Ram 5500 License Plate Bulb Size

The Ram 5500 license plate light uses bulb size 194 or 1157 depending on the specific configuration of the vehicle. Data for the lighting components covers the range from 2011 to 2018.

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
2018	194
2011-2012	1157

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament bulb with BAY15d bayonet base. 12V, 21W/5W.	1157

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Ram 5500 license plate position uses two distinct bulb types across its model years: the 194 and the 1157, both of which conform to ANSI standards recognized in the United States and Canada.
The 194 is a T10 miniature wedge bulb rated at 12 volts and 3.78 watts. Its wedge base design means it is held in place by spring tension within the socket rather than by a locking mechanism.
The 1157 is a dual-filament bulb fitted with a BAY15d bayonet base, rated at 12 volts with a wattage split of 21W and 5W across its two filaments. The dual-filament construction is typically associated with combined stop and tail light functions, though in this application it serves the license plate position.
The Ram 5500 (2018) uses the 194 bulb for the license plate position, while the 2011-2012 model years use the 1157.
The 194 and 1157 are not interchangeable. Their base types differ fundamentally, with the 194 using a wedge fit and the 1157 using a bayonet lock, meaning the sockets for each are physically incompatible with the other bulb.
The wattage difference between the two bulbs is substantial. The 1157 draws up to 21 watts on its primary filament, while the 194 draws only 3.78 watts, reflecting a significant difference in power consumption between the two model year groups.