How to Fit a Number Plate Frame
Why Fit a Number Plate Frame?
Number plate frames are a simple way to tidy up the look of your plates, cover worn or rough edges, and add a bit of personality to your vehicle.
Fitting them is quick and easy too. Our standard clip-on frames can usually be fitted without even removing the number plate from your vehicle.
Our European plate frames are a little different and use a screw-on backing plate. We’ve included instructions for both types below.
What You’ll Need
- Your new number plate frames. Our frames are sold as a pair, so you’ll have one for the front and one for the rear.
- A screwdriver or driver bit to suit your existing plate screws.
- Optional: new Number Plate Screws if your current screws are rusty, worn or just need a freshen up. We have Phillips and T30 options available, as well as T30 security screws with a centre pin for added theft protection.
- Optional: a cloth and some cleaner to give your plates a quick clean while you’re there.
Fitting Standard Clip-On Plate Frames
Our standard, slim and message plate frames simply clip around the outside edge of your existing number plate.
Step 1: Check Your Screws
Before you get started, check what type of screws are currently holding your number plates in place so you’ve got the right screwdriver or bit handy.
If your existing screws are rusty, faded or looking a bit tired, fitting your new frames is a good opportunity to replace them with a fresh set.
For extra security, you can also choose our T30 security screws with a centre pin, which require the matching security bit for removal.
Step 2: Give the Plate a Clean
Give your plate and the area around it a quick clean before fitting the new frame.
You normally don’t need to remove the plate to do this, but if there’s a lot of dirt trapped behind it, now is a good opportunity to take it off and give everything a proper clean.
Step 3: Loosen the Screws if Needed
If your number plate is screwed tightly against the vehicle, there might not be enough room for the frame clips to fit behind it.
If needed, loosen your plate screws by around half a turn. You only need enough movement to allow the clips to slide behind the plate.
Step 4: Clip the Frame Onto the Plate
Angle one of the long edges of the frame over the edge of your number plate, making sure the mounting clips slide behind the plate.
Gently stretch and work the rest of the frame around the remaining edges until all of the clips are sitting securely behind the number plate.
Step 5: Tighten the Screws
Once the frame is fitted and sitting straight, tighten your number plate screws back up.
Repeat the process for your other plate and you’re done.
Fitting European Plate Frames
Our European number plate frames use a different mounting system. Instead of clipping directly around the plate, they have a backing plate that screws onto the vehicle first.
You’ll need to completely remove your European number plate before installing this style of frame.
Step 1: Remove Your Number Plate
Unscrew your existing European number plate and remove it from the vehicle.
This is also a good opportunity to clean the plate and the mounting area before fitting your new frame.
Step 2: Fit the Backing Plate
Take the backing plate from your new European plate frame and screw it securely onto the vehicle using suitable number plate screws.
Don’t attach the bottom locking plate yet.
Step 3: Insert Your Number Plate
Slide your European number plate upwards into the backing plate.
Make sure the top edge of the number plate slides underneath the top lip of the frame and that the plate is sitting correctly in the backing plate.
Step 4: Fit the Bottom Locking Plate
Insert one end of the locking plate into the slot on the side of the backing plate.
Gently flex the locking plate enough to insert the opposite end into the other side.
Once both ends are in position, firmly press the locking plate pins into the holes in the backing plate until everything clips securely into place.
Repeat the process for your other plate.
Tips & Tricks
Standard frames usually don’t require removing your plate. If the frame clips don’t have enough room to get behind the plate, loosening the screws slightly should be all that’s needed.
European frames are different. The number plate needs to be removed so the frame’s backing plate can be screwed directly onto the vehicle first.
Fresh screws can make a big difference. If your old plate screws are rusty or worn, replacing them at the same time gives the whole setup a much cleaner finish.
Want some extra security? Our T30 security screws feature a centre pin and require a matching security bit, making your plates more difficult to remove using standard tools.
Your pair covers front and rear. Our number plate frames are sold in pairs, giving you a matching frame for both plates.
Keep your plate clearly visible. Make sure your plate remains clearly readable once the frame is installed.
Find the Perfect Frame for Your Car
We stock a wide range of number plate frames, including standard frames, slim frames, European frames, ready-made designs and Custom Number Plate Frames featuring your own text or artwork.
All of our number plate frames are supplied as a pair, giving you a matching look for the front and rear of your vehicle.
Browse our Number Plate Frames and give your plates a fresh new look.
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