Ford Transit Connect License Plate Bulb Size

The Ford Transit Connect license plate light uses a 12961 bulb size for the exterior illumination of the rear registration area. Available data covers the range of 2010 through 2023 for the specified vehicle components.

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 Type	Shop
2021-2023	12961	Check Price
2019-2020	12961 (With Halogen Capsule Headlamps)	Check Price
2010-2018	12961	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Ford Transit Connect uses the 12961 bulb for the license plate position across the 2010-2023 model years.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor, operating at 12 volts and 5 watts.
The T10 designation refers to the bulb's tubular glass envelope, with the number indicating a width of 10 thirty-seconds of an inch, a standard sizing convention for miniature automotive bulbs.
The W2.1x9.5d base type is a wedge-style connector, meaning the bulb is held in place by the tension of its wire leads rather than by a separate locking mechanism or bayonet fitting.
At 5 watts, the 12961 draws minimal current, which is consistent with its use in a low-intensity, always-on application such as license plate illumination.
For the 2019-2020 Ford Transit Connect, the 12961 fitment is specified under the condition of Halogen Capsule Headlamps, indicating that headlamp configuration is a relevant variable for correct bulb selection in those model years.
The W2.1x9.5d base is not interchangeable with bayonet or festoon base types, and substituting a physically incompatible base would prevent proper seating in the socket.