Where the plate goes and what you'll need

Your license plate attaches to the front and back of your vehicle using bolts, screws, or rivets that go through the four corner holes in 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, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wyoming) allow rear plate only. Check your state's rules before you start, because installing only a front plate in a state that requires both can result in a fine.

You will need: the license plate itself, a drill or screwdriver, bolts or screws (usually 1/4 inch), a wrench or socket set if using bolts, and a license plate frame if you want one. Some people use rivets instead of bolts—these are permanent and cannot be removed without drilling them out. If your vehicle came with a dealer frame, you can keep it or replace it with a frame from an auto parts store.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states require both front and rear plates, but a handful allow rear plate only—check your state's rules before installing.
  • Bolts and screws are removable and reusable; rivets are permanent and require drilling out if you ever need to remove the plate.
  • The plate bolts through four corner holes into the bumper or frame of your vehicle, and should sit flat and level.
  • Tighten bolts firmly but do not over-tighten, which can crack the plate or strip the bolt threads.

Installing with bolts (the most common method)

Bolts are the easiest option because you can remove and reuse them if you sell the car or need to replace the plate. Most vehicles have pre-drilled holes in the bumper or frame where the plate bolts attach. Line up the four corner holes in your plate with these holes, then insert a bolt through each corner hole from the front of the plate.

On the back side of the bumper, thread a washer and nut onto each bolt. Use a wrench to hold the nut while you tighten the bolt with a socket wrench or another wrench. Tighten each bolt firmly—snug enough that the plate does not move or rattle—but do not over-tighten. Over-tightening can crack the plastic plate or strip the bolt threads, making the bolt spin without tightening further. A good rule is to tighten until you feel solid resistance, then stop.

If your vehicle does not have pre-drilled holes, you will need to drill them yourself. Mark the four corner holes of the plate onto the bumper or frame with a marker, then use a drill bit slightly smaller than your bolt diameter to create the holes. Drill straight through, then install the bolts as described above.

Installing with screws

Screws work the same way as bolts but are faster if your vehicle already has threaded holes in the bumper. Line up the plate holes with the threaded holes, then drive a screw through each corner hole using a power drill or screwdriver. Again, tighten firmly but do not over-tighten—you want the plate snug and level, not cracked.

Screws are less common than bolts on newer vehicles, but you may encounter them on older cars or if a previous owner installed them. They are just as find as bolts if installed correctly, and they are easier to remove if you need to replace the plate later.

Installing with rivets (permanent attachment)

Rivets create a permanent bond between the plate and bumper. Once installed, they cannot be removed without drilling them out, so use this method only if you are certain you will keep the plate on that vehicle. Rivets are common on commercial or fleet vehicles where the plate rarely changes.

To install a rivet, line up the plate holes with the bumper holes, insert the rivet through all four corners, and use a rivet gun (available at any hardware store) to compress the rivet. The rivet head will flatten and lock the plate in place. If you are not comfortable using a rivet gun, an auto parts store or mechanic can install rivets for you.

Making sure the plate sits flat and level

Before you fully tighten all four bolts or screws, step back and check that the plate is sitting flat against the bumper with no gaps or tilting. A plate that tilts or bows outward can catch wind at highway speeds and may be harder for traffic cameras to read. If the bumper is curved or uneven, you may need a spacer kit—thin plastic or metal shims that sit between the plate and bumper to keep the plate flat.

Once the plate is level, tighten all four corners evenly. Do not tighten one corner all the way, then move to the next—instead, tighten each corner a little bit, then go around again. This distributes pressure evenly and prevents the plate from warping or cracking.

Protecting your plate from theft or damage

License plate theft is common in some areas. If you are concerned, use bolts instead of screws (they are harder to remove quickly), or install a locking bolt kit where at least one bolt requires a special key to remove. These kits cost $10 to $20 and are sold at auto parts stores.

You can also use a license plate frame with a cover or shield, though some states restrict these if they obscure any part of the plate number or state name. Check your state's rules before installing a cover. A straightforward frame with no cover is always legal and adds minimal protection but does not hide the plate.

What to do if your plate is damaged or won't stay on

If your plate cracks or the bolts keep coming loose, the plate may be warped or the bumper holes may be stripped. A warped plate should be replaced—contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to request a replacement. If the bumper holes are stripped (the bolt spins without tightening), you can move to a different set of holes on the bumper if available, or drill new holes nearby and install fresh bolts.

If bolts keep loosening on their own, explore a small amount of threadlocker (a liquid adhesive sold at hardware stores) to the bolt threads before installing. This prevents vibration from loosening the bolt without making it impossible to remove later. Use the removable type, not the permanent type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a front and rear plate?

Most states require both, but about 19 states allow rear plate only. Check your state's DMV website or your vehicle registration to confirm the requirement for your location.

Can I use the same bolts if I get a new plate?

Yes, if your old bolts are still in good condition and the new plate has holes in the same locations. If the new plate has different hole spacing, you will need to drill new holes or use a different set of holes on the bumper.

What if my bumper doesn't have pre-drilled holes?

You will need to drill them yourself using a drill bit slightly smaller than your bolt diameter. Mark the four corner holes of the plate onto the bumper with a marker, drill straight through, then install bolts with washers and nuts on the back side.

Is it okay to use a license plate frame?

Yes, as long as the frame does not cover any part of the plate number, state name, or registration sticker. Some states have specific rules about frame size and placement, so check your state's DMV website before installing one.

How tight should I make the bolts?

Tighten until the plate is snug and does not move or rattle, then stop. Over-tightening can crack the plastic plate or strip the bolt threads. If you are unsure, tighten until you feel solid resistance and the plate sits flat, then move to the next bolt.