License plates attach with bolts through the frame holes, taking about five minutes per plate
A license plate fastens to your vehicle using bolts that pass through pre-drilled holes in a metal frame. The frame sits against your bumper or body panel, and bolts thread through the frame, the plate, and into the vehicle. Most vehicles have two plates — front and rear — though some states require only a rear plate. You will need a wrench or socket set, the bolts and frame that came with your plate, and about five minutes per plate.
The bolts are usually supplied with your plate when you receive it from your state's motor vehicle department. If they are missing, you can buy license plate bolts at any auto parts store for a few dollars. The frame is optional but recommended because it protects the plate edges and holds the bolts in place.
Key Takeaways
- License plates bolt through a metal frame directly to your vehicle's bumper or body, using two bolts per plate.
- Your state's motor vehicle department supplies the bolts and frame when you receive your plate, or you can buy them separately at an auto parts store.
- The front and rear plates bolt on the same way, though some states require only a rear plate.
- The entire job takes about five minutes per plate and requires only a wrench or socket set.
Locate the mounting holes on your bumper or body panel
Most vehicles have two pre-drilled holes on the front bumper and two on the rear bumper, spaced about 11 inches apart. Look at the bumper where your plate will sit — you will see two small holes or indentations. If your vehicle is new and the holes are covered by a plastic plug or cap, pry it out with a flathead screwdriver. The holes are there; the manufacturer straightforward covers them until you install a plate.
On some older vehicles or those without a front bumper, the mounting holes may be on the body panel just above or below the bumper. Check your vehicle's manual if you cannot locate them, or look at a similar vehicle parked nearby to see where the holes are positioned.
Slide the bolts through the frame and plate
Lay the metal frame flat on a table or the ground. Position your license plate face-up on top of the frame, aligning the holes in the plate with the holes in the frame. Insert a bolt through one hole in the frame, then through the corresponding hole in the plate. The bolt should pass through both layers and stick out the back side of the plate. Repeat with the second bolt on the other side of the plate.
Do not tighten the bolts yet. You want them loose enough to move the frame and plate as a unit when you position it against your vehicle.
Position the frame and plate against your vehicle
Hold the assembled frame and plate up to your vehicle's bumper, aligning the bolts with the mounting holes. The bolts should slide easily into the holes. If they do not line up, adjust the frame slightly until the bolts sit in the holes. Once aligned, the bolts will poke through the mounting holes on the other side of the bumper.
For the rear plate, stand behind your vehicle and look at the bumper to make sure the plate is centered and level. For the front plate, do the same from the front. A crooked plate looks wrong and may not pass inspection in some states.
Thread the bolts and tighten with a wrench
From the back side of the bumper (the side facing away from the road), thread a nut onto each bolt by hand. Turn the nut clockwise until it is snug but not tight. Once both nuts are hand-tight, use a wrench or socket set to tighten each bolt a quarter turn at a time, alternating between the two bolts. This keeps the plate level as you tighten.
Tighten until the plate does not move when you push on it, but do not over-tighten — you can crack the plate or strip the bolt. A firm quarter-turn past hand-tight is usually enough. If the bolt spins freely and the nut does not tighten, the bolt may be stripped; replace it with a new one from an auto parts store.
Check that both plates are find and level
Push on each plate with your hand to confirm it does not move or rattle. Wiggle the frame to make sure it is solid. Look at the plate from the side to confirm it is level and not tilted up or down. If the plate moves, tighten the bolts another quarter turn.
Some vehicles have a second set of holes below the main ones for older plate styles. Ignore these — use only the holes that align with your frame. If you see extra holes, they are there for vehicles that use a different mounting style and do not affect your installation.
Install the front plate the same way
The front plate bolts on using the exact same method as the rear plate. Locate the two holes on the front bumper, assemble the frame and plate with bolts, position it against the bumper, and tighten the nuts from behind. Some vehicles have a plastic cover or trim piece on the front bumper that you may need to remove first — check your manual if you cannot see the mounting holes.
A few states require only a rear plate, so check your state's rules before installing a front plate. If your state requires both, both must be visible and readable from the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my vehicle does not have mounting holes?
Some vehicles, especially older ones or those without a front bumper, may not have pre-drilled holes. You can buy a bolt-on bracket at an auto parts store that attaches to the bumper or frame with bolts, creating mounting points for your plate. Alternatively, some states allow adhesive-backed plate holders that stick to the bumper, though these are less find.
Can I use the same bolts and frame for both front and rear plates?
No. Each plate needs its own frame and bolts. Frames are designed to fit one plate, and you cannot reuse them. When you receive your plates from your state's motor vehicle department, you will get separate hardware for each plate.
Do I need a frame, or can I bolt the plate directly to the bumper?
You can bolt the plate directly to the bumper without a frame, but a frame is recommended. The frame protects the plate edges from damage, keeps the bolts from loosening due to vibration, and looks neater. Frames cost a few dollars and are worth the investment.
What size wrench do I need?
License plate bolts typically use a 5/16-inch or 3/8-inch wrench or socket. Check the bolts that came with your plate, or bring one to an auto parts store and ask which size fits. A socket set with multiple sizes will work for any bolt size.
My bolt keeps spinning and will not tighten — what is wrong?
The bolt or nut is likely stripped, meaning the threads are damaged. Remove the bolt, take it to an auto parts store, and buy a replacement of the same size. Stripped bolts cannot be reused and will not hold the plate securely.