License Plate Frames & Holders

License Plate Frame Materials And Finishes

Choose license plate frames by material first, since it sets the look and how the frame holds up to weather and road grime. Billet aluminum and carbon fiber replace a basic dealer frame, while aluminum or stainless plates suit show builds.

Here's how the main options in this category break down:

• Billet aluminum: Billet Specialties offers a plain slim-line frame and a recessed frame with a built-in third brake light.
• Carbon fiber: Mishimoto makes a carbon-fiber license plate frame, and there's a carbon-fiber-finish rear frame for C5 Corvettes.
• Aluminum and stainless: Ford Performance offers aluminum license plates, a brushed stainless plate, and a slim license plate frame.

A slim frame shows more of the plate, which helps if your state's plate has a busy design. If you're matching the frame to stripes or badges, browse decals and graphics so your trim colors line up.

Front License Plate Brackets And Mounts

A front license plate bracket gives you a solid mounting point when your bumper or fascia has no factory holder. Roughly 28 states require both front and rear plates, so check your local DMV rules before you buy a bracket or remove one.

Bracket styles depend on the vehicle. Classic cars often use a bolt-on bracket at the bumper, while many late-model cars need a license plate holder kit that mounts to the fascia. Corvette owners can choose motorized or manual license plate transport kits that flip the front plate, but confirm your state allows them first.

Measure the mounting area before you order, since fascia shapes and bumper openings vary widely. Want a cleaner nose overall? Browse more exterior accessories, and read our hoods, scoops, and body tech articles before you drill into a painted panel.

License Plate Relocation And Off-Road Mounts

A license plate relocation bracket moves your plate when a bumper, winch, or body change blocks the factory location. It's a common fix on trucks, SUVs, and sports cars running aftermarket front ends. Check that the new location still keeps the plate visible and lit.

Westin offers a license plate relocator, and Mishimoto makes a license plate relocation kit for the Nissan Z. For Ford Bronco owners running the Capable bumper, DV8 Offroad builds front license plate mounts from black powder-coated steel, including a slanted version.

If your winch uses a hawse fairlead, a hawse fairlead license plate mount puts the plate on the fairlead itself. That keeps the plate centered without adding another bracket to the bumper. Planning a full front-end swap? Compare off-road bumpers and grille guards, and pick your plate location before the new bumper goes on.

License Plate Fasteners And Mounting Hardware

Match license plate fasteners to your vehicle's threaded holes or nuts before you order, since diameter, thread pitch, and length all vary. The wrong screw can strip a hole or leave the plate loose.

Dorman Products license plate fasteners in this category include 1/4 in. x 3/4 in. and 1/4-20 x 1/2 in. sizes. In a 1/4-20 callout, the first number is the screw diameter in inches and the second is threads per inch. The last measurement is the screw length.

Frames add thickness between the screw head and the mounting surface. A thicker frame may need a longer screw to get full thread engagement, so measure the stack before you pick a length. If you're also removing emblems to clean up the body, see how to debadge your car or truck before you start.

Restoration License Plate Frames For Classic Cars

Restoration license plate frames and brackets help you return a classic to its original look. Most are built for a specific year and model, so check the fitment in the product title before you order and confirm it matches your car's trim level.

This category includes a 1969 Hemi frame, a 1961 Bel Air frame, a 1964-65 Chevelle front bracket, and a 1963 front license panel. These parts replace bent, rusted, or missing pieces on a classic. If your car still has its original bracket, check its bolt pattern against the replacement first.

Before you bolt one on, compare it with factory photos so the finish and stamping look correct for your car. Test-fit the bracket before final paint or bumper installation to avoid scratching fresh work. For more restoration guidance, browse our restoration tech articles.