License plate screws are sold at auto parts stores, hardware stores, and online retailers—the fastest option is usually your local auto parts chain

License plate screws are small stainless steel fasteners that hold your plate to the bracket on your vehicle. You can buy them at any auto parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts), most hardware stores (Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware), and online through Amazon, eBay, or the auto parts retailers' websites. A pack of four to eight screws costs between $3 and $8. Stainless steel is the standard because it resists rust better than regular steel, especially in wet climates.

The fastest route is usually to walk into an auto parts store and ask for license plate screws by name—they stock them in the fastener aisle and you can leave with them the same day. If you order online, delivery typically takes two to five business days depending on your location and the retailer. Hardware stores carry them but may require you to ask an employee to locate them, since they are not always displayed prominently.

Key Takeaways

  • Auto parts stores stock license plate screws in their fastener section and usually have them in stock for same-day pickup.
  • Stainless steel screws are the standard choice because they resist rust better than regular steel fasteners.
  • A pack of four to eight screws costs between $3 and $8 at most retailers.
  • If you cannot find them locally, online retailers like Amazon and auto parts websites ship them within two to five business days.

What size and type to look for

License plate screws are typically 1/4 inch diameter and 3/4 inch long, though some vehicles use slightly different dimensions. When you buy them, ask for stainless steel Phillips head or slotted head screws in the 1/4-20 size (the "20" refers to the thread pitch). Most packs sold specifically as "license plate screws" are already the correct size, so you do not have to measure or calculate.

If you are replacing screws that fell out or rusted, bring the old screw with you to the store—an employee can match it to a replacement. If you do not have an old screw, the 1/4-20 stainless steel Phillips head is the safe default for most North American vehicles. Some luxury or imported vehicles may use metric sizes (like M6 or M8), so check your owner's manual or the bracket itself if the standard size does not fit.

Auto parts stores versus hardware stores

Auto parts stores are usually faster because they stock license plate screws as a dedicated item and employees know exactly where they are. You walk in, ask by name, and leave in five minutes. The screws are pre-packaged in the correct size and material for vehicles.

Hardware stores carry stainless steel fasteners in bulk, so you can buy exactly the number you need—often just two or four screws instead of a full pack. However, you may spend more time locating them or asking for help, and the employee may not when ready know which size is correct for a license plate. If you already know the exact size you need, a hardware store is a good option. If you are unsure, an auto parts store is the more straightforward choice.

Buying online

Amazon, eBay, and auto parts retailer websites all sell license plate screws in packs. Search for "stainless steel license plate screws" or "1/4-20 license plate fasteners" to find options. Most packs include four to eight screws and cost $3 to $8, though some specialty or metric packs may cost more. Read the product description to confirm the size and material before ordering.

Online ordering makes sense if you want to compare prices across retailers or if you need a specific metric size that local stores do not stock. Shipping usually takes two to five business days, so order online only if you are not in a hurry. Some auto parts retailers offer in-store pickup for online orders, which can be faster than home delivery.

What to do if you cannot find the right size

If the standard 1/4-20 stainless steel screw does not fit your bracket, the screw hole itself may be damaged or your vehicle may use a non-standard size. Take a photo of the bracket and the hole, or bring the bracket itself to an auto parts store and ask an employee to identify the correct fastener. They can measure the hole and thread pitch to find a match.

If the hole is stripped (the screw spins but does not tighten), you have two options: buy a slightly larger screw and drill out the hole to fit, or use a threaded insert kit to restore the original hole size. Threaded inserts are small metal sleeves that screw into the damaged hole and accept the original-size fastener. Auto parts stores and hardware stores both stock these kits, and they cost $5 to $15. If you are not comfortable drilling or installing an insert, a mechanic or body shop can do it for $20 to $50.

Bulk buying and bulk fastener suppliers

If you need more than a few screws—for example, if you are replacing plates on multiple vehicles or stocking a shop—bulk fastener suppliers like Fastenal, Grainger, or local industrial supply shops sell stainless steel fasteners in larger quantities at lower per-unit cost. These suppliers require you to order by phone or online and pick up at their location, or they deliver to your address. Minimum orders and shipping fees may explore, so bulk buying only makes sense if you need 50 or more screws.

For a one-time replacement on a single vehicle, a pack from an auto parts or hardware store is more practical and cheaper overall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular steel screws instead of stainless steel?

Regular steel screws will rust, especially if you live in a wet climate or near the ocean where road salt is used. Stainless steel costs only slightly more and lasts much longer. If you are replacing screws that rusted out, stainless steel is worth the small extra cost to avoid the same problem in a year or two.

Do I need a special tool to install license plate screws?

No. A Phillips head or slotted screwdriver is all you need. Most people can install four screws in under five minutes. If the screws are very tight, a power drill with a screwdriver bit can help, but it is not necessary for hand installation.

What if the screw hole is slightly too big?

If the screw spins without tightening, the hole may be stripped. You can buy the next size up (5/16 inch instead of 1/4 inch) and drill the hole slightly larger to fit, or install a threaded insert to restore the original hole size. A threaded insert is the cleaner solution if you want to keep the original fastener size.

Are there screws designed to prevent theft?

Yes. Some retailers sell locking or tamper-resistant license plate screws with special heads that require a unique tool to remove. These cost $10 to $20 per pack and are available at auto parts stores and online. They are optional—standard screws work fine for most people, but locking screws add a small barrier against plate theft.