What Size Screws For License Plate [Dimensions & Bolt Holes]

Choosing the right license plate screw size can be tricky. Sometimes you may need to go to a hardware store and buy screws to find out which one is the best fit. But what if you’re unsure how?

As you own a car, you need to familiarize yourself with the different types of screw heads and how they may differ. For instance, some screws have three slots on either side, while others only have two.

The first thing to remember is that screws are not all created equal. There are a few different license plate securing screws: slotted, Phillips, and Torx head screwdrivers.

For this reason, we’ll teach you in this article about license plate screw sizes. So you stay on top of vehicle maintenance and keep your plates securely fastened!

What Size Is A License Plate Screw?

The screw size is a measurement in millimeters of the distance across the head or shank. More so, the most common screw sizes for license plates are:

• #12, which measures 0.075″ wide and has a width from 0 to .0765 inches (0 – 24 mm)
• #14, which measures 0.09375″ wide and has a width from 0 to .09375 inches (0 – 26 mm)
• #16, which measures 0.105″ wide and has a width from 0 to .105 inches (0 – 28 mm)

There are other license plate screw sizes, such as the metric size of M14xP20mm, but these are not commonly used in the US.

What Kind of Screws are Used for License Plates?

There are two types: the license plate screw and the license plate nut. The difference is that a screw has threads cut into its head, while a nut does not.

Also, there’s an Allen-type or hex wrench slot in the center of most screws. A screwdriver or wrench tightens the screws.

The license plate nut is threaded and can be screwed on with the hands, but it doesn’t have an Allen-type slot in its head.

If you are interested to know the size of your screw, check this video out:

How Important are License Plate Screws for Your Car?

Do not underestimate the importance of license plate screws. These plate nuts are essential to your car and allow you to quickly put on or take off your license plates without any damage.

Remember, your license plate might receive severe damage if the screws are more prominent for the holes.

According to this website, if you do not get the proper size of your license plate screw,  you might have problems with the screws being too long or too short for your plates. What’s more, you might lose your plate.

It’s essential to know what size of screw you require because it may be challenging to find a store that offers these sizes. Besides, they may not be interchangeable.

Standard License Plate Screw Sizes and Specifications

The most common size of screw for a license plate in the US is 1/4-14-3/4 inch. Plus, it is the most common screw size for car brands, and it’s used as a reference in this article.

On the other hand, this standard size may not be suitable for automobiles with metallic thread holes. It is because specified sizes most effectively fit vehicles manufactured of nylon or plastic retainers.

Meanwhile, the standard size of screws worldwide:

• Canada – #14x24mm
• France – M12x170 mm
• Germany -M18X150mm
• Italy – M16 x 200 mm

Check the table guide below for the standard thread and screw relationship and size.

Chart/Table: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screw 

License Plate Screw Types and Sizes for Car Brands

There are different types of screws for the license plate of cars. Remember, the size of your screw is based on its brand and model.

Some use a self-tapping screw, machine screw, and flat head screws, while others may require a threaded or an oval head bolt. Even though there is a standard size, you still need to check on your own.

To help you out, here are the details of license plate screws for the different car brands:

Audi: All Audi cars have standardized license plate screws. The screw type for this model is a Slotted Hex Washer Head screw with M6-1.0 x 16 mm size.

BMW: BMW car brands use different types of screw sizes. But the standardized plate nut size for BMW is M4.8 x 16 mm Phillips Truss Head screw type.

Chevrolet:  Chevrolet also has standardized license plate screws. The screw type for this model is a Slotted Truss Head screw with #14 x 3/4 inch size.

Ford F-10:  Ford trucks have standardized license plate nuts sizes. For this model, you need a Slotted Truss Head screw with #14 x 17/32 inch size.

Honda: For the Honda’s license plate screw size, you need to use a Slotted Truss Head screw with a #14 x 13/32 inch Phillips pan head.

Nissan: Nissan also has standardized plate screws for their license plates. The type of screw for this brand is a Slotted Truss Head Phillips pan head with #14 x 17/32 inch size.

Ram Truck: The license plate screw for Ram Trucks is a Slotted Truss Head Phillips Pan Head with #14 x 13/32 inch size.

Toyota: The license plate screw type is a Slotted Truss Head with a #14 x 17/32 inch size for the Toyota brand.

Refer to the car’s brand and model before buying screws to know which screws are compatible with your vehicle. Remember, do not be confused with the various standard screw sizes.

Where To Get Your License Plate Screws

The best place to purchase screws for your car is from an auto parts store. It can be any automotive personal store or online.

To add to it, they can supply you with a matching screwdriver, essential when working on cars. In some scenarios, they might even have a worker who will help you install it if necessary.

Even though they assist you when you are buying screws, you must pay attention to the length.  The right size of screw is essential for your car.

Their length ranges from one inch up to two inches long.

Older cars often use a shorter screw than newer ones, usually longer to keep them hidden when not in use. Newer vehicles may have different screws because the license plate is attached differently.

More so, you should become familiar with the various materials that are utilized in the manufacture of screws:

• Regular Steel – It has low strength and caters to minimum resistance to rust.
• Plastic – Low durability level, but it won’t rust.
• Blank Finish– Avoid rusting the screw.
• Aluminum– Lighter compared to steel and has mild corrosion resistance.
• Titanium– Very durable and resists more complex chemicals compared to steel.

It’s not hard to figure out, and most online sites give a diagram or list for easy reference so that it doesn’t take too much time to choose one.

Steps In Replacing Your License Plate Screws

If you are a driver, you must be aware of replacing or installing a new license plate for your vehicle. There are simple steps that you need to do before installing the new screws. They include:

Step one – Gather the tools or materials needed for your task. You need suitable screws, a screwdriver (depending on the type of screw you will use), and your gloves.

Step two – Place the screws in a tray and find your desired size among them. The different screw sizes are usually labeled by letters, so you will know which one to use.

Step three– Spray your old screws with penetrating oil to make the screws loosen up.

Step four– Remove the screws and your license frame.

Step five – Clean the surface of your license plate mounting holes. Use a solvent to remove any dirt or debris on them so you can see where the screws will go in and not cause damage.

Step six – Place one screw at an angle into each hole without using it yet.

Step seven – Tighten both screws.

Step eight– Put your license plate back on and tighten all the screws to keep it in place.

Take note, the process of replacing a screw should take you about 15 minutes, but make sure not to overwork so you don’t damage any holes.

In addition, it’s advisable to use a socket set when removing screws. Because they are more convenient and can remove screws without stripping them.

Also, you need better tools to accomplish your task efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

The information about license plate screw sizes might be overwhelming for new drivers. But some people still haven’t figured out what size screws they should be using for their license plates.

To answer the most frequent questions about license plate screws:

What size are GM license plate screws?

License plate screws for GM vehicles are measured in millimeters. This number is always displayed on the package as well as stamped directly onto the screw head.

They use metric measurements that range from M12 to M24. The license plate screw size for these cars is typically 17mm or 19mm, depending on which model of GM car the driver has.

The type of screw for this vehicle must be a Slotted Hex Head screw.

It’s crucial to note that not all brands will come with a pre-installed license plate, so it’s essential to make sure the screws are sized appropriately.

What screwdriver do I need for my license plate?

In installing, fixing, or replacing a license plate screw, you need to use a flathead or Phillips screwdriver. The tool that you will use depends on your screws.

In addition, you must also consider the conditions of the screw of your car. If the rusting got worse, you would want to use a rust-proof type of screwdriver.

You must also know where to buy the plate screws and the steps for replacing the screws.  They also need to know how to read the size of a license plate screw.

When looking for tools, do not be afraid to ask these questions to your supplier: What is this for? How do I install it? Can you help me to look for additional tools?

How do you read screw sizes?

You may find it tricky to read the “M6-1.0 x 6 mm.” but you need to learn how to read this as it is essential when purchasing screws. You want to buy the correct size.

Step one: You have to read the first letter—the letter M. This is the largest diameter.

Step two: The second letter, the number “0.” or “1.” This part is the thread pitch.

Step three: The third and fourth letters are numbers—in this case, 6 mm. These numbers correspond with how long it will be in millimeters before you reach a full inch.

The smaller diameter screw size does not need to be as long as a larger diameter.

Step four: The fifth letter, the number “x.” It specifies how many threads are in 6 mm of thread length. In this case, there is one thread for every millimeter. It is extended when you reach 16 mm.

The final step to reading screw sizes is understanding what each different size and specification means.

What screw size is bigger, 8 or 10?

A screw with a size of 10 is more significant in size than a screw with an eight. The giant diameter screw is thicker and longer than the smaller one; therefore, it has more threads in each millimeter.

You can identify a ten-screw larger screw size needs to be longer so it can reach a deeper hole in the license plate.

Final Thoughts

License plate screws are essential for every car and driver. Yet, many people do not understand them well even though they use the screw regularly.

To ensure that you understand the license plate screws, remember this: size matters.  A screw with a size of eight is smaller and shorter than a ten.

Don’t forget that license plate screws are essential for every driver like you.

It’s also important to know where to buy the screws, how deep they must be installed for them not to fall out when you’re driving, and what other tools may be needed to complete installation.