At one point or another, a car owner may wish to replace a specific screw in the license plate. This is because license plate screws may easily get missing or worn out over time.
When such a need arises, it will be important to know the right license plate screw size for your vehicle.
The sheer variety of license plate screws may get you confused if you do not have good knowledge of the type that will fit your vehicle well. Different car brands require different screw types and sizes for their license plate.
Screw manufacturers use different types of materials to make screws. They also make screws of different sizes to meet the need of all car varieties. For instance, some screws have slotted truss, slotted hex, hex head, truss head, and some others.
There are self-tapping screws that fit many vehicles with plastic or nylon screw retainers, but they do not fit vehicles with threaded metal holes because such vehicle brands recommend a different screw size.
So, read on to get all you need to know about license plate screw sizes.
What size are license plate screws?
License plates have their standard screw sizes that vary according to brand. Original equipment manufacturers make some of the screws and are referred to as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) screws. These types of screws are made especially for specific models of cars.
One of the sizes of license plate screws is measured 1/4-14-3/4 inch, where the first part, 1/4, gives you the threaded diameter in inches, the middle number shows the number of threads which is 14, and the last part is a fraction giving you the length in inches (3/4).
The table below sets out different types of license plate screws, their standard sizes and the car models.
| Screw Type | Standard Sizes | Car Model |
| Slotted Hex Washer Head | M6-1.0 x 16mm | Audi |
| Slotted Truss | 1/4”-20 x 5/8” | Ford |
| Slotted Hex Washer Head | 1/4″-14-5/8” | Ford |
| Slotted Hex Head | 1/4-14-3/4” | Ram Truck |
| Phillips Pan Head | M6-1.0 x 20mm | Honda |
| Phillips Truss Head | M4.8 x 16mm | BMW |
| Slotted Hex Washer Head | #14 1/4 x 3/4” | Nissan |
| Slotted Pan Head | M6- 1.0 x 25mm | Toyota |
| Slotted Truss Head | #14 x 3/4″ | Chevrolet |
| Slotted Hex, Washer Head | #14 1/4″ x 5/8” | Ford |
SNUG Fasteners is a license plate bolt or license plate screw with a standard size so almost all cars and trucks can use them. A flathead screwdriver makes repairing them simple, as they have a slotted head.
They are composed of superior stainless steel and their size is 1/4 x 3/8 inches. They fit the license plate holes of most household cars, and trucks.
Revolution Rustproof License Plate Screws also has standard screw sizes. They are self-tapping and can be fastened to almost all cars and trucks with plastic/nylon screw retainers. They are 3/4-inch-long and are constructed from superior stainless steel.
Besides the SNUG Fasteners and Revolution Rustproof screws which can fit almost all cars and trucks, there are some vehicle types which have a precise screw size required for their license plates. They are:
BMW
For BMW, you need as near to a 10mm license plate screw as is possible. It could be about 8mm short or 12mm long, an M5x10mm screw is perfect. A good example is the Prime Ave standard-length screws made of stainless steel.
They last long and do not corrode as they made with good quality stainless steel. It has an amazing design and the manufacture of the screws is quality and so they are great replacing screws for BMW license plate.
Ram Truck
Typically, the screw size for many vehicles’ license plates is 1/4-14-3/4 inch, and that’s also the screw size for RAM truck’s license plate screws. Otto speed Rustproof License Plate screws are a great screw size that fastens well on all RAM trucks.
They are standard and have a hex head so it fits virtually all nylon/plastic screw retainer vehicles. It lasts for a long time which is great for replacing screws that aren’t very long lasting.
The Ottospeed Rustproof License Plate Screws are indeed rustproof as their 316 marine-grade stainless steel makes it better and will completely keep them from rusting.
Honda
For Honda vehicles (cars/trucks), these Revolution Steel License Plate Screws are recommended. These 1/4 inch diameter screws come in at 3/4 inch length, so they fit on most Honda cars and trucks, and even motorcycles!
These screws fit universally and fit well. They are made of black finish zinc-plated stainless steel, giving you a never-rust guarantee, easy installation, and they resist corrosion, so you won’t need nylon inserts.
Nissan
All Nissan vehicles have good quality that makes them long-lasting. The license plate screw size Nissan vehicles have are standard size of a regular license plate screw. The Revolution Steel License Plate Screws fastens well on them.
The screws have a jet-black finish. They are produced with high-quality stainless steel plated with zinc to protect it against rust and they are durable. You can go for the type with a black finish if you are looking for a longer lasting type.
The screws that fit well with Nissan vehicles have slotted hex heads that make them compatible.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet vehicle’s standard license plate screw size would be 10mm as far as I remember, but you can use the longer 12mm, or the shorter 8mm and they will fit well. Prime Ave plate screws of high-quality stainless steel work quite well for Chevrolet vehicles.
These screws won’t require washers to fit into your license plates because they are truss heads. They fit your license plates with ease because they are self-tapping and their high-quality stainless steel keeps them against rust, therefore, they are more durable.
The Prime Ave plate screws have good length that you can use them with the frame of your license plate, and their low profiles beautify your car.
Ford F-150
Ford F-150 trucks on standard license plates will most-likely have a screw size that is 1/4-14-5/8 in. The size screw that is ideal for this model is a SNUG Fastener Stainless Steel screw.
They do not just fit Ford F-150’s license plates; they also fasten handily on most other cars and trucks that have plastic or nylon holders.
They are non-corrosive (high stainless steel), and last long. Features include slotted hex head screw that are easily fixed with flatt-head screw driver or 3/8” drive socket.
Toyota
The size of the screw needed for the license plate in Toyota vehicles is mostly 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches. RSD Never Rust OE Style screws are the kind of license plate screw for Toyota trucks and cars, as these stainless steel screws fasten perfectly on all toyota vehicles license plates.
Although to fix this screw in a car’s front bumper wherein you earlier drilled with a screw of a bigger size you will likely require the assistance of a plastic anchor for easy fastening.
The RSD screws come as two standard rear license plate screws and two license plate fasteners that are self-tapping.
Audi
The license plate screw size Audi usually uses is the standard length of the license plate screw but it also has the extended length that you can choose from. An example of this screw is the Prime Ave Stainless Steel License Plate screws.
These screws are made with high quality 316 stainless steel that makes them antirust and last for a very long time. They fit well in most Audi vehicles and their hex head makes it easy to fasten.
They come with two metric screws for the license plate for the rear and two self-tapping screws for the front.
Where to Buy Screws for License Plates?
There are several of them where you can buy license plate screws. You can buy from automotive stores, from car dealers, and also order online. Most automotive stores and car dealers keep some screws and bolts for different kinds of license plates.
Whenever you want to get screws for your car’s license plate, call in at the car dealers or walk-in automotive stores and get the one that fits your vehicle. You can tell them the brand of your car and maybe model too, it can guide them to give you the right screw size for your vehicle’s license plate.
Another place to buy license plate screws is online stores. Many of them usually have standard license plate screws for most vehicles, and you can easily order from them, and get to your doorstep in a short while.
Example of online store is Amazon. They have in stocks, a whole variety that fit with a number of several car brands. A brand like the SNUG Fasteners has license plate screws that size the greater number of cars and trucks.
Buying online also allows you to see a lot of license plate screws that fit into your particular vehicle’s license plate, as you can even search for the one that fits your car’s model. You can also inquire on a particular product, and other users will respond to inform you about their experience using that product.
Aside Amazon, other online platforms sell license plate screws to users. Just remember to ask of some reliable suppliers where you can get quality screws that are not corrosive, and that will last you for a very long time.
Also make it a point of duty to consider length of your screw when you want to buy one, as the length has to be the same with that of the holes length and must match the length of the whole license plate’s mounting well.
The reason is that when you buy a screw of bigger length and you have holes already existing, or of smaller length than the holes, you would have wasted your moneys, and no one like that. The elements of the whole license plate mount include:
- Washers
- Screw covers with base
- Clear license plate cover (if legal)
- License plate
- A frame of license plate
- Frame gasket
- Spacers
These specified elements can equal 12mm, and buying a screw that is either too long or too short means the screws will not grip the license plate tightly. It is also good to get used to the various types of materials the screws come in.
Make sure that you choose screws that are durable and rustproof.
How to Change License Plate Screws
To some people, the idea of changing their license plate screws may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually a breeze with the right information at hand. A license plate thumb aids you in screwing in your license plates, and you can purchase it from a dealer.
However, the important tool you need to have handy before you set out to change your license plate screws is the screwdriver that will help you unscrew the previous screws and screw in new ones. It can be a Phillips head screwdriver or a flathead.
Follow the steps below for replacing the screws of the license plate in the front and rear bumper.
- Start with your rear license plate.
- Unscrew the two old license plate screws with a Phillips or flathead driver. There should be two screws at the top of the edge of the plate.
- Remove the license plate and plate frame, and leave them to one side.
- Pick out any dirt and grime you find around the holes.
- Replace the license plate and frame from where you took them out.
- Replace the screws in the holes and insert your new screws on the plate and the plate frame with the help of a screwdriver until they have become firm.
- Gently tug on the plate to make sure they are now secure,
- Then repeat the process with the front license place by unscrewing the old plates and replacing them. It’s that simple.
FAQs.
A lot of people have many questions concerning vehicle license plates. Here are some of the questions and our responses to them.
Q: What kind of screwdriver do I need to take off a license plate?
Generally, you’ll either need a Phillips head screwdriver or a flathead screwdriver to take off a license plate. Really, a flathead screwdriver works to unscrewing most screws that hold a license plate because of its single blade.
But a few types of screws will easily come off when you use a Phillips head screwdriver as it can apply more twisting than a flathead screwdriver. But the flathead is universal and should help you take off a license plate even if you must apply a little more twisting pressure.
Q: Does Lowes have license plate screws?
Yes, Lowes has a variety of license plate screws. You’ll find license plate screws of various styles as hex washers, truss slotted, hex heads, etc. Be sure to ask questions to get the right screw size that will fit your vehicles license plate securely.
Q: How do you put a front license plate on without drilling holes?
You can add a front license plate without drilling holes using a no-holes license plate bracket kit. You can attach it by following the steps below:
- Remove the cap with a screwdriver and see the tow hook point where to mount.
- Fix the no-hole adapter bolt to the tow hook. You do this by placing the bolt of the no-hole adapter to the tow hook and tightening it using the wrench that comes with it. Fix the bracket of the license plate to the bolt and tighten the bracket using the lock washer.
- Now place the plate where you want it to be on your bumper and fix the height adjustment bracket of the optional license plate to the bracket you fixed earlier. You do this with the washers and lock nuts that come with the kit.
- Then, you fix your license plate to the bracket with the help of the nuts, screws, and other tools in the installation kit.
Q: How do you fit number plates without screws?
You can fit number plates without screws by using heavy-duty adhesive tapes. Simply follow these steps:
- Take out the existing number plate using force to take out the plastic screw covers. Unscrew the number plate.
- Make sure that your car and the back of the plate are clean and dry.
- Bring out the adhesive tape and measure out two long strips of the loop and the hook. Cut so that they are the length of the number plate.
- Carefully stick a strip to your car and the other strip to the back of your number plate.
- Then stick the number plate to your car and rest for about 30 seconds before peeling off the backing. Your car number plate is ready without screws.
Q: Will double-sided tape hold a license plate?
Yes, the double-sided tape can hold your license plate. The important thing is to take some time to clean off dirt and grease from the back of your license plate and where you’ll place it.
However, it might not be the best option, seeing that some users reported their license plate unexpectedly coming off in the middle of the road. It might also be very hard to take off the number plates and place them on another car.
Final Words
Knowing the size of your license plate screw is important as it will help you get the right one when there is a need.
The standard license plate screw size you may need for many vehicles is2 41/2 inch self-tapping screws that especially fit vehicles with plastic or nylon screw retainers.
However, even if your vehicle comes with threaded metal holes and you are not sure of the right license plate screw you need, this guide will help know the various license plate screw sizes used by several vehicle models, including yours.