Volkswagen Cabrio License Plate Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Cabrio license plate light uses bulb sizes DE3423 and 12961 for the rear exterior illumination. Data for the specific components covers the period from 1995 through 2002.

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 Type	Shop
1999-2002	DE3423	Check Price
1995-1998	12961	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423	Check Price
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Volkswagen Cabrio uses two distinct bulb types across its model years for the license plate position: the DE3423 festoon bulb and the 12961 miniature wedge bulb.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standard festoon bulb rated at 12V, measuring 41mm in length with end-cap contacts. It is the designated license plate bulb for the Volkswagen Cabrio from 1999-2002.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W. It serves the license plate position on the Cabrio from 1995-1998.
Festoon bulbs make electrical contact through metal caps at each end of the glass tube, which is a fundamentally different contact design from the wedge base used by the 12961. The two bulb types are not interchangeable.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 describes a wedge-style base where the glass pinch itself forms the contact, with a 9.5mm insertion depth and a 2.1mm wire contact width.
Both bulb types operate on a 12V electrical system, which is standard for passenger vehicle lighting circuits.
The DE3423's ANSI standardization means it conforms to a defined specification recognized across the United States and Canada, allowing for cross-brand substitution among bulbs sharing that designation.
The 12961's 5W output places it in the low-wattage category typical of license plate illumination, where the primary requirement is visibility rather than high light output.