License plates attach to the front and rear of your vehicle using bolts, brackets, and the holes already drilled into your car's frame
When you receive new license plates from your state's motor vehicle department, they come with mounting hardware — usually four bolts, four washers, and a bracket or frame. The process takes about ten minutes per plate and requires only a wrench or socket set. Most vehicles have pre-drilled holes in the bumper or frame where plates mount; you straightforward line up the holes, insert the bolts through the plate's corners, and tighten them until snug but not over-tight, which can crack the plate or strip the bolt.
The front plate goes on the front bumper or frame, and the rear plate goes on the rear bumper or frame. Some states require both; others require only a rear plate. Check your state's rules before you install — your registration paperwork or your state's motor vehicle website will specify what your vehicle must display. If you're unsure which holes to use, look at where the previous owner's plate was mounted, or consult your vehicle's owner manual, which usually shows the correct mounting location.
Key Takeaways
- License plates bolt through pre-drilled holes in your vehicle's bumper or frame using the hardware included with the plates.
- Most states require a rear plate; some require both front and rear plates, so check your state's rules before mounting.
- Tighten the bolts firmly but not excessively — over-tightening can crack the plate or damage the bolt threads.
- If your vehicle has no pre-drilled holes, you may need to drill them yourself or use adhesive-backed plate frames, depending on your state's rules.
What hardware comes with your new plates
When your state's motor vehicle department mails your plates, the package includes mounting bolts, washers, and usually a bracket or frame. The bolts are typically stainless steel to resist rust, and they come in a size that fits the holes already in your vehicle's bumper — usually 5/16 inch or 3/8 inch diameter. The washers sit under the bolt head to distribute pressure and prevent the bolt from pulling through the plate's corner holes.
Some states include a plastic or metal frame that surrounds the plate and holds the bolts; others include only the bolts and washers. If your package is missing hardware or you lose a bolt, you can buy replacement mounting kits at auto parts stores for a few dollars. Do not use bolts that are too large or too small — they may not fit the holes or may strip the threads in your vehicle's frame.
Finding the correct mounting holes on your vehicle
Most vehicles come from the factory with holes already drilled in the front and rear bumpers or frames, positioned to hold a standard license plate. These holes are usually about 11 inches apart horizontally and sit roughly 4 to 6 inches from the edge of the bumper. If you look at where the previous owner's plate was mounted, you will see the holes and any bolt holes that are already there.
If your vehicle is new and has never had a plate mounted, consult the owner's manual — it will show you the correct location and hole size. If you cannot find the manual, search your vehicle's year, make, and model online, or call a dealership for that brand. Some newer vehicles have plastic covers over the mounting holes; you may need to carefully pry or cut away a small section to access them.
If your vehicle has no pre-drilled holes — which is rare but can happen with some specialty or imported vehicles — you have two options. You can drill the holes yourself using a drill bit that matches the bolt size, or you can use an adhesive-backed plate frame that sticks to the bumper without bolts. Check your state's rules first; some states do not allow adhesive mounting.
Step-by-step installation process
Start by gathering your tools: a wrench or socket set that fits the bolt size (usually 1/2 inch or 9/16 inch), and the mounting hardware that came with your plates. Place the plate against the bumper or frame where it will sit, and line up the corner holes with the mounting holes in your vehicle.
Insert the first bolt through the top-left corner hole of the plate, then through the washer, then into the hole in your vehicle's frame. Hand-tighten it first — do not use the wrench yet. Repeat for the top-right corner, then the bottom-left, then the bottom-right. Once all four bolts are hand-tight and the plate is straight and centered, use the wrench to tighten each bolt in a crisscross pattern: top-left, then bottom-right, then top-right, then bottom-left. This distributes the pressure evenly and keeps the plate from tilting.
Tighten until the plate is snug and does not move, but do not over-tighten — you should feel resistance, not a sudden hard stop. Over-tightening can crack the plate's plastic or strip the bolt threads. Once all four bolts are tight, give the plate a gentle tug to confirm it does not move. Repeat the process for the rear plate if your state requires one.
Dealing with vehicles that have no pre-drilled holes
Some vehicles — particularly older models, specialty vehicles, or imports — may not have pre-drilled mounting holes. Before you drill your own holes, confirm that your state allows it and that you are drilling in the right location. Drilling in the wrong spot can damage your bumper or frame and may not meet your state's visibility requirements.
If you decide to drill, use a drill bit that matches your bolt size (usually 5/16 inch or 3/8 inch), and drill slowly to avoid cracking the bumper material. Wear safety glasses, and clamp the bumper or use a helper to hold it steady. After drilling, insert the bolts and washers and tighten as described above.
If drilling is not practical or your state does not allow it, adhesive-backed plate frames are available at auto parts stores. These frames stick to your bumper with industrial-strength adhesive and hold the plate without bolts. However, not all states permit adhesive mounting — check your state's motor vehicle website before you buy one. Adhesive frames also tend to loosen over time, especially in hot climates or if your vehicle is frequently washed.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is over-tightening the bolts, which can crack plastic plates or strip the bolt threads. Tighten until snug, then stop. If you hear a cracking sound or feel the wrench suddenly become very straightforward to turn, you have gone too far — back off slightly.
Another mistake is mounting the plate upside down or backwards. License plates have a specific orientation — the state name and numbers should be right-side up and readable from left to right. Before you bolt it down, step back and confirm the plate is oriented correctly.
A third mistake is using the wrong bolt size or using bolts that are too long, which can poke through the back of the bumper or frame and create a safety hazard. Use only the bolts that came with your plates, or buy exact replacements from an auto parts store.
Finally, do not forget to mount both plates if your state requires them. Some drivers mount only the rear plate and receive citations for the missing front plate. Check your state's rules — your registration paperwork will state the requirement.
When to replace or repair your license plates
License plates can crack, fade, or become illegible over time. If your plate is cracked, faded to the point that the numbers are hard to read, or missing, contact your state's motor vehicle department to order a replacement. Most states charge a small fee — usually five to fifteen dollars — and mail the replacement within one to two weeks.
If a bolt rusts or breaks, you can replace it with a stainless steel bolt from an auto parts store. If the mounting holes in your bumper become stripped or enlarged so that bolts no longer tighten, you may need to drill new holes slightly offset from the old ones, or use larger bolts with larger washers to distribute the pressure over a wider area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install both front and rear plates?
It depends on your state. Some states require both front and rear plates; others require only a rear plate. Your registration paperwork or your state's motor vehicle website will specify the requirement. If your state requires both and you install only one, you may receive a citation.
What if the bolts that came with my plates do not fit?
The bolts should fit the pre-drilled holes in your vehicle's bumper. If they do not, check that you have the correct bolt size — usually 5/16 inch or 3/8 inch diameter. If the holes in your bumper are a different size, you can buy replacement bolts at an auto parts store, or contact your state's motor vehicle department to confirm the correct size.
Can I use adhesive to stick my plate on instead of bolting it?
Some states allow adhesive-backed plate frames, but others do not. Check your state's motor vehicle website before you use adhesive. Even where allowed, adhesive mounting tends to loosen over time, especially in hot weather or after frequent washing, so bolting is more reliable.
How tight should the bolts be?
Tighten the bolts until the plate is snug and does not move, but do not over-tighten. Over-tightening can crack plastic plates or strip the bolt threads. A good rule is to tighten until you feel firm resistance, then stop. If you hear a cracking sound, back off when ready.
What if my vehicle has no mounting holes?
You can drill your own holes using a drill bit that matches the bolt size, or use an adhesive-backed plate frame. Before you drill, confirm that your state allows it and that you are drilling in the correct location. Check your state's motor vehicle website for rules on adhesive mounting.