Subaru WRX STI License Plate Bulb Size

The Subaru WRX STI license plate light uses 12961 and 168 bulb sizes for the exterior illumination system. Data for the specific lighting components covers the period from 2015 through 2020.

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	12961
2015-2019	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 168 bulb is the license plate bulb for the Subaru WRX STI across the 2015-2019 model years.
The 2020 Subaru WRX STI uses the 12961 bulb for the license plate position, which is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI standard designation.
Both the 168 and 12961 are T10 miniature wedge bulbs, meaning they share the same physical form factor.
The 168 is classified under the ANSI standard used in the US and Canada, operating at 12V with a rated power of 4.9W.
The 12961 operates at 12V and 5W, carrying a W2.1x9.5d base specification, which defines the wedge base contact configuration.
The 0.1W difference in rated power between the 168 (4.9W) and the 12961 (5W) is negligible in practical terms, though the two carry distinct part designations.
Because the 168 is an ANSI-standardized bulb, it is produced by multiple manufacturers, whereas the 12961 designation is specific to Philips.
Despite sharing the T10 form factor, the 168 and 12961 are listed under separate model years and are not cross-referenced as interchangeable within these specifications.