Number Plate Fitting – How to do it yourself

You might be considering fitting number plates for a number of reasons. Perhaps you want to change your current number plate for a private one, or maybe your number plate has been stolen. No matter the reason, if you are looking for ways to replace your reg plates, this guide should stand you in good stead.

Note: This blog will not explain how to acquire a number plate, for more information on what do you need to get a number plate made check out our post.

1. Remove number plate from car

The first step is to remove your previous number plate (if there is one). Here is how to remove a number plate:

Begin by opening the plastic screw covers, if there are any.  After that you simply undo the screws. In some instances, you may find double sided pads securing the plate, in which case you will need to loosen that. Be aware that this process might take a while due to the fact those pads tend to be very adhesive. Don’t be afraid to use as much force as needed in that case. Simultaneously, you can use any tool you have at hand to help you loosen it.

After removing your license plate, you will need to decide whether you will fit your number plates with screws or adhesive tape.

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2. Drill holes into your number plate

If you are fitting your number plate with screws, you will need to drill holes into it. There are a couple of ways to do so, and there are mixed opinions on what the best way is. One way to do it is by drilling the holes from the back. This is the recommended way to do it by most manufacturers. The other way is by drilling it from the front after applying masking tape on the plate.

To make sure you get the positioning right, you can use your previous number plate as a template.

3. Secure number plate with screws

Screw the reg plate onto your car using either your old screws or new ones. Make sure it’s secured tightly in place.

If you’re fitting a number plate without screws (using double-sided adhesive tape)

Image credit: Ekaterina43 / Shutterstock

2. Clear number plate and mounting surface

If you’re using double-sided adhesive tape, the second step would be in this case to clean the mounting surface and the back of the new number plate. This is an important step, as it will ensure that the sticky pads adhere to both your plate and the car more effectively.

3. Fix sticky pads to your number plate

After you’ve cleaned your surfaces thoroughly, it’s time to remove the adhesive pads from their packaging on one side, and stick this to the back of your number plate. Next, remove the backing of the sticky pad on the side that you will fix onto your car. Be careful not to touch the adhesive as it could impair its stickiness!

Note: The number of adhesive pads you use it up to you, the more you use the more secure the number plate will be. However, by using lots of adhesive it will be harder to change your number plate in the future.

4. Press number plate onto your car

Once you have positioned your number plate correctly, simply press  as hard as you can, for a minimum of 10 seconds, to ensure the number plate is secured.

Feature image credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock