License plate drill holes refer to the holes that are drilled into license plates to allow them to be mounted and secured to vehicles. The holes are standardized to line up with the license plate mounting hardware on cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Most license plates have between 4 to 8 drill holes, depending on the size and shape of the plate.
License Plate Drill Holes may seem like an obscure topic, but they serve an important functional purpose. Without properly spaced and aligned drill holes, license plates could not be securely fastened to vehicles. The next time you notice the screws or bolts going through neat rows of holes on a license plate, appreciate the precision and standardization that allows the simple plates to be mounted.
License plate drill holes are usually round and range in size from about 1/4 inch to 5/16 inches in diameter. The holes are precisely spaced and positioned in an organized pattern to line up with the bolts and screw holes on license plate mounting brackets. This allows the plates to be easily but securely fastened using screws or bolts on any vehicle. The standardized drill holes are essential to allow smooth installation and transfer of plates between vehicles.
License Plates Have Drill Holes
License plates have drill holes so that they can be securely fastened to vehicles using screws or bolts. The holes allow the license plate to be mounted to the vehicle’s bumper, grill, or other location specified by law. Most license plates have either 2 or 4 drill holes, with 4 holes providing more mounting points for increased stability.
Purpose Of Drill Holes In License Plates
The purpose of drill holes in license plates is to provide a way to securely fasten the license plate to the vehicle. The holes allow screws or bolts to pass through the license plate and attach it to the vehicle’s bumper, grill, or other approved mounting location. This prevents the plate from falling off, being stolen, or moving around.
When Did License Plates Start Having Drill Holes?
Drill holes likely started appearing in license plates when they began being required for vehicles. As early license plates were made of metal or porcelain, holes were necessary to mount them to vehicles. This technology has continued to modern day license plates. So drill holes have likely existed since the inception of license plates.
What Types Of License Plates Have Drill Holes?
The vast majority of license plates have drill holes, including standard embossed metal plates, newer digital plates, specialty plates, vanity plates, commercial plates, motorcycle plates, and dealer plates. Essentially any permanent license plate that is mounted on a vehicle will feature drill holes for screws or bolts. Temporary paper license plates do not have holes.
How Many Drill Holes Are In Most License Plates?
Most standard automobile license plates have either 2 or 4 drill holes. Two hole plates have a hole at the top left and right corners. Four hole plates add additional holes at the bottom left and right corners. More holes provide more points to mount the plate for increased stability. Some speciality plates may have up to 6 or 8 holes. Motorcycle plates typically have 4 holes due to their smaller size.
Common License Plate Drill Hole Sizes
5 common license plate drill hole sizes:
- 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) – This is the most common pilot hole size used to start license plate holes. It allows screws to pass through easily.
- 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) – After a pilot hole, holes are typically drilled out to 1⁄4 inch as the standard size for license plate screws.
- #14 screw size – Referring to a #14 screw shank with 14 threads per inch. This is a very common license plate screw size.
- M6 screw size – In metric system countries, the common license plate screw size is M6.
- 3⁄4 inch (1.91 cm) length – Most license plate screws are 3⁄4 inches long to securely fasten the license plate.
What Is The Standard Size For License Plate Drill Holes?
The standard license plate drill hole size in the United States is approximately 1/4 inch in diameter. This allows for the use of 1/4-14-3/4 screws which fit most license plates and vehicles. Other countries may use metric standard sizes like 6mm or 5mm.
Do Drill Hole Sizes Vary Between States Or Countries?
Yes, license plate drill hole sizes can vary between states or countries. The United States predominantly uses 1/4 inch holes while countries using the metric system often use sizes like 6mm or 5mm. Even within the US, Drill Holes For Front License Plate some vehicle models may require non-standard drill hole sizes.
How Big Are The Drill Holes In European License Plates?
Typical European license plate drill holes are metric sizes like 6mm or 5mm in diameter. However, holes may be slightly larger or smaller depending on the specific vehicle model. Some high-end European vehicles require specialized screws and thus different sized holes.
What Factors Determine License Plate Drill Hole Size?
The main factors are the type of vehicle, use of metric versus imperial units, need for security screws, presence of metal retainers or threaded holes, and the mounting bracket design. So while 1/4 inch is standard in the US, other countries or vehicle types may need holes of slightly different sizes.
Tools Are Used To Make License Plate Drill Holes
The most common tools used to make license plate holes are a power drill with a 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) drill bit, a center punch and special drill bit if the bumper is chrome, and a screwdriver to attach the license plate bracket or plate. Some other supplies that may be needed are masking tape, lubricating oil, safety glasses, and a level.
What Drill Bits Are Best For Drilling License Plate Holes?
A 1⁄8 inch (0.32 cm) drill bit is recommended for drilling most license plate holes. This will create a pilot hole with enough width to allow the license plate screws to go through smoothly. For chrome bumpers, using a center punch and then a special chrome drill bit is best to avoid cracking the chrome surface.
What Kind Of Drill Is Typically Used For License Plates?
A standard power drill, either cordless or corded, is typically used for drilling license plate holes. The drill should allow precise control of drilling depth and angle to create neat, properly aligned holes. An impact driver is not recommended as it will likely crack the mounting surface.
How Are Drill Holes Made In Mass-Produced License Plates?
Mass-produced license plates likely use industrial machines to punch or stamp clean holes with great accuracy and speed. This may involve a hydraulic press with custom dies for the hole size and shape. Quality control checks would ensure consistent hole placement across large production batches.
What Safety Precautions Apply To License Plate Hole Drilling?
Safety precautions when drilling license plate holes include wearing safety glasses to protect eyes from debris, avoiding drilling into hazardous areas like fuel tanks or electrical wiring, using proper drilling form to avoid drill bit breakage or injury, and taking care not to damage the vehicle body with the drill. Taping around the drill area can also help protect chrome or painted surfaces.
Mount A License Plate With Drill Holes
To mount a license plate using drill holes, first use the old plate or a template to mark the new mounting location. Drill 1/8″ pilot holes where marked, then insert screws through the holes to secure the plate and bracket. Make sure to use washers so the screws grip tightly without cracking the bumper.
Where Should I Position License Plate Drill Holes For Mounting?
License plate drill holes should be positioned in the bumper, spaced to align with the holes in the plate and mounting bracket. Use the old plate as a template for evenly spacing the holes. Holes should be made as close to edges and corners as possible for stability.
What Screws Work Best With License Plate Drill Holes?
Self-tapping screws with built in washers generally provide the best grip strength for securing a license plate to drill holes. Stainless steel screws resist rust over time. Ensure screws are long enough to fully seat in the hole with the washer contacting the plate surface.
What Washers Should Be Used With License Plate Screw Holes?
Fender washers with small teeth are ideal for use with license plate screw holes. The teeth “bite” the surface to prevent spinning, while the wide base distributes force to avoid cracking thin bumper material. Rubberized washers also work well to allow some movement without loosening.
How Tight Should License Plate Mounting Screws Be?
License plate screws should be tightened just until the washer contacts the surface of the plate, being careful not to overtighten. Screws should be snug enough to prevent vibration and movement, but not torqued so far as to crack the bumper. Tighten diagonally in increments for even pressure.
How Can I Fix A Cracked License Plate Hole
A cracked license plate hole can be repaired by cleaning out the crack, applying an adhesive like super glue or epoxy to bond the edges of the crack together, securing the crack closed, and allowing time to fully cure before reinstalling the license plate. This can provide a permanent fix if done properly.
What Are Signs Of Cracked Drill Holes In License Plates?
Cracks can form around drill holes in license plates. Cracks happen from stress. The holes can get larger over time. Larger holes mean the screws loosen. Then the license plate is not secure.
Signs of cracked drill holes include:
- Visible cracks around the hole edge
- Plate moving more than normal
- Rattle sounds from loose plate
- Screws keep loosening
Here is a table of the signs of cracked drill holes in license plates:
| Sign | Description |
| Visible cracks around hole edge | Can see cracks radiating out from hole |
| Plate moving more than normal | Excess plate movement when driving |
| Rattle sounds from loose plate | Hear rattling as cracked plate vibrates |
| Screws keep loosening | Have to repeatedly tighten loose screws |
What Temporary Fixes Exist For Cracked License Plate Holes?
Temporary fixes for a cracked license plate hole include using tape or glue to hold the crack together, using larger screw heads or washers to span a slightly widened hole, or trying to bond the crack with super glue or epoxy if the crack is minor. These may hold for a short time but likely won’t provide a permanent repair.
How Can I Permanently Repair A License Plate With A Cracked Hole?
To permanently repair a cracked license plate hole, the recommended method is to clean out the crack, apply adhesive like epoxy to fully bond the crack faces together, clamp the area closed tightly, allow at least 24 hours to fully cure, then redrill the mounting hole slightly larger to remove any cracked edges. This can restore strength and permanence.
When Does A License Plate Need Replacement Due To Hole Cracks?
If a license plate hole crack is too large to adhesive bond closed, spans screw holes making them unusable, or has missing plastic due to progressive cracking, it likely needs full replacement as attempting repair would be unsafe or only temporary. Visible cracking around screw holes nearly always warrants replacement.
Frequently Asked Question
What Size Drill Bit Should Be Used To Make License Plate Holes?
Use a 1/8-inch drill bit to make pilot holes for license plate screws.
What Is The Best Way To Locate The Position For License Plate Holes?
Use the old license plate as a template to mark the hole locations before drilling the new mounting holes.
What Type Of Drill Is Ideal For Making License Plate Holes?
A variable speed reversible drill allows precise control when making license plate holes.
Should Washers Be Used When Installing License Plate Screws Into Drilled Holes?
Yes, use fender washers so the license plate screws grip tightly without cracking the bumper surface.
How Can You Prevent License Plate Drill Holes From Rusting?
Apply clear coat paint to the inside of the holes after drilling to prevent exposed metal from rusting over time.
Conclusion
The mounting holes on motorcycle license plates are standardized to allow secure attachment to the vehicle. Typical motorcycle plates have two vertically aligned holes spaced 2.75 inches apart. This spacing matches common license plate frames and allows using screws or bolts to mount the plate.
Knowing the standard license plate drill hole spacing makes selecting a compatible frame or fabricating a custom mount much simpler. Measure the hole locations before purchasing. Use quality hardware to avoid cracking or stripping the holes over time. Inspect holes periodically and replace plates if cracking develops around the mounting holes to prevent safety issues.
