How to Change the Tag Lights in a Vehicle

When you have a car, it requires various forms of maintenance over the duration of ownership, ranging from cleaning it, to changing the oil, to burnt out lights, to replacing parts. In most small maintenance jobs, it is easier and more cost effective to do the repair yourself. But, you should leave the more complex and time intensive jobs to the professionals, unless you really know what you are doing. It's hard to notice if your tag lights are burnt out until a cop pulls you over and gives you a work order to fix it. It's relatively easy and will take 30 minutes or less.

Steps

1. 1
   Make sure your car is turned off and you have plenty of light in order to see what you are doing.

   2

2. Locate your tag lights around your license plate.
3. 3
   Unscrew the small plate that securely attaches to your car (usually above your tag) that encases the small light bulbs.
4. 4
   Unscrew the burnt out bulbs and put them in the package the new bulbs you are replacing them with came in. (You do not want to shatter them over the payment, floor, or grass where you are working posing a danger to others who may share the area.)
5. 5
   Replace the old bulbs with the fresh, new bulbs by screwing them into place.
6. 6
   Make sure these light bulbs are properly secured in place and work.
7. 7
   Reattach and secure the small plate back into place to protect the new bulbs.
8. 8
   Clean up any mess, put your screwdriver and flashlight away, and either go to a mechanic or police station to have your car inspected and the repair order signed.
9. 9
   Send in or drop off the repair order to the MVA for their records.

   
   

Tips

• Make sure you are in a well lit area.
• You will need a screwdriver and the appropriate light bulb replacements. If you are unsure, ask a mechanic, a sales associate at a car store, or check your owner's manual.
• Don't forget to have your car inspected and the repair order signed off.

Warnings

• To avoid injury, please make sure the car's power is off.
• Do not squeeze the light bulb for fear it will shatter and cut you.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Light bulbs (for license plate/tag)
• Flashlight (only at night or with little light present)
• 
  

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