Mitsubishi Lancer License Plate Bulb Size

The Mitsubishi Lancer license plate light uses bulb size 12961 or 168 depending on the specific version. Available data covers the range from 2002 through 2017.

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
2015-2017	12961
2007-2009	12961
2002-2003	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 Mitsubishi Lancer uses two bulb types across its model years for the license plate position: the 12961 and the 168, both of which share the T10 miniature wedge form factor.
The T10 designation refers to a tubular bulb with a 10/8-inch body width, commonly used in low-intensity automotive applications such as license plate and courtesy lighting.
The 12961 is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI or SAE industry-standard designation, specifying a T10 wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W.
The W2.1x9.5d base type describes a wedge-style connection where the bulb pins are integrated into the glass envelope itself, requiring no separate metal socket pins.
The 168 carries an ANSI standard designation recognized in the United States and Canada, covering a T10 wedge bulb rated at 12V and 4.9W.
The Mitsubishi Lancer (2007-2009 and 2015-2017) takes the 12961 bulb for the license plate position, while the 2002-2003 model years use the 168 instead.
Although both the 12961 and 168 share the T10 wedge body, their wattage ratings differ slightly at 5W and 4.9W respectively, and the base specifications are not confirmed as identical across both entries.
The 12961 and 168 are not listed as interchangeable within these specifications, and the two bulb types correspond to distinct model year groups on the Lancer.