What kind of resistor

I am powering a LED that takes 3 volts and powering it with 12 volts what resistors would take the 12 volts down to 3?

Depends on the current spec on the LED.

If it is 20 mA, for example, R = E/I = (12–3) / 0.02 = 450 ohms. Next standard value is 470 ohms.

The kind is 1/4 watt carbon film 10% resistor, the resistance is 470 ohms.

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Divide 9v by the current going through the led.