Some locations require front license plates, but not all vehicle makes and models have front license plate holders. If you have a front mount, just screw the license plate onto it. If you don't have it, there are easy options for this case. You could try an adhesive mounting bracket or a bracket designed for the specific shape of the bumper model. There are also brackets that fit the tow hook found on the front bumper of several of the newer models. If you don't mind poking holes in the bumper, you could just install the old-fashioned license plate.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use an Existing License Plate Holder
Step 1. Remove the bracket screws that secure the license plate
Locate the screws in the corners of the front bumper license plate bracket. Twist them counterclockwise with a screwdriver to remove them, then put them in a safe place so they won't get lost. If the bracket is holding an old license plate, it will come off when you remove the screws.
- If your vehicle is new, the license plate bracket screws may be in the glove compartment.
- If you don't have license plate screws, you can get some at a nearby hardware or auto supply store.
Step 2. Check for a license plate frame
Some license plate holders have a screw mounted frame that fits over the license plate. If the bracket has a frame, remember to line it up over the license plate and insert the screws through both when installing.
You will know you have a license plate frame if a separate rectangular piece pops out when you remove the bracket screws
Step 3. Align the license plate with the holes in the bracket
Locate the holes in the corners of the plate and bracket. Place it on the bracket so that the holes are aligned.
If the bracket includes a frame that fits over the license plate, align its holes with those on the license plate and bracket
Step 4. Install the screws to secure the license plate
Insert the screws through the holes in the bracket and those in the license plate (and the frame, if applicable). Tighten the screws by turning them clockwise with a screwdriver to complete the installation.
Method 2 of 4: Use an Adhesive Mounting Bracket
Step 1. Buy a mounting bracket that fits your car make and model
Look online or visit your local auto supply store for a no-hole mounting bracket that matches your car make and model.
Many non-drilling mounts use a strong adhesive and will fit most makes and models. Some mounts fit a specific model only and include special tools to attach them to the grill or bumper. Check your product manual for specific installation instructions
Step 2. Clean the bumper mounting site with alcohol wipes
An adhesive mounting bracket requires a clean installation site. Locate the center of the bumper where you will mount the bracket, wipe it with alcohol wipes, then allow it to air dry or do so with a clean microfiber cloth.
Some brackets attach to the front of the bumper, while others attach to indentations or holes that are specific to specific models. Review the installation instructions for the mounting location
Step 3. Test how it fits without removing the protective film
The adhesive is protected by a protective film that you should not remove while testing how it fits. Place the bracket where you are going to mount it to make sure it fits well and matches your model.
If it doesn't line up with your car's bumper, you may have accidentally bought the wrong type of bracket. See if you can change it to a correct one
Step 4. Remove the protective film and press the bracket against the bumper
After you've carefully verified that the mount fits, peel off the protective film to reveal the adhesive. Firmly press the bracket to the front of the bumper, bottom, or other mounting location specified in the product's instructions.
Try to be precise when mounting the bracket as you only get one shot
Step 5. Screw the license plate into the bracket
Once the bracket is in place, you can align its holes with those in the license plate. If your product includes a frame, place it on the plate and align its holes with those in the bracket and plate. Turn the screws clockwise through the holes to complete the installation.
Method 3 of 4: Install a Tow Hook Bracket
Step 1. Locate and remove the plastic panel covering the tow hook anchor
Many models have a plastic plate on the front bumper that you can press to pop out. This plate hides the tow hook anchor. License plate holders come with a threaded plug that goes into the anchor.
Make sure you have a tow hook anchor before purchasing a kit with a tow hook license plate holder
Step 2. Screw in the cleat from the tow hook kit
Take the plug that comes in the kit and insert the threaded side into the slot in the anchor. Turn it clockwise until snug.
Step 3. Pass the bolt through the holes in the bracket and the tow hook plug
Align the hole in the backing plate with the hole in the dowel. The kit comes with a bolt that fits through these holes. Locate it and pass it through these holes to join the bracket plate with the tow hook cleat.
To get started, turn the bolt clockwise with your fingers, then use a ratchet to finish tightening it
Step 4. Attach the license plate to the bracket
With the bracket in place, all that remains is to screw the license plate on. If your product includes a license plate frame, remember to place it over the license plate and turn the screws clockwise through both objects.
Method 4 of 4: Drilling holes in the front bumper
Step 1. Check to see if your car has a metal or fiberglass bumper
Drilling through metal is more difficult than drilling through fiberglass. If you have a chrome bumper, it would be best to try a method that does not include drilling if you have never done it in metal before.
If you want to try drilling holes in a chrome bumper, you will have to take a few extra steps and use special tools. You will need a granet, a metal drilling bit, a countersink bit, and safety glasses
Step 2. Align the license plate bracket with the center of the front bumper
Use a tape measure to measure the length of the bumper to find the exact center. Mark the center point of the width with a tape or marker, then measure the height of the bumper to find its midpoint. When you've found the exact center point of the bumper, place the license plate bracket over it.
If you are not using a bracket, simply place the license plate on the bumper
Step 3. Make guide marks through the holes in the bracket
Hold the license plate bracket over the center point of the bumper and locate the mounting holes that are already drilled. Use a marker pen to mark the places where you need to drill the bumper so that it lines up with the holes in the bracket.
- Note that the bracket's mounting holes are where it mounts to the bumper, not the holes in the corners that will be used to screw in the license plate.
- If you're not using a bracket, simply mark the holes in the bumper at the top corners of the plate.
Step 4. Drill 1/8 inch (3 mm) holes in the bumper
After you've marked the guide holes, set the bracket or license plate aside. Use a power drill and 1/8-inch drill bit to make shallow test holes in the bumper. Drill the test holes only 1/8 inch (3 mm) deep.
If the bumper is chrome, you will have to start drilling the holes with a granet before starting the drilling
Step 5. Use a granet and a special drill bit for chrome bumpers
After marking the points on the chrome where you will need to drill, hit the granet on the points to make indentations. It is good to add lubricating oil in the grooves to reduce friction and heat. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
- Putting masking or electrical tape around where you are drilling will help protect the chrome finish if the bit slips.
- Hold the drill (with a bit made for drilling metal) perfectly perpendicular to the surface. Use steady, firm pressure to pierce through the chrome metal.
- After drilling the holes, switch to a countersink bit and turn it 3-4 revolutions to smooth out any roughness in the metal at the leading edge of the holes.
Step 6. Mount the bracket on the bumper
Line up the mounting holes on the bracket with the ones you drilled in the bumper. Drive the screws into the bumper through the bracket, turning them clockwise.
Step 7. Screw the license plate into the bracket
After mounting the bracket, align the holes in the corners of the plate with those in the corners of the bracket. Turn the screws clockwise through the holes to secure the license plate and complete the installation.