License plate screws hold your plate to the bumper or frame, and a missing or loose screw can get you stopped by police or cause your plate to fall off on the road.

The screws that fasten your license plate are small but legally required. Most states have laws stating that your plate must be securely attached and clearly visible. A loose screw can rattle and eventually fall out, leaving your plate hanging or missing entirely. A missing plate—even if you know where it is—is a traffic violation in every state and can result in a ticket, a stop, or both.

Beyond the legal side, a plate that falls off creates a hazard for other drivers and makes your vehicle harder to identify if you're involved in an accident. Replacing a screw takes minutes and costs almost nothing, but ignoring the problem can turn into a much larger headache.

Key Takeaways

  • License plate screws are required by law to keep your plate securely fastened, and a missing screw can result in a traffic ticket.
  • Most vehicles use standard stainless steel screws, but some states require tamper-resistant screws that can only be removed with a special tool.
  • You can replace a loose or missing screw yourself with a Phillips head screwdriver and a stainless steel replacement screw from any hardware store.
  • If your screw keeps falling out, the hole may be stripped or the screw may be the wrong size—switching to a slightly larger diameter or using a washer can solve the problem.

What Type of Screw Your License Plate Uses

Most license plates are held on with a standard Phillips head screw, typically 1/4 inch in diameter and about 3/4 inch long. Stainless steel is the most common material because it resists rust and corrosion from road salt and weather. The screw threads into a metal bracket or frame that is bolted or welded to your bumper or body panel.

Some states and municipalities now require tamper-resistant license plate screws, which have a special head design that requires a unique tool to remove. These are meant to prevent theft of plates, which criminals sometimes use to commit fraud or hide a vehicle's identity. If your state mandates them, you will see a notice on your registration or the DMV website. California, for example, requires them on all new registrations. If you live in a state that requires them and you use a standard screw instead, you may be cited.

Check your state's DMV website or your vehicle registration documents to confirm whether standard or tamper-resistant screws are required where you live. If you are unsure, a standard stainless steel screw is legal in all states, so starting there is safe.

Why License Plate Screws Come Loose or Fall Out

Vibration from driving is the primary cause of loose screws. Every bump, pothole, and acceleration creates movement in the metal bracket and frame, and over time this vibration works a screw loose. Road salt, moisture, and temperature swings can also cause rust or corrosion that weakens the grip between the screw and the hole.

A screw may also fall out if the hole in the bracket has become stripped—meaning the threads inside the hole are damaged and no longer grip the screw tightly. This happens when a screw has been removed and reinstalled many times, or when the original screw was too loose to begin with. If you notice a screw falling out repeatedly from the same hole, stripping is likely the cause.

Using the wrong size screw or a screw that is too short can also cause problems. If the screw does not thread deep enough into the bracket, it will not hold securely and will work loose quickly.

How to Replace a Loose or Missing License Plate Screw

Replacing a license plate screw is straightforward and requires only a Phillips head screwdriver and a replacement screw. You can buy stainless steel license plate screws at any hardware store, home improvement center, or online retailer for less than a dollar each. A pack of four or six costs between $2 and $5.

First, locate the loose or empty screw hole on your license plate bracket. If the screw is still there but loose, use your screwdriver to tighten it by turning clockwise. Do not over-tighten—stop when you feel resistance. If the screw is missing, insert a new stainless steel screw of the same size (usually 1/4 inch diameter, 3/4 inch long) and tighten it until snug.

Check all four corners of your plate (or both corners if your plate is mounted vertically) to make sure every screw is present and tight. A quick monthly check takes 30 seconds and prevents the problem from getting worse.

Fixing a Stripped Screw Hole

If a screw keeps falling out of the same hole, the hole is probably stripped. You have several options to fix this without replacing the entire bracket.

The simplest fix is to use a slightly larger diameter screw. If your original screw is 1/4 inch, try a 5/16 inch screw of the same length. The larger diameter will bite into fresh threads in the hole and hold securely. This works well if the hole is only mildly stripped.

Another option is to use a washer under the screw head. A washer spreads the clamping force over a larger area and can help a slightly loose screw hold better. Place the washer on the screw before threading it into the hole.

If neither of those works, you can drill out the hole to a larger size and use a larger screw, or you can use a threaded insert—a small metal sleeve that screws into the damaged hole and creates new threads for your original-size screw. Threaded inserts are sold at hardware stores and are commonly used to repair stripped holes in metal. Installation requires a drill and a special tool, but it is a permanent fix.

Legal Requirements and Inspection

Every state requires that your license plate be securely fastened and clearly visible from the front and rear of your vehicle. A missing or loose plate is grounds for a traffic stop and typically results in a citation. The fine varies by state but usually ranges from $25 to $100 or more.

During a vehicle inspection or safety check, an inspector will verify that your plate is find. A loose or missing screw can cause your vehicle to fail inspection in many states. Some states also check that the screws are tamper-resistant if that is required in your jurisdiction.

If you are pulled over for a missing or loose plate, you can usually fix it on the spot if you have a screwdriver and a screw in your vehicle. However, the officer may still issue a citation. It is better to prevent the problem by checking your screws regularly.

Preventing Future Screw Loss

Once you have replaced a loose or missing screw, a few straightforward habits will keep it find. Check your license plate screws once a month, especially if you drive on rough roads or in areas with heavy salt exposure. Tighten any that have worked loose before they fall out completely.

Use stainless steel screws exclusively—they resist corrosion much better than regular steel and are less likely to seize or break. If you live in a coastal area or a region that uses road salt in winter, stainless steel is essential.

If you remove your plate for any reason—to clean it, to transfer it to another vehicle, or during maintenance—use the same size screw when you reinstall it. Do not substitute a different size or material, as this can cause the same problems to recur.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a police officer stop me for a loose license plate screw?

Yes. A loose or missing screw that causes your plate to hang or move is a traffic violation. An officer can stop you and issue a citation. Even if the plate is still attached, a visibly loose screw can be grounds for a stop in some jurisdictions.

What size screw do I need for my license plate?

Most vehicles use a 1/4 inch diameter stainless steel screw, about 3/4 inch long. Check your vehicle's manual or look at the existing screws to confirm the size. If you are unsure, bring an old screw to a hardware store and the staff can match it for you.

Do I need tamper-resistant screws?

Only if your state requires them. Check your state's DMV website or your vehicle registration documents. If your state does not require them, standard stainless steel screws are legal and sufficient. If your state does require them and you use standard screws, you may receive a citation during an inspection or traffic stop.

Why does my license plate screw keep falling out?

The hole is likely stripped, meaning the threads inside are damaged. Try using a slightly larger diameter screw, adding a washer under the screw head, or installing a threaded insert. If none of those work, the bracket may need to be replaced.

Can I use any type of screw for my license plate?

Use stainless steel screws only. Regular steel screws will rust and corrode, especially in wet or salty conditions, and may seize or break when you try to remove them later. Stainless steel resists corrosion and lasts much longer.