Chevrolet Nova License Plate Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Nova license plate light utilizes bulb sizes 67, 89, 97, and 194 depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Data for the lighting components covers the range from 1969 to 1988.

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
1986-1988	89
1985	97
1975-1979	194
1971-1974	97
1969-1970	67

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Lower wattage variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	89
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	97
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Lower wattage variant of 1156. 12V, 8W.	67

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet Nova uses three distinct bulb types across its license plate lighting specifications: the 89, 97, 194, and 67, each belonging to the ANSI standard used in the United States and Canada.
The 194 bulb is a T10 miniature wedge type rated at 12V and 3.78W, making it significantly lower in wattage than the other bulb types specified for the Nova. It fits the 1975-1979 model years.
The 89 bulb uses a BA15s bayonet base, operates at 12V and 13W, and is described as a lower wattage variant of the 1156. It is specified for the 1986-1988 model years.
The 97 bulb also uses a BA15s bayonet base at 12V and 13W and is similarly described as a variant of the 1156. It is specified for the 1971-1974 and 1985 model years.
The 67 bulb shares the BA15s bayonet base with the 89 and 97 but is rated at a lower 8W. It is specified for the 1969-1970 model years.
The 89 and 97 bulbs share the same BA15s bayonet base and identical voltage and wattage ratings of 12V and 13W, yet they carry different ANSI designations, which indicates they are not confirmed as interchangeable despite their similarities.
The 67 bulb, while physically using the same BA15s bayonet base as the 89 and 97, operates at 8W rather than 13W. This wattage difference distinguishes it electrically from the other BA15s bulbs in these specifications.
The 194 wedge base is physically incompatible with the BA15s bayonet socket used by the 67, 89, and 97 bulbs, meaning the 1975-1979 Nova license plate housing accepts a different socket type than those used in earlier and later model years.
A notable shift in bulb type occurs between the 1974 and 1975 model years, where the specification changes from the BA15s-based 97 to the wedge-type 194, and again between 1979 and 1985, where it returns to a BA15s-based bulb.
The 1985 Nova returns to the 97 bulb after the 194 was used through the late 1970s, while the 1986-1988 models specify the 89 instead, reflecting a change in ANSI designation within the same BA15s bayonet base family.