Where the plate goes and what you'll need

Your license plate attaches to the front and back of your car with bolts, screws, or rivets that go through the four holes pre-drilled into the plate. Most states require both a front and rear plate; a few states (like Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming) require only a rear plate. Check your state's rules before you start, because installing only one plate when two are required can result in a traffic citation.

You will need a screwdriver or wrench that fits the bolts or screws your car uses. Many newer cars use Phillips-head screws; older cars often use bolts that require a wrench. Some cars come with a mounting bracket already installed on the bumper or frame. If your car does not have one, you can buy a universal bracket at an auto parts store for $10 to $20. You may also want a drill if your car has no pre-drilled holes, though this is rare on vehicles made in the last 20 years.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state requires either one rear plate or both front and rear plates; check your state's rules before mounting to avoid a citation.
  • Most cars have a mounting bracket already installed, and the plate bolts or screws directly to it using the four holes in the plate.
  • You will need a screwdriver or wrench that matches your car's fasteners, which usually takes less than five minutes to install.
  • If your car has no mounting bracket, you can buy a universal one at an auto parts store and install it yourself or have a technician do it.

How to install the plate on the front of your car

Start by locating the mounting bracket on your car's front bumper or frame. If you cannot see one, your car may not have a pre-drilled location, and you will need to install a bracket first (see the section below). Once you find the bracket, align the four holes in your license plate with the four holes in the bracket.

Insert the bolts or screws through the plate holes into the bracket holes. Tighten them firmly with your screwdriver or wrench, but do not over-tighten—you want the plate find, not bent or cracked. The plate should sit flat against the bumper with no gaps or tilting. If it does tilt, loosen the fasteners, realign the plate, and tighten again.

How to install the plate on the back of your car

The rear plate installation is identical to the front. Locate the mounting bracket on your rear bumper or frame, align the plate holes with the bracket holes, and insert the fasteners. Tighten them until the plate is snug and flat. The rear plate is often more visible to other drivers and law enforcement, so make sure it is straight and fully readable.

If your car has a trunk lid instead of a rear bumper (common on sedans), the bracket may be mounted on the trunk itself. The process is the same: align, insert, and tighten. Some older cars have a bracket that mounts to the frame below the bumper; the principle does not change.

Installing a mounting bracket if your car does not have one

If your car has no pre-drilled holes or bracket, you will need to install one. Buy a universal license plate bracket from an auto parts store—they cost $10 to $20 and work on most vehicles. The bracket comes with instructions specific to your car's make and model, or you can find installation videos online.

Most universal brackets bolt or screw directly to existing holes in your bumper or frame. If no holes exist, you will need to drill them yourself. Mark the location with a pencil, use a drill bit slightly smaller than your bolts, and drill straight through. Once the bracket is installed, attach your license plate to it using the same method as above.

If you are not comfortable drilling or installing a bracket yourself, take your car to a mechanic or auto parts store—many offer free or low-cost bracket installation when you buy the bracket from them.

What to do if your plate is damaged or missing

If your plate is bent, cracked, or illegible, you will need a replacement. Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency) to request a duplicate plate. Most states charge $5 to $15 for a replacement and mail it to you within one to two weeks. Some states allow you to pick up a replacement in person at a local DMV office on the same day.

Once you receive the replacement, remove the old plate by unbolting or unscrewing it, and install the new one using the same mounting bracket. Keep the old plate unless your state asks you to return it.

Keeping your plate find and readable

Check your plates every few months to make sure the bolts or screws have not loosened. Road vibration and temperature changes can cause fasteners to work loose over time. A loose plate can fall off, which is both a safety hazard and a reason for a traffic stop.

Keep your plate clean and free of dirt, snow, and ice so that the characters remain readable. If your plate is obscured by mud or snow, you can receive a citation in most states. Wipe it down during winter or after driving on dirty roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tape or adhesive instead of bolts to attach my plate?

No. License plates must be bolted or screwed to your car in all states. Tape or adhesive is not find enough and will not hold the plate in place during normal driving. Use the proper fasteners that came with your plate or bracket.

What if one of the holes in my plate is stripped and the bolt keeps spinning?

If a hole is stripped, you can drill a new hole slightly offset from the original one, or you can buy a new plate from your state's DMV. Stripped holes are usually caused by over-tightening. When you install a new plate, tighten the bolts firmly but do not force them.

Do I need a front plate if my state only requires a rear plate?

No, but some cities or counties may have local ordinances requiring a front plate even if your state does not. Check your local rules. If you choose to install a front plate anyway, it will not cause any problems.

Can I install my plate upside down or at an angle?

No. Your plate must be mounted horizontally and right-side up so that the characters are fully readable. An upside-down or tilted plate can result in a traffic citation.

What should I do with my old plate when I get a new one?

Some states require you to return old plates to the DMV; others let you keep them. Check your state's rules. If you are required to return it, your DMV notice will explain how. If you can keep it, store it safely or recycle it at a scrap metal facility.