Volkswagen Rabbit License Plate Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Rabbit license plate light uses bulb sizes DE3423 and 3893 according to the provided specifications for the vehicle. Available data covers the range from 1975 to 2009 for the specified components.

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
2006-2009	DE3423
1975-1980	3893

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament bulb with BAY15d bayonet base, specialty application. 12V.	3893

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Volkswagen Rabbit uses two distinct bulb types across its production years for the license plate position: the DE3423 for the 2006-2009 model years and the 3893 for the 1975-1980 model years.
The DE3423 is a festoon-style bulb measuring 41mm in length with end-cap contacts at each terminal end. This contact style means the bulb seats by pressing lengthwise between two spring clips rather than inserting into a socket.
The 3893 is a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base. The BAY15d base features two pins offset at different heights, which prevents incorrect insertion and distinguishes it from single-filament bayonet types.
Both the DE3423 and the 3893 operate at 12 volts and conform to ANSI standards recognized in both the United States and Canada.
The festoon format of the DE3423 and the bayonet format of the 3893 are physically incompatible with each other. The housing designs for the 2006-2009 Rabbit and the 1975-1980 Rabbit are not interchangeable between those two generation groups.
The dual-filament construction of the 3893 is noted as a specialty application. In a license plate context, a dual-filament bulb is atypical, as most license plate housings require only a single illumination function.
The DE3423 festoon bulb's 41mm length is a specific fitment requirement. Festoon bulbs of differing lengths, such as the common 36mm or 44mm variants, would not seat correctly in the same housing.