Freightliner Sprinter License Plate Bulb Size

The Freightliner Sprinter uses a 12961 or DE3423 bulb size for the license plate fixture. The replacement chart covers vehicle production spanning 2002 to 2021 with corresponding bulb size specifications.

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
2007-2021	12961	Check Price
2002-2006	DE3423	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Freightliner Sprinter uses two distinct license plate bulb types across its model years: the 12961, a Philips-designated miniature wedge bulb, and the DE3423, an ANSI-standard festoon bulb.
The 12961 bulb follows the T10 form factor and uses a W2.1x9.5d wedge base, which means the bulb is retained by the tension of the socket walls rather than by pins or end caps.
The 12961 is rated at 12V and 5W, placing it in the low-wattage range typical of license plate and courtesy lighting applications.
The DE3423 is a festoon-style bulb measuring 41mm in length, making contact through metal end caps at each end of the glass tube rather than through a wedge or pin base.
The 12961 and DE3423 use physically incompatible base types, meaning the two bulbs are not interchangeable despite both operating at 12V.
The Freightliner Sprinter (2007-2021) uses the 12961 bulb for the license plate position, while the 2002-2006 model years use the DE3423.