Kia Soul License Plate Bulb Size

The Kia Soul license plate bulb uses 2 distinct sizes: 12961 and 168, with the bulb size varying across different model generations. The replacement chart covers vehicle production from 2010 to 2024, detailing which bulb size applies to each year range.

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
2020-2024	12961
2010-2019	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

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Kia Soul uses two distinct bulb types for the license plate position across its model history: the 12961 for 2020-2024 and the 168 for 2010-2019.
Both the 12961 and 168 share the T10 miniature wedge form factor, meaning they occupy the same physical bulb family despite carrying different part designations.
The 12961 is a Philips-designated part number rather than an ANSI industry standard, and it specifies a W2.1x9.5d base with a 12V, 5W rating.
The 168 is an ANSI-standardized designation recognized across the United States and Canada, rated at 12V and 4.9W.
The wattage difference between the two bulbs is minimal, with the 12961 drawing 5W and the 168 drawing 4.9W, both operating on a 12V circuit.
Although both bulbs share the T10 wedge profile, the 12961 carries a specific base designation (W2.1x9.5d) that defines its pin spacing and socket fit, which is a relevant consideration when substituting one part for the other.
The transition from the 168 to the 12961 in the Kia Soul occurred between the 2019 and 2020 model years, coinciding with the third generation of the vehicle.