A license plate screw is typically something we do not think about until it doesn't fit. Whether you are putting a permanent plate on your car, attaching a dealer frame to a car, or attaching a temporary tag, having the right license plate screw makes the job easier and faster; and will save you from stripped holes, rust, and rattling.
What Size Screws Are Used for License Plates?
The type and size of license plate screw you need will depend on your vehicle. Here are some of the most common sizes and types:
Most U.S. Vehicles
- #14 x 3/4" Self Tapping Screws
- This type is made to cut into plastic or metal mounting points
Most Imported Vehicles
- M6-1.0 Metric Screws
- These require machine threading as opposed to self tapping (which cuts its own thread)
Cars with Stripped Holes
In these cases, you may want to consider using screw inserts or anchors.
To determine if the mounting point has a pre-threaded hole, see if it has been threaded before. If it is threaded, you will be able to use a machine screw. If the hole is smooth and is made of plastic, you will need a self tapping screw.
We carry products for standard installs such as license plate screws and license plate tag screws which should cover most domestic applications. If you are working on an import, we have metric license plate screws hex head and car license plate tag screws hex flange head metric for metric threading.
Types of License Plate Screws
As you can imagine, not all screw heads are created equally. There are many different screw head styles, and the right one will depend upon how you plan to attach the license plate to the vehicle.
Truss Head Screws
A truss head screw has a flat, slightly rounded head that distributes the pressure evenly across the license plate. A truss head screw provides a clean appearance, and is one of the most widely used in dealership installs.
Some examples of truss head screws include:
Both of these styles of screws are reliable choices for the standard plate and frame installs.
Slotted Pan Head Screws
Pan head screws sit flush against the license plate and work well for traditional installs. Pan head screws are a good, solid product that are easy to use with common tools.
License Plate Screws Slotted Pan Head are a great option for those who like to stick to what works.
Hex Head and Washer Head Screws
Hex head screws are a good option when you are using an impact driver or power tool, because they allow you to get a good grip on the screw and make fast work of installing large numbers of screws in a short amount of time. Hex head screws are a good option for fleets or high volume dealership installs.
Some examples of hex head screws include:
- License Plate Washer Hex Head Screws
- Metric License Plate Screws Hex Head
- Car License Plate Tag Screws Hex Flange Head Metric
Washer head screws also provide extra surface area to help absorb vibrations.
Thumb Screws
Thumb screws are designed to make it easy to quickly hand tighten and remove the screws. Thumb screws are often used on temporary plates, or when there is a need to be able to quickly remove the plate.
Some examples of thumb screws include:
- License Plate Thumb Screws
- Metric Thumb Screws
Thumb screws are very handy to have around when you need to move a temporary tag from one vehicle to another.
Screw Inserts: Do I Need Them?
Sometimes, even if you are able to replace the screw, the mounting hole may still be damaged or stripped. In this case, simply replacing the screw will not fix the problem. In this case, you may need to use License Plate Screw Inserts to restore the original threading, and ensure a secure hold. Screw inserts are useful in the following situations:
- When the original threads are worn out
- When switching from a self-tapping screw to a machine screw
- When mounting into plastic parts that need to be reinforced
By using screw inserts, you will prevent the screw from being stripped again, and eliminate complaints from customers regarding loose plates.
Is Stainless Better Than Zinc? Does Material Really Matter?
Yes, the type of material that your screw is made of will affect the level of corrosion resistance it has. Additionally, the material will also have an effect on the overall durability of the product.
Stainless Steel
- Has a high degree of corrosion resistance
- Best for areas near water (coastal) or in humid conditions
- Will last longer than zinc-plated steel
Zinc Plated Steel
- More cost-effective
- Widely used in bulk dealership applications
- Should be sufficient for typical environmental conditions
By choosing the right type of material for your screw, you will be able to avoid having to deal with rust stains on your plates and frames over time.
License Plate Screws for Dealerships and Fleets
Dealerships, as well as fleets, are not just concerned with finding the correct fitting screw. They are also looking for ways to increase efficiency and consistency in their installs.
Some things to consider when purchasing license plate screws for your dealership or fleet:
- Consider stocking both standard and metric options.
- Ensure that you match the screw head type with the type of frame that you are using.
- Use thumb screws for temporary tags.
- Keep screw inserts available to repair mounting points that have become damaged.
Some products that support dealership installs include:
- Dealer License Plate Screws Slotted Truss Head
- Tear Resistant Temporary Tags
- Full Color Plate Frame Inserts
- Full Color Plate Frame Inserts 35mil Polyethylene
Having the correct hardware available when needed will allow you to complete the installation quickly, and professionally.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Do license plate screws fit all vehicles? No. While many domestic vehicles will utilize the same screw sizes, many foreign made vehicles will have metric (non-standard) screw sizes. Always verify the mounting holes are threaded or tapped to accommodate screw inserts.
What is the most common metric screw size used for license plates? M6-1.0 is the most common metric screw size used in foreign made vehicles.
I have stripped holes where I mount my license plate, what do I need to do?You will likely need to purchase screw inserts to provide new threads to replace the existing hole. Installing a new screw without an insert will not create a solid hold.
Can I install a thumb screw into a permanent license plate? Yes you can, however thumb screws are typically installed into a temporary tag or license plate. They make it easier to remove the plate.
Selecting the Correct License Plate Screw: When selecting the correct screw, you must consider three items:
- Vehicle type
- Screw threading style
- Installation area
By choosing the correct screw size and material, you prevent stripping of the holes, rust from forming, and loose plates.
If you are purchasing for a dealership, fleet, or reseller operation, having a selection of standard, metric, and specialty license plate screws ensures you will have the correct option for almost any vehicle that drives onto your lot.
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