What you need to do to swap out your license plate

Changing a license plate takes about 15 minutes and requires only a screwdriver or wrench. Most plates are held on with two bolts—one at the top and one at the bottom—that you remove, slide the old plate off, and replace with the new one. The bolts almost always fit a Phillips head screwdriver or a 1/4-inch wrench, though some newer vehicles use security bolts that need a special socket.

Before you start, make sure you have the new plate in hand. If you ordered it from your state's motor vehicle department, it will arrive by mail. If you're replacing a damaged or stolen plate, you'll need to order a replacement from your state first—you cannot legally drive with a missing or illegible plate. Check your state's motor vehicle website for the replacement process and cost, which varies by state.

Key Takeaways

  • License plates attach with two bolts (top and bottom) that take a Phillips screwdriver or 1/4-inch wrench to remove.
  • You must order a replacement plate from your state's motor vehicle department before you can legally install it.
  • Some vehicles use security bolts that require a special socket, which you can buy at an auto parts store for under $15.
  • The entire swap takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires no special tools beyond what most households already have.

Locate the bolts holding your current plate

Walk to the front of your vehicle and look at the corners of your license plate. You will see a bolt head at the top center and another at the bottom center of the plate frame. On some vehicles, there may be a bolt on each side instead—check both the front and back of your car to see which pattern yours uses.

If the bolts have a straightforward cross-shaped slot, they are Phillips head screws. If they have a square hole in the center, they are security bolts and you will need a security bolt socket (also called a spline socket) that matches the size. Most security bolts are size 5 or 6, and a universal kit costs $10 to $15 at any auto parts store. If you cannot see the bolt head clearly because of a plastic frame or cover, gently pry the frame away from the plate with a flat screwdriver.

Remove the old plate

Insert your screwdriver or wrench into the first bolt and turn counterclockwise until the bolt comes free. Set it aside in a small container so you don't lose it—you will reuse these bolts for the new plate. Repeat with the second bolt. Once both bolts are out, gently pull the plate away from the vehicle. It may stick slightly if there is adhesive or rust underneath; wiggle it side to side as you pull.

If the bolts are stuck or rusted, spray them with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 10 minutes before trying again. Do not force a stuck bolt, as you risk stripping the threads or breaking the bolt head. If a bolt breaks, you can buy a replacement bolt at any hardware store—bring the old one to match the size and thread pattern.

Install the new plate

Line up the bolt holes on your new plate with the holes on your vehicle. Start by hand-threading the top bolt into the hole—turn it clockwise until you feel resistance, then use your screwdriver or wrench to tighten it. Do not over-tighten; stop when the bolt is snug and the plate sits flat against the vehicle. Repeat with the bottom bolt.

Check that the plate is straight and centered on the vehicle. If it is crooked, loosen both bolts slightly, adjust the plate, and re-tighten. The plate should not move or rattle when you push on it. If you are installing a new plate for the first time (not replacing an old one), make sure you have registered the new plate number with your state before driving—driving with an unregistered plate is illegal.

Handle the back plate the same way

Most vehicles have a license plate on both the front and back. Repeat the same process for the rear plate: locate the bolts, remove them, pull off the old plate, line up the new plate, and install the bolts. Some vehicles have only a rear plate, so check your local laws—many states require both front and rear plates, while others require only a rear plate.

If your vehicle has a rear plate but you are only replacing the front, leave the back plate as is. If you are replacing both plates, you can do them one at a time or both at once; the order does not matter.

What to do if bolts are missing or damaged

If one or both bolts are missing when you remove the old plate, you will need to buy replacements before you can install the new plate. Take the remaining bolt (if you have one) to a hardware store and ask for a matching bolt in stainless steel—stainless resists rust better than plain steel. Most license plate bolts are 1/4-inch diameter and 3/4-inch to 1 inch long, though this varies by vehicle.

If the bolt holes in your vehicle are stripped (the bolt spins without tightening), you have two options: use a larger diameter bolt with a new hole drilled next to the old one, or use a threaded insert kit to repair the stripped hole. A threaded insert kit costs $5 to $10 and comes with instructions; if you are not comfortable drilling, an auto shop can do this repair for $20 to $40.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to remove my license plate to wash my car?

No. You can wash around the plate without removing it. Removing the plate every time you wash will wear out the bolt holes faster and is unnecessary.

Can I use the same bolts if I'm installing a new plate?

Yes. Reuse the bolts from your old plate unless they are damaged, rusted, or stripped. If they are in good condition, they will work fine with the new plate.

What if my vehicle has a plastic frame around the plate?

The bolts go through the frame and into the vehicle. You do not need to remove the frame unless it is damaged. If the frame is cracked or broken, you can buy a replacement frame at an auto parts store for $5 to $15.

How tight should the bolts be?

Tighten until the plate sits flat and does not move when you push on it. You should not need to strain—if you are using significant force, the bolt is tight enough. Over-tightening can crack the plate or strip the bolt hole.

Can I change my license plate myself or do I need a mechanic?

You can do this yourself. It requires only a screwdriver or wrench and takes 10 to 15 minutes. A mechanic can do it faster, but there is no technical reason you need one.