How to Install a License Plate on a Car?

[RonanAnn]

Method for installing a license plate on a car: 1. After receiving the license plate, there will be a pack of secure screws inside. Take out the license plate screws and insert them into the anti-theft caps while rotating them; 2. Align the license plate correctly and position the screws into the four gaps on the bumper, then secure them using a cross-head screwdriver; 3. After tightening, cover the anti-theft caps and press them gently into place. License plates, commonly known as vehicle plates, refer to the plates mounted on the front and rear of a vehicle. They are typically made of aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or paper, and display the vehicle's registration number, registration region, or other relevant information.

[OSimon]

Last time when I helped my neighbor install license plates, I specifically consulted Old Zhang from the auto repair shop. First, locate the pre-drilled screw holes on the bumper and wipe off the dust with a cloth, otherwise the screws won't tighten properly. The front and rear plate positions differ—the front plate goes under the lower edge of the grille, while the rear plate requires crawling under the car to see the bumper recess. Use the anti-theft screw kit that comes with the plates, align the plate holes with the body holes, and add rubber washers to prevent rattling. Tighten with a Phillips screwdriver until you hear a click—the anti-theft cap will snap off and seal itself. The key is to check the plate margins: ensure even spacing on both sides without obscuring characters. After installation, give the plate a shake to test its firmness. Once I skipped the wasters out of laziness, and the plate rattled alarmingly at highway speeds.

[Maria]

I've installed license plates on three cars myself. First, clean the mounting area with a damp cloth, especially the rear plate area where mud tends to accumulate. When aligning the plate with the holes, make sure it's perfectly flat – any tilt will cause edges to lift. The vehicle's included screw kit contains anti-theft bolts and bases; don't cut corners by using regular screws or you'll risk penalty points during traffic stops. Tightening the screws is a two-step process: first hand-tighten to position, then use a screwdriver to apply force until the anti-theft cap breaks – stop when you hear the 'click' sound. Finally, check that all four corners of the plate are flush with the body to prevent water leakage during rain. I recommend keeping a set of license plate frames handy to protect your car's paint from scratches.

[CaliLee]

When I first got my new car, I researched it thoroughly. The core steps for license plate installation are just five: first, locate the dedicated holes on the front and rear bumpers; second, prepare the anti-theft screw components; third, place the license plate flat and screw in the screws; fourth, tighten until the anti-theft caps break; fifth, check for firmness. Be careful not to force it with a screwdriver, as cracking the plastic hole mounts can cause more trouble. I recommend buying silicone washers online to cushion vibrations and prevent rattling. Remember, the license plate characters must be fully visible, and any added frames should not cover the provincial abbreviation or the numbers. Every time you wash your car, give the license plate a gentle shake—if it’s loose, address it promptly.

[LaIsabela]

Unstable license plate installation poses major risks: High-speed detachment may hit trailing vehicles, incurring fines and a 12-point deduction. First, I clean the mounting surface with alcohol wipes to ensure full contact between the plate and vehicle body. Choosing correct screws is crucial—the anti-theft screws issued by DMV feature pressure-sealing caps that automatically lock when tightened. For rusted screw holes, apply WD-40 lubricant before installation. Post-installation testing is critical: Insert fingers behind the plate to check for gaps, and ensure no wobbling when shaken vertically. Quarterly screw inspections are recommended, especially in northern winters where road salt accelerates corrosion—switch to stainless steel screws preemptively.