Volkswagen GTI License Plate Bulb Size

The Volkswagen GTI license plate light uses bulb sizes 12961 and DE3423 for the rear exterior illumination. Available data for the specific components covers the range from 2006 to 2021.

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
2015-2021	12961
2010-2013	12961
2006-2009	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 GTI uses two distinct bulb types across its model years for the license plate position: the 12961 and the DE3423.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12 volts and 5 watts.
The T10 wedge base on the 12961 uses a friction-fit pin design, meaning the bulb is held in place by the socket walls rather than by a bayonet or screw mechanism.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standard festoon bulb with a 41mm length and end-cap contacts, also rated at 12 volts, and is recognized across the US and Canadian markets.
Festoon bulbs make electrical contact through metal caps at each end of the cylindrical body, a configuration that is physically incompatible with wedge-style sockets.
The Volkswagen GTI (2010-2021) uses the 12961 wedge bulb for the license plate position, with the exception of the 2014 model year, which is not represented in the specifications.
The 2006-2009 GTI uses the DE3423 festoon bulb, which is not interchangeable with the 12961 wedge type due to the fundamental difference in base and contact design.
Because the 12961 and DE3423 use incompatible socket types, substituting one for the other without an adapter or socket modification is not possible.
Both bulb types operate on a 12-volt system, which is standard for automotive electrical systems, making voltage compatibility a non-issue when selecting replacements within the correct base type.
The wattage of the DE3423 is not specified in the provided data, whereas the 12961 is explicitly rated at 5 watts.