Jeep Compass License Plate Bulb Size

The Jeep Compass license plate light requires a 12961 bulb size for proper installation and function within the rear exterior lighting assembly. Available data covers a production range from 2007 through 2018 for the specified vehicle and component.

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
2017-2018	12961
2007-2013	12961

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Jeep Compass uses the 12961 bulb for its license plate lighting across the 2007-2013 and 2017-2018 model years.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor.
T10 refers to a tubular bulb body with a width of 10 millimeters, a standard sizing convention in automotive miniature lighting.
The bulb uses a W2.1x9.5d base, which is the wedge-type base common to T10 bulbs, where the electrical contacts are formed by the glass envelope itself rather than a separate metal cap.
The 12961 operates at 12 volts and 5 watts, consistent with standard low-current automotive accessory circuits.
At 5 watts, the bulb draws less than half an amp on a 12-volt circuit, placing it well within the load tolerance of typical license plate lamp housings.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation is an IEC-standardized specification, meaning the 12961 is interchangeable with any T10 wedge bulb sharing that base type and matching the 12V, 5W electrical rating.
The Jeep Compass (2007-2018) accepts LED replacements in the T10 W2.1x9.5d fitment, provided the replacement matches the base type, though some vehicles with load-monitoring circuits may register a fault with low-wattage LED substitutes.