You can remove your license plate yourself in about five minutes with basic tools

Most license plates bolt to your vehicle with two to four screws — usually Phillips-head or square-socket — that you can unfasten with a screwdriver or socket wrench. The plate sits in a bracket or frame that's mounted to your bumper or body panel. Once you remove the screws, the plate slides or lifts straight out. The whole job takes longer to find your tools than to do the work.

You'll need the plate off for a few common reasons: you're selling the car and want to keep the plate, you're replacing a damaged or stolen plate, you're moving to another state, or you're removing a frame that's cracked or rusted. Some states let you keep your plate when you sell; others require you to turn it in. Check your state's motor vehicle department website to know what's required before you remove it.

Key Takeaways

  • Most plates fasten with two to four Phillips-head or square-socket screws that take five minutes to remove with a screwdriver or socket wrench.
  • The plate may be glued or riveted as well as screwed, so check underneath and around the edges before you assume screws are the only fasteners.
  • Your state's motor vehicle department determines whether you can keep the plate after you sell the car or must turn it in.
  • If the screws are rusted or stuck, spray them with penetrating oil and wait 15 to 30 minutes before trying again.

What fasteners hold your plate in place

The most common setup is two screws — one at the top and one at the bottom of the plate — though some vehicles have four. These screws thread into the bracket or frame that's bolted to your bumper or body. On older vehicles or in coastal areas with salt spray, you may find rivets instead of screws, which means you'll need to drill them out rather than unscrew them.

Some plates are also glued to the bracket with adhesive, especially if they've been on the car for years. If you remove the screws and the plate doesn't budge, run a plastic pry tool or old credit card along the edges to break the adhesive seal. Don't use a metal tool — it can scratch the paint. A heat gun or hair dryer on low heat can soften old adhesive and make it easier to peel away.

Tools you'll need

Gather a Phillips-head screwdriver and a flathead screwdriver before you start. Many plates use Phillips-head screws, but some use square-socket (Robertson) or hex-socket screws instead. If the screws don't match your screwdriver, a socket wrench set or multi-bit screwdriver will cover most possibilities. You probably have these in a junk drawer already.

If the screws are stuck or rusted, buy a can of penetrating oil like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench from any hardware or auto parts store. Spray the screws and wait 15 to 30 minutes — the oil soaks in and loosens corrosion so the screws turn without stripping. Keep a rag nearby to wipe away excess oil and prevent it from dripping on your driveway.

Step-by-step removal

Step 1: Locate the screws. Look at the top and bottom of the plate. You'll see the screw heads poking through the plate itself or through the bracket behind it. If you see rivets instead of screws, you'll need to drill them out with a drill bit slightly smaller than the rivet shaft — this takes more time but follows the same principle.

Step 2: Spray with penetrating oil if needed. If the screws look corroded or discolored, spray them generously and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This step saves you from stripping the screw head by forcing it when it's stuck.

Step 3: Remove the screws. Use the correct screwdriver or socket to turn each screw counterclockwise. Turn slowly and steadily — if you feel resistance, stop and explore more penetrating oil rather than forcing it. Once the screw is loose, finish unscrewing by hand.

Step 4: Lift the plate away. Once all screws are out, the plate should lift straight up or slide toward you, depending on how the bracket is designed. If it doesn't move, check for adhesive along the edges and use a plastic pry tool to break the seal.

Step 5: Clean the bracket. Wipe away any old adhesive, dirt, or corrosion from the bracket with a rag. If you're reinstalling the same plate, this keeps it clean. If you're installing a new plate, a clean bracket helps the new fasteners seat properly.

What to do if screws are stuck or stripped

Rusted or corroded screws are the most common obstacle. Spray them with penetrating oil and wait at least 15 minutes — longer if they look heavily corroded. Then try again with steady, even pressure. If the screw head starts to strip (the screwdriver spins without turning the screw), stop when ready and switch to a slightly larger screwdriver or a rubber band placed between the screwdriver tip and the screw head for extra grip.

If the screw won't budge after two or three attempts, drill it out. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw shaft and drill straight through the center. The bit will cut through the screw, and you can then pry out the pieces. This is slower than unscrewing, but it works when corrosion has locked the screw solid.

Reinstalling or replacing your plate

If you're putting the same plate back on, align it with the bracket and insert the screws by hand first — don't use the screwdriver yet. This prevents cross-threading, which happens when you turn a screw at an angle and it binds. Once all screws are hand-tight, use your screwdriver to tighten them fully. Don't over-tighten; you only need enough pressure to hold the plate snug.

If you're installing a new plate, the process is identical. New plates usually come with new screws and sometimes a new bracket. Follow the same hand-first, then screwdriver approach. If the new plate came with adhesive strips instead of screws, clean the bracket thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely before pressing the plate on — adhesive won't stick to dirt or moisture.

State rules for keeping or returning your plate

Rules vary by state. Some states let you keep your plate when you sell the car; others require you to turn it in to the motor vehicle department or transfer it to your new vehicle. A few states let you keep a plate as a souvenir if it's no longer in use. Check your state's motor vehicle department website before you remove the plate — the rules are usually listed under "plate transfer" or "selling your vehicle."

If you're moving to another state, you'll need to register your vehicle in the new state and get new plates. Your old plate becomes invalid once you register elsewhere, so you can keep it as a memento or recycle it. Some people donate old plates to schools or art projects, but check local rules first — a few states restrict what you can do with old plates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can remove it yourself with a screwdriver in about five minutes. There's nothing that requires a mechanic's license or special training. The only time you might need help is if the screws are so rusted that you can't turn them, in which case a mechanic or auto parts store can drill them out for you.

What if my plate is glued on and won't come off?

Run a plastic pry tool or old credit card along the edges to break the adhesive seal. If that doesn't work, use a heat gun or hair dryer on low heat to warm the adhesive for a minute or two, then try prying again. The heat softens the glue and makes it easier to separate.

Do I need to do anything special if I'm selling my car?

Check your state's motor vehicle department rules first — some states let you keep the plate, others require you to turn it in or transfer it to your new vehicle. If you're keeping it, remove it before you hand over the car. If you're supposed to turn it in, your state will tell you where to send it or whether the new owner handles it.

What if the screws are stripped and won't turn?

Stop turning when ready — forcing a stripped screw makes it worse. Try a slightly larger screwdriver, or place a rubber band between the screwdriver tip and the screw head for extra grip. If that doesn't work, drill out the screw with a drill bit slightly smaller than the shaft and pry out the pieces.

Can I use the same screws if I'm reinstalling the plate?

Yes, if they're not damaged or corroded. If they look rusty or the heads are stripped, replace them with new stainless steel screws from a hardware store — they cost a dollar or two and won't rust again. Stainless steel is worth the small cost if you plan to keep the plate on for years.