A vehicle owner may need to replace the screw of a license plate at one point or another. The reason is that license plate screws can easily get missing or become worn out with time. When such a need arises, it is essential to know your vehicle’s right license plate screw size.
The wide variety of license plate screws may get you confused if you don’t have a good knowledge of the type that will fit your vehicle perfectly. 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, which vary according to brand. Original equipment manufacturers make some screws and they are called Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) screws. These types of screws are made uniquely for specified vehicle models.
A common size of license plate screw is the one that measures 1/4-14-3/4 inch where the fraction 1/4 represents the screw’s threaded diameter in inches, the middle number 14 shows the screw’s number of threads, while the last fraction 3/4 is the screw’s length in inches.
The table below shows different license plate screw types, 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 an example of a license plate bolt or license plate screw with a standard size, meaning they can fit nearly all cars and trucks. A flathead screwdriver makes fixing them easy because of their slotted head.
They are produced with premium stainless steel, and their size is 1/4 x 3/8 inches. They can fit the license plate holes of many household cars and trucks.
Revolution Rustproof License Plate Screws also have 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 produced from superior stainless steel.
Aside from the SNUG Fasteners and Revolution Rustproof screws which can fit nearly all cars and trucks, some vehicle models require some precise screw sizes for their license plates. They include:
BMW
The required standard license plate screw size for BMW is 10mm. It could be about 8mm short or up to 12mm long, and an M5x10mm screw is excellent. An example of such a screw is the Prime Ave standard-length screws made of stainless steel.
They are durable and resistant to corrosion as they are produced with high-quality stainless steel. These screws have a great design, and the manufacturing quality is top-notch, making them great replacement screws for BMW license plates.
Ram Truck
The standard screw size of many vehicles’ license plates is 1/4-14-3/4 inch, and it’s also the screw size for the license plate of RAM truck’s screws. Ottospeed Rustproof License Plate screws are an excellent screw size that fastens well in all RAM trucks.
They are standard and have a hex head that fits almost all nylon/plastic screw retainer vehicles. It lasts for a long time which makes them great for replacing screws that are not long-lasting.
The Ottospeed Rustproof License Plate Screws are indeed rustproof as their 316 marine-grade stainless steel makes them superior and completely keeps them from rusting.
Honda
The Revolution Steel License Plate Screws are great for Honda models, whether car or truck. The diameters of these screws are 1/4 inch, and their length is 3/4 inch. They are a great fit for mostly all Honda cars and trucks, even motorcycles.
These screws fit universally, and they are durable. They are made of zinc-plated stainless steel that has a black finish, giving you a never-rust guarantee. These screws don’t need nylon inserts; they are easy to install and resistant to corrosion.
Nissan
Nissan vehicles have good quality, which makes them long-lasting and durable. The license plate screw size Nissan vehicles have the standard size of a regular license plate screw. The Revolution Steel License Plate Screws fasten well on them.
These screws have a jet-black finish and are produced with high-quality stainless steel plated with zinc to protect it against rust. They are durable, and you can go for the type with a black finish if you are looking for a longer-lasting type.
These screws that fit well with Nissan vehicles have slotted hex heads that make them compatible and easy to fix.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet vehicles’ standard license plate screw size is usually 10mm in length, but you can opt for a longer 12mm, or shorter 8mm, and they’ll all fit well. Prime Ave plate screws made of high-quality stainless steel work just fine with Chevrolet vehicles.
These screws don’t need washers to fit into your license plates as they come with truss heads. They fit your license plates effortlessly because they are self-tapping, and their high-quality stainless steel keeps them against rust and makes them last longer.
The Prime Ave plate screws have a great length that enables you to use them with the frame of your license plate, and their low profiles improve your car’s appearance.
Ford F-150
Ford F-150 trucks have a standard license plate with a screw size of 1/4-14-5/8 inches. The screw that fits this model is the SNUG Fastener Stainless Steel screw. They don’t just fit Ford F-150’s license plates, and they also fasten well on many other cars and trucks with plastic or nylon holders.
The screws are non-corrosive and are made of high-quality stainless steel that lasts for a long time. They have a slotted hex head, making it easy to fix with a flat-head screwdriver or a 3/8” drive socket.
Toyota
The license plate screw size Toyota vehicles require is usually 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches. RSD Never Rust OE Style screws are the type of license plate screw for Toyota trucks and cars because these stainless-steel screws fasten perfectly on all Toyota models’ license plates.
Although to fix this screw in a car’s front bumper that you had earlier drilled with a screw of bigger size, you’ll likely need the help 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 vehicles usually use the standard length of the license plate screw, although it also has an extended length that you can choose. An example of such a 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 them 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 places where you can purchase license plate screws. You can buy from automotive stores, from car dealers, or order online. Many automotive stores and car dealers also sell a variety of screws and bolts for license plates.
When you need to get screws for your car’s license plate, visit the car dealers or walk-in automotive stores and get the one that fits your vehicle. You can tell them your car brand and model to help them give you the right screw size for your vehicle’s license plate.
Another place to buy license plate screws is online stores. Many online stores sell standard license plate screws for most vehicles, and you can easily order from them and have them delivered to you in a short time.
An example of such an online store is Amazon. They have a variety of products that fits perfectly with various car models. A brand like the SNUG Fasteners has license plate screws that size nearly all cars and trucks.
Buying online also lets you see lots of license plate screws that are great for your vehicle’s license plate, as you can even search for the one that exactly fits your car’s model. You can also make inquiries about a particular product and get a response from other users.
Aside from Amazon, other online platforms sell license plate screws to users. However, you should remember to purchase the screws from reliable suppliers to ensure you get quality screws that are not corrosive and will last for a long time.
It is essential to consider the length of your screw when buying one because the length has to match the hole’s length and match the whole license plate’s mounting well.
The reason is that when you buy a screw that is bigger or smaller than the existing hole, you would have wasted your money, and no one likes that. The elements of the entire 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 listed elements can sum up to 12mm, and if you buy a screw that is too long or too short, the screws will not fit the license plate firmly. It will be helpful also to get familiar with the various materials types used for the screws.
You should ensure that the screws you choose are long-lasting and rustproof.
How to Replace License Plate Screws
To some people, the thought of replacing their license plate screws sounds like a tedious task, but it is quite easy when you have the right knowledge. A license plate thumb helps you to screw in your license plates, and you can buy it from a dealer.
However, the important tool you need to make available before beginning to replace your license plate screws is a screwdriver that will enable you to unscrew the previous ones and screw in the new ones. It could be a Phillips head or a flathead screwdriver.
The steps below will guide you through replacing the screws of the license plate in your front or rear bumpers.
- Begin with the rear license plate.
- Using a Phillips or flathead screwdriver, unscrew the two old license plate screws. The license plate should have two screws above its edge.
- Detach the license plate and its frame and keep them aside.
- Remove the dirt and debris you find around the holes.
- Position the license plate and its frame from where you removed them.
- Place the screws in the holes and begin to screw in the new screws on the plate and the frame with the help of a screwdriver until they have become firm.
- Pull the plate gently to ensure they are secure,
- Then, move to the front license place and repeat the process of unscrewing the old screws and replacing them with new ones. That’s how easy it is to replace license plate screws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many vehicle owners ask lots of questions concerning vehicle license plates. Here are some of the questions and our responses to them.
What kind of screwdriver do I need to take off a license plate?
Usually, you’ll need either a Phillips head screwdriver or a flathead screwdriver to take off a license plate. Generally, a flathead screwdriver works for unscrewing most screws that hold a license plate because of its single blade.
But some types of screws will easily come off when you use a Phillips head screwdriver because it can apply more twisting than a flathead screwdriver. However, the flathead is universal and should help you take off a license plate even if you have to apply more twisting pressure.
Does Lowes have license plate screws?
Yes, Lowes has various license plate screws. You’ll find license plate screws of different styles, such as hex washers, truss slotted, hex heads, and so on. Ensure to ask questions to get the right screw size that will fit your vehicle’s license plate securely.
How do you put a front license plate on without drilling holes?
You can put a front license plate on without drilling holes by purchasing a no-holes license plate bracket kit from car manufacturers. You can attach it by taking the following steps:
- Use a screwdriver to remove the cap and see the tow hook point for mounting.
- 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.
- 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, fix your license plate to the bracket with the help of the nuts, screws, and other tools in the installation kit.
- You can also see this video for a better understanding.
How do you fit number plates without screws?
You can fit number plates without screws by using heavy-duty adhesive tapes. You may follow these steps to achieve it:
- Remove the existing number plate by taking out the plastic screw covers and unscrewing the number plate.
- Ensure that your car and the back of the plate are both clean and dry.
- Bring out the adhesive tape and cut out two long strips of the loop and the hook. Their length should be the same as the number plate.
- Neatly stick a strip to your car and stick the other strip to the back of your number plate.
- Then, stick the number plate to your car and press it down for about 30 seconds to ensure a firm hold. Your car number plate is now ready without screws.
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 may not be the best option as some users have complained of their license plate coming off unexpectedly in the middle of the road. It might also be very difficult to remove the number plates to place them on another car.
Final Words
Knowing the size of your license plate screw is necessary as it’ll help you purchase the right one when there is a need. The standard license plate screw size for many vehicles is 1/4-14-3/4-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 you know various license plate screw sizes used by different vehicle models, including yours.
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