Mazda 6 License Plate Bulb Size

The Mazda 6 license plate bulb uses a 194 size, with 12961 as an alternative bulb designation for this application. The replacement chart covers vehicle production spanning 2003 to 2017, detailing bulb size specifications across the model generation.

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

If US Type and EU Type show the same value, a direct cross-reference for this bulb is not available or the data is insufficient.

Years	US Type	EU Type	Shop
2014-2017	12961	12961	Check Price
2009-2013	194	W5W	Check Price
2006-2008	12961	12961	Check Price
2003-2004	12961	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
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194	Check Price
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament signalling bulb with W2.1x9.5d wedge base. 12V, 5W.	W5W	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Mazda 6 license plate position uses two distinct bulb types across its model years: the 12961 and the 194, both of which share the T10 miniature wedge form factor.
The T10 wedge form factor is a standardized bulb shape widely used in low-intensity automotive lighting positions, including license plate, courtesy, and side marker applications.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12 volts and 5 watts.
The 194 is an ANSI-standard designation recognized in the United States and Canada, also a T10 miniature wedge bulb, rated at 12 volts and 3.78 watts, making it slightly lower in wattage than the 12961.
Although both the 12961 and 194 share the T10 wedge shape, their wattage ratings differ, and direct substitution between the two types is not confirmed by these specifications.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 describes a wedge-type base with a 2.1 mm wire width and a 9.5 mm pin spread, which is the standard geometry for T10 wedge bulbs.
The Mazda 6 (2014-2017) uses the 12961 bulb for the license plate position, as does the 2003-2008 model year range, with the exception of 2005, which is not present in the specifications.
The 194 bulb is specified for the Mazda 6 license plate position across the 2009-2013 model years.