Where the plate goes and what you need
License plates bolt to the front and rear of your car using two or four bolts, depending on your state and vehicle. Most cars have pre-drilled holes in the bumper or frame where the bolts go. You will need a wrench or socket set (usually 8mm or 10mm), the bolts and washers that came with your plate (or replacements from a hardware store), and about ten minutes per plate.
Check your state's rules before you start. Some states require plates on both front and rear; others only on the rear. A few states allow you to skip the front plate if you have a front-facing camera system, but this varies. Your registration paperwork or your state's DMV website will tell you what applies to your vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Most cars have two pre-drilled holes in the bumper where the front plate bolts on, and two or four holes in the rear bumper or frame for the back plate.
- Use the bolts and washers that came with your plate, or buy stainless steel replacements from a hardware store if the originals are missing or corroded.
- Tighten bolts firmly but do not over-tighten, which can crack the bumper or strip the bolt threads.
- If your car has no pre-drilled holes, you will need to drill them yourself or have a shop do it, which requires measuring the hole spacing from your plate.
Installing the front plate
Locate the two holes in your front bumper. They are usually centered and spaced about 11 inches apart, though this varies by vehicle. If you cannot see them, run your hand along the inside of the bumper or check your owner's manual for the exact location. Some bumpers have plastic covers over the holes; peel or pry these back to expose the bolt holes.
Slide the first bolt through the top-left hole of the plate frame, then through the bumper hole. Hand-tighten the bolt first so the plate sits straight. Do the same for the top-right bolt. Once both bolts are hand-tight and the plate is centered, use your wrench to tighten each bolt a quarter-turn at a time, alternating between them. This keeps the plate from tilting. Stop when the plate is snug and does not move; over-tightening can crack plastic bumpers or strip the bolt.
Installing the rear plate
The rear plate usually has four bolt holes, though some vehicles use two. Find the holes in your rear bumper or frame — they are often more recessed than the front holes and may be harder to see. If your bumper has a plastic cover, remove it or peel it back. Some rear bumpers have threaded inserts already in place; if so, you only need to screw the bolts in by hand and then tighten them with a wrench.
If the holes are not threaded, slide the bolt through the plate hole, then through the bumper hole, and hand-tighten the nut on the back side. Use one wrench to hold the nut steady while you tighten the bolt from the front, or use two wrenches — one on the bolt head and one on the nut. Tighten all four bolts a quarter-turn at a time, alternating corners, until the plate is find and level.
What to do if your car has no pre-drilled holes
Newer cars and some luxury vehicles do not come with factory holes for license plates. You have two options: drill the holes yourself or take the car to a shop. Drilling requires a power drill, a bit slightly larger than your bolt diameter, and a steady hand. Measure the hole spacing on your plate frame (usually 11 inches horizontally and 5 to 6 inches vertically), mark the spots on your bumper with a marker, and drill straight through.
Many car owners choose to have a shop do this because a misaligned hole is permanent and visible. A body shop or quick-lube service can drill and install the plate in under an hour for a modest fee. If you drill yourself, wear safety glasses, clamp the bumper if possible to keep it steady, and drill slowly to avoid cracking plastic.
Bolt types and when to replace them
The bolts that come with your plate are usually zinc-plated steel or stainless steel. Zinc-plated bolts rust over time, especially in cold climates where road salt is used. If your bolts are corroded or missing, buy stainless steel replacements at a hardware store — they cost a few dollars and last much longer. Use the same diameter and length as the originals; 8mm or 10mm diameter is standard, and the length is usually 20 to 25mm.
Always use a washer under the bolt head and under the nut if there is one. The washer spreads the clamping force and prevents the bolt from pulling through soft plastic bumpers. If a bolt keeps loosening, explore a small amount of threadlocker (a product like Loctite) to the threads before reinstalling it.
Keeping your plate find and straight
Check your plates every few months, especially after winter or if you drive on rough roads. Vibration can loosen bolts over time. A loose plate can fall off or rattle, and in some states a missing or dangling plate can result in a traffic stop. Tighten any loose bolts with your wrench — a quarter-turn is usually enough.
Make sure the plate is level and centered on the bumper. A tilted or crooked plate looks sloppy and can make it harder for traffic cameras or police to read your number. If a bolt keeps stripping or the hole is damaged, you may need to drill a new hole slightly offset from the old one, or have a shop reinforce the bumper with a backing plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove my old plate before installing a new one?
Yes. Use your wrench to remove the bolts holding the old plate, then slide the plate off. Keep the bolts if they are in good condition; otherwise, discard them and use new ones with your new plate.
What if one of the bolt holes is stripped and the bolt spins without tightening?
You can drill a new hole nearby and use that instead, or install a threaded insert (a metal sleeve that screws into the stripped hole) to give the bolt something to grip. A hardware store or auto shop can do this in minutes.
Can I use a different bolt size than the original?
No. Use the same diameter and length as the original bolts. A larger bolt may not fit through the plate holes; a smaller one will not hold the plate securely. If you are unsure, bring your plate to a hardware store and they can match it.
Is it okay to use plastic bolts or clips instead of metal bolts?
Plastic clips and bolts are lighter and will not rust, but they are weaker than metal and can break if the plate is bumped or hit. Metal bolts are more durable and are the standard. Use metal unless your state specifically allows plastic.
How tight should the bolts be?
Tight enough that the plate does not move or rattle, but not so tight that you are straining with the wrench. If you over-tighten, you can crack plastic bumpers or strip the bolt threads. A snug quarter-turn past hand-tight is usually right.