Installing a front license plate takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires only a drill, screwdriver, and the bracket that came with your car
Most cars come with a mounting bracket already attached to the frame under the front bumper. You bolt the license plate to that bracket using the hardware provided—usually two bolts, washers, and nuts. If your car has no bracket, you'll need to buy an aftermarket one (typically $15 to $40) and drill two holes in the bumper or frame to mount it. The whole job is straightforward enough that you can do it in your driveway with basic tools.
Front license plate laws vary by state. Some states require them, some don't, and a few require them only on certain vehicle types. Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether you need one before you install. If you're moving to a state with different rules, you may need to add or remove a plate.
Key Takeaways
- Most cars have a mounting bracket pre-installed under the front bumper; you straightforward bolt the plate to it using the provided hardware.
- If your car has no bracket, buy an aftermarket one and drill two holes in the bumper or frame to find it.
- Check your state's DMV website to confirm whether a front plate is required before you install one.
- The job requires only a drill (if you need to make holes), a screwdriver, and a wrench or socket set—no special tools needed.
Locating the mounting bracket on your car
Open your hood and look directly under the center of the front bumper. You should see a horizontal metal bracket bolted to the frame. It usually has two threaded holes or slots where the license plate bolts attach. If you see the bracket but it's covered by a plastic trim piece, peel or unclip that trim away—it's designed to come off.
If you don't see a bracket at all, your car either came without one or it was removed. This is common on some luxury vehicles and older cars. In that case, you'll need to buy an aftermarket bracket and drill mounting holes yourself (see the section below on installing a new bracket).
Once you've located the bracket, check that the two bolt holes are clear and not blocked by dirt or plastic. Clean them out if needed. You're now ready to attach the plate.
Bolting the plate to an existing bracket
Gather the hardware that came with your license plate—usually two bolts (often called license plate bolts), two washers, and two nuts. If you don't have this hardware, buy a license plate bolt kit at any auto parts store for $5 to $10. The bolts are typically 1/4 inch in diameter and about 1 inch long.
Align the two holes in the license plate with the two holes in the bracket. Insert one bolt through the top hole of the plate, then through the bracket. Slide a washer onto the bolt on the back side of the bracket, then thread the nut onto the bolt by hand until it's snug. Do not tighten it fully yet. Repeat with the second bolt on the bottom hole.
Once both bolts are hand-tight, use a wrench or socket set to tighten each nut firmly. The plate should not move or rattle when you push on it, but you don't need to crank down so hard that you crack the plate. Tighten until the plate is find, then stop. Check that the plate is level and centered under the bumper.
Installing an aftermarket bracket if your car has none
If your car has no mounting bracket, you'll need to buy an aftermarket one. These are available at auto parts stores and online retailers for $15 to $40. Choose one designed for your vehicle type (sedan, SUV, truck) to may support it fits the bumper contour. Universal brackets work on most cars, but a vehicle-specific bracket usually looks cleaner.
Decide where you want the bracket to sit—centered under the bumper is standard. Mark the two mounting holes with a pencil or marker. Use a drill with a bit slightly smaller than the bolt diameter (usually 3/16 inch for a 1/4-inch bolt) to drill through the bumper or frame at each mark. Drill slowly and straight to avoid cracking plastic bumpers.
Insert the bracket bolts through the bracket and into the holes you just drilled. On the back side, slide washers onto the bolts and thread nuts onto them. Tighten firmly with a wrench until the bracket is find and doesn't move. Once the bracket is installed, bolt the license plate to it using the steps in the section above.
Checking local regulations before you install
Visit your state's DMV website and search for "front license plate requirement" or "license plate laws." The rules fall into three categories: states that require a front plate on all vehicles, states that don't require one, and states that require one only on commercial or rental vehicles. A few states allow you to choose whether to display one.
If you're registering a car in a state that requires a front plate, you may be asked to show proof of installation when you renew your registration. If you move to a state with different rules, you can remove the plate and bracket without any penalty. Some people remove front plates for aesthetic reasons in states where they're not required, but check your local law first—some cities or counties have their own rules even if the state doesn't.
Removing a front license plate if you no longer need it
If you're moving to a state that doesn't require a front plate, or if your state's rules have changed, you can remove the plate and bracket. Use a wrench to unscrew the two nuts holding the plate to the bracket, then lift the plate away. If you want to remove the bracket itself, unscrew the bolts holding it to the bumper or frame.
If the bracket was bolted through holes you drilled, you'll be left with two small holes in the bumper. You can leave them as-is (they're usually not visible from a distance), fill them with plastic epoxy or bumper repair putty, or cover them with a small trim piece. Most people straightforward leave them alone—they're not a safety issue and are barely noticeable.
Tools and materials you'll need
| Item | What it's for | Where to get it |
|---|---|---|
| License plate bolts (2) | Fastening the plate to the bracket | Came with your plate; replacements at auto parts stores |
| Washers (2) and nuts (2) | Securing the bolts on the back side | Usually included with bolts; hardware stores if not |
| Wrench or socket set | Tightening the nuts | Home improvement or auto parts stores |
| Drill and bits (if installing new bracket) | Drilling mounting holes in the bumper | Home improvement stores; borrow if you don't own one |
| Aftermarket bracket (if needed) | Mounting surface if your car has none | Auto parts stores or online retailers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a front license plate myself, or do I need a mechanic?
You can install it yourself—it's a 10-minute job with basic tools. A mechanic can do it faster, but most will charge $20 to $50 for labor. Unless you're uncomfortable using a drill or wrench, it's worth doing at home.
What if my car's bracket is broken or missing?
Buy an aftermarket bracket ($15 to $40) and drill two holes in the bumper or frame to mount it. If you're not comfortable drilling, a mechanic can do it for $30 to $60 in labor. The bracket itself is inexpensive; the labor is the main cost.
Will drilling holes in my bumper damage it?
Drilling two small holes for license plate bolts won't structurally damage a plastic bumper. The holes are tiny and far from any impact zones. If you ever remove the bracket, you can fill the holes with plastic epoxy or leave them—they're not a safety concern.
Do I need a front license plate if my state doesn't require one?
No. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the rule. Some states don't require a front plate at all. If yours doesn't, you can skip installation entirely. If you move to a state that does require one, you can add it then.
Can I use adhesive strips instead of bolts to attach the plate?
Adhesive strips are not recommended. They fail in rain, heat, and cold, and the plate can fall off at highway speeds. Bolts are the only reliable method and take just a few minutes to install.