If you need to replace a worn-out or missing license plate screw, it is important to know the right size for your car or truck. What license plate screw size is the best fit for your vehicle?
1/4-14-3/4 inch is the most common license plate screw size. These are self-tapping screws that mostly fit vehicles equipped with plastic or nylon screw retainers.
A different type of plate screw is used in vehicles fitted with metal threaded holes. The sizes and types of these screws also vary according to car brand or model.
Although a common license plate screw size fits most vehicles, some models require a different size screw. In this article, I’ll list recommended license plate screw sizes for different vehicle models, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford F-150, Ram, BMW, and Chevrolet.
Read on to learn more about standard license plate screw sizes, including the types of license plate screws for trucks and cars.
To ensure that these screws will best fit your vehicle, you can search some reviews or Amazon search to know if others use this screw with your vehicle. But if not, read on to see the recommended screws for most top vehicle brands.
Source: RoadSumo.com License Plate Screw Size
License Plate Screw Size
1/4-14-3/4 inch is the most common size of license plate screws. There is also a meaning to these numbers.
The 1st number (1/4), which is a fraction, is the threaded diameter of the screw that is given in inches. The middle number (14) is the number of threads that the screw has. And the last number (3/4) is the screw length, which is also given in inches.
Although there is a standard screw size for license plates, not all of them are one and the same. For example, there are Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) screws made by original equipment manufacturers. These screws are specifically built for certain vehicle brands and models.
Manufacturers of cars and trucks produce their own screws with different sizes and materials that specifically match the car models’ license plate retainers. Some of the screws they produce have slotted hex heads, hex heads, slotted truss heads, or truss heads.
So if you need a specific screw size and/or type, you won’t find it hard looking for it as most OEM screws are available from car manufacturers. These screws are available in most auto service centers and auto parts suppliers. I’ll list the recommended screw sizes according to specific vehicle models later in this article.
Standard License Plate Screw Sizes
The standard license plate screw sizes used in most modern cars today are shown in the table below:
| Screw Type | Standard Sizes |
| 82-5503 – Slotted Head, Washer | 1/4 x 3/4 Zinc Plated Universal |
| 14099 – Slotted Truss | 1/4 x 3/4 Zinc Plated Universal |
| 6717 – Slotted Truss | 1/4 x 3/4 Black, GM, and Universal |
| 1434 SS – Phillips Truss | 1/4 x 3/4 Stainless |
| 12932 – Slotted Pan | 1/4 x 3/4 Stainless, GM, and Universal |
| 12818 – Slotted Hex Washer | 1/4 x 3/4 Stainless, Universal |
| 1012SS – Phillips Truss | #10 x 1/2 Stainless |
| 858SS – Phillips Pan | #8 x 5/8 Stainless, European, and Universal |
| 903 – Slotted Hex | #12 x 3/4 Zinc Plated, Subaru, and Universal |
| 6552 – Slotted Hex Washer | 1/4 x 3/4 Black Zinc Plated, Universal |
| 90-6739 – Slotted Truss | 1/4 x 5/8 Zinc Plated-Blunt Point, Universal |
| 1939 – Slotted Hex Washer | 1/4 x 5/8 with 5/8 o.d. Washer, Ford # N800369-S2 |
The Revolution Rustproof License Plate Screws is an example of a standard license plate screw. These screws won’t rust since they are made of high-grade stainless steel.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
The screws are 3/4 inch long self-tapping screws, which can fit most trucks and cars with plastic/nylon screw retainers.
The next example of standard size license plate screws, which fit most trucks and cars, is the SNUG Fasteners.
These screws measure 1/4 x 3/8 inch and are made of premium 304 stainless steel. They are easy to fasten using a flat head screwdriver due to their slotted hex heads. And these screws can fit the holes of most domestic truck and car license plates.
The screws mentioned above should fit most truck or car models. But some vehicle manufacturers recommend a specific screw. Take a look at the different recommended screws for different vehicle models below.
Honda
Here’s the Revolution Steel License Plate Screws for Honda car and truck models.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
These screws are made of stainless steel. They are zinc-plated with a black finish, making them durable and rustproof.
Also, they come with a universal fit (3/4 inch long and have 1/4 inch diameters) and do not require nylon inserts. So these screws will fit most domestic and imported cars, including trucks and motorcycles.
Toyota
For Toyota vehicles, the recommended license plate screw is 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches. The RSD Never Rust OE Style screws is one example of a Toyota car or truck license plate screw.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
They are made of stainless steel and will fit the license plates for all Toyota models. The package includes standard two (2) rear license plate screws and two (2) front license plate self-tapping fasteners.
If you have previously drilled or fastened your front bumper with a bigger screw, you may need to use or add a plastic anchor to fasten the screws.
Nissan
1/4-14-3/4 inches is the right Nissan license plate screw size. The Revolution Steel License Plate Screws is the one I recommend for Nissan vehicles.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
These screws are standard 1/4-14-3/4 inches that come with slotted hex heads and a jet black finish. They’re made of rustproof high-grade, zinc-plated stainless steel. For extra durability, it also has an optional black finished screw.
BMW
About 10mm long is the standard BMW license plate screw size. Machine screws measuring M5x10mm will work great. You could go as long as 12mm or as short as 8mm. For screw replacement in your BMW license plates, you can use the Prime Ave Standard Length Stainless Steel screws.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
The manufacturing and design of these screws are of the highest standards. And since they are made of 316 stainless steel, they are corrosion-resistant and long-lasting.
Ford F-150
1/4-14-5/8 inch or 1/4 inch threaded diameter, 14 threads, 5/8 inch length is the standard license plate screw size for Ford F-150 trucks. The SNUG Fastener Stainless Steel screw is an example license plate screw for the Ford F-150s.
These stainless steel screws with slotted hex heads can easily be fastened using a flat head screwdriver or a 3/8 inch drive socket.
The screws can fit license plates of Ford F-150s and most domestic cars and trucks that use plastic or nylon holders. Also, a 100% warranty backs up its non-corrosive feature.
Ram Truck
1/4-14-3/4 inch is the RAM truck license plate screw size. It is the standard size for most vehicles. The Ottospeed Rustproof License Plate Screws is a reliable size screw that will fit any RAM truck.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
These screws are made of 316 marine-grade stainless steel, making them 100% rustproof. Because of their proprietary black plating, they’re more durable and resistant to corrosion.
They are compatible with most vehicles that use plastic/nylon screw retainers as they come in a standard size of 1/4-14-3/4 with a 3/8 inch hex head. So you can use them as upgrades to the less durable screws supplied by the car dealer.
Chevrolet
About 10mm long is the standard Chevrolet license plate screw size. You could go as long as 12mm or as short as 8mm. The Prime Ave Stainless Steel Plate Screw is a reliable screw size for Chevrolet models.
Click here to see them on Amazon.
These screws are made of superior 18-8 stainless steel. They come with a rustproof guarantee, including a lifetime warranty.
The screws have truss heads, which do not require washers in securing your license plates. They are long enough to be used together with a license plate frame and have low profiles to enhance your car’s look. They are also self-tapping screws, ensuring the best fit for your license plates.
So what size are license plate screws? And what is the standard license plate screw size? 1/4-14-3/4 inch or 1/4 inch threaded diameter, 14 threads, 3/4 inch length is the most common license plate screw size. However, as described above, some model trucks and cars require specific or different license plate screw sizes.
Now, let’s proceed to where you can buy license plate screws.
Where to Buy License Plate Screws?
You can buy license plate screws in many places. However, one of the best places to buy screws for license plates is Amazon. Why? Because you can easily search for your vehicle model there.
An example is the Revolution Stainless Steel License Plate screws (click here to see them on Amazon), which will fit most vehicles. You can also search your specific vehicle make and model in the questions and reviews section to confirm. Usually, there will be answers for whether this screw will fit with your vehicle or not.
On Amazon, search for your specific make and model car license plate screw, e.g., “Volvo C30 license plate screws.”
Besides Amazon, you can get license plate screws at most brick-and-mortar auto parts stores or at the dealer you purchased the car.
When choosing the correct screw to buy, consider the screw length. Make sure it matches the length of the hole and be able to fit the entire license plate mount.
The 7 elements or parts of the license plate mount that you should consider are as follows:
- Washers
- Screw covers with a base
- License plate clear cover (if allowed)
- License plate frame
- License plate
- Spacers
- Frame gasket
These elements can sometimes add up to approximately 1/2 inch (12 mm). So if the screws you bought are either too short or too long, they won’t fit the plate securely. Make sure to consider the kind of materials used in the screws as well. Since these screws are constantly exposed to harsh conditions on the road, choose the ones that are durable and rustproof.
How to Replace Screws for License Plate
If you have the know-how, replacing license plate screws is simple and easy to do. The tool you’ll need is a flathead or Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the old ones and screw in their replacements.
When replacing the old screws, follow these steps:
- First, start with the license plate on the back of the vehicle. Using the right screwdriver, unscrew the 2 existing screws on the top of the license plate’s edge or the plate frame (if there’s any).
- Remove the license plate (together with the plate frame) from the vehicle and set them aside. Clean them if you must.
- Clear all the debris and dirt around the screw holes.
- Return the license plate (together with the frame) to its original location.
- Using the screwdriver, install the new screws into the plate or plate frame. Make sure that the plate and the plate frame are securely fastened.
- Now, go to the front of the vehicle and repeat the process of unscrewing and reinstalling the front license plate.
An Important Note About Rear License Plate Screws
Except for the Chevrolet Corvette, most American cars use sheet metal screws and nylon snap-in nuts for their front and rear license plates. Metric machine screws with threaded inserts are used by the majority of carmakers in Europe and Asia.
The screws used for rear license plates are often different from those used for front license plates. In most cases, there’s a license plate mounting bracket at the rear that is attached first to the vehicle before the license plate. You’ll know the license plate is completely screwed in when this bracket is set in place.
Conclusion – What Size Are Standard License Plate Screws?
To recap, what is the standard size of license plate screws? The standard screw size of license plates for vehicles in the United States is 1/4-14-3/4 inch. These screws are self-tapping screws, which are suitable for most vehicles fitted with plastic or nylon screw retainers.
When it comes to vehicles fitted with metal threaded holes, a different type of plate screw is required. Screw sizes also vary depending on the car model or brand.
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