate bulb sizes across its model years, with the 168 fitted from 2013-2020 and the 12961 fitted for 2021-2022.
Both bulbs share the T10 miniature wedge form factor, meaning they occupy the same physical space within the license plate lamp housing.
Despite their physical similarity, the two bulbs differ in base type. The 168 uses a standard miniature wedge base, while the 12961 carries a W2.1x9.5d base designation, which is the metric specification for the same wedge base style under European naming conventions.
The 12961 is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI industry standard, meaning it is a manufacturer-specific designation for a T10 wedge bulb rated at 12V and 5W.
The 168 is an ANSI-standardized bulb recognized across the United States and Canada, rated at 12V and 4.9W.
The wattage difference between the two bulbs is marginal, with the 12961 drawing 5W and the 168 drawing 4.9W, both operating on a 12V automotive circuit.
Because the 12961 is defined by a manufacturer part number rather than an ANSI code, direct substitution with other T10 wedge bulbs warrants attention to base compatibility and wattage rating.
The Acura ILX (2021-2022) specification shift to the 12961 reflects a change in the OEM bulb standard applied to the license plate position for those model years.