Volkswagen Eos License Plate Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Eos license plate illumination utilizes 12961 and DE3423 bulb sizes for various lighting applications. Provided information covers the specific time period from 2007 through 2016.

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
2012-2016	12961 (With Halogen Capsule Headlamps)
2007-2011	DE3423

Bulb Specifications

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

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Volkswagen Eos license plate bulb specification splits across two distinct bulb types depending on model year: the 12961 applies to 2012-2016 models equipped with halogen capsule headlamps, while the DE3423 applies to 2007-2011 models.
The 12961 is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI or industry-standard designation, which means it references a manufacturer-specific product within the T10 miniature wedge bulb family.
The T10 wedge bulb uses a W2.1x9.5d base, a single-contact wedge-style fitting where the bulb body itself acts as the contact rather than a separate metal base or pins.
The 12961 operates at 12 volts and 5 watts, placing it in the low-wattage category typical of license plate and interior lighting applications.
The DE3423 follows the ANSI standard used across the United States and Canada, making it a widely available festoon-type bulb with a 41mm length and end-cap contacts that seat into spring-loaded holders.
Festoon bulbs like the DE3423 make contact at both ends of the bulb body rather than through a base, which means the holder design is fundamentally different from the wedge socket used by the 12961.
Because the 12961 and DE3423 use incompatible socket types, a wedge socket and a festoon holder respectively, the two bulbs are not interchangeable with each other regardless of voltage compatibility.
The 2012-2016 specification includes the qualifier "With Halogen Capsule Headlamps," indicating that headlamp type is a relevant fitment variable for the Volkswagen Eos license plate bulb during those years.