Chevrolet Traverse License Plate Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Traverse license plate light uses 12961 and 168 bulb sizes for the exterior illumination components located at the rear of the vehicle. Data for the specified lighting hardware covers the period from 2009 through 2023.

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
2023	12961
2013-2021	12961
2009-2012	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

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Additional Notes

The Chevrolet Traverse uses two distinct bulb types across its model years for the license plate position, with the 12961 and 168 both belonging to the T10 miniature wedge family.
The T10 designation refers to a tubular bulb form with a wedge-style base, a common format in low-wattage automotive lighting applications.
The 12961 is a Philips-assigned part number specifying a T10 wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation describes a wedge base with a 2.1mm wire contact width and a 9.5mm insertion depth, which determines physical socket compatibility.
The 168 is an ANSI-standardized bulb number recognized across the United States and Canada, also a T10 wedge type rated at 12V and 4.9W.
The Chevrolet Traverse (2013-2023) uses the 12961 bulb for the license plate light, representing the majority of model years covered in the specifications.
The 2009-2012 Traverse uses the 168 bulb, which differs from the 12961 in its standardization origin and carries a marginally lower wattage of 4.9W versus 5W.
Although both bulbs share the T10 wedge form factor, the 12961 carries a manufacturer-specific base code (W2.1x9.5d), and direct substitution with the 168 should be confirmed against socket specifications before use.
The 0.1W difference between the two bulbs reflects a negligible variance in power draw, though the base specification remains the more relevant factor in fitment compatibility.
Both bulbs operate on a 12V electrical system, consistent with standard automotive low-voltage lighting circuits.