Lincoln Mark IV License Plate Bulb Size

The Lincoln Mark IV license plate light requires a bulb size of 97 for proper installation and function. Data for the specified lighting component covers the range from 1972 to 1976.

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
1972-1976	97

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	97

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Lincoln Mark IV used the ANSI 97 bulb for its license plate position across all five model years covered in the specifications, spanning 1972-1976.
The 97 is a single-filament bulb, meaning it serves one lighting function rather than combining two, such as stop and tail, into a single unit.
It operates on a 12-volt electrical system at 13 watts, which aligns with the standard 12V architecture common to passenger vehicles of that era.
The 97 uses a BA15s bayonet base, a single-contact mount where the bulb is inserted and twisted to lock into place rather than screwed in.
The 97 is recognized under ANSI standards applicable in both the United States and Canada, indicating a standardized specification rather than a proprietary or regional-only part.
The 97 is a variant of the 1156 bulb. While the two share the BA15s bayonet base, they are not identical, and the distinction is relevant when considering substitutions, as wattage and other electrical characteristics may differ between variants.