How to Stick Number Plates on Your Vehicle
So, you have just bought your customised number plate and you are excited to cruise around in your vehicle and show everyone your personalised registration. Now, all that is left to do is attach the new number plate to your car, van or motorbike.
You are probably wondering the answer to the question “how to stick number plates on my car”. Well, look no further. We have outlined all the information you need to know below:
At Bespoke Plates, we offer a full fitting service, so our experts can support you with the installation of your number plate and answer any questions you may have. We also sell the accessories you need to stick a number plate onto your vehicle.
Can I stick number plates on without using screws?
Yes, it is possible to stick number plates onto your vehicle without screws. Using a self-adhesive to stick a number plate on will keep out dirt, water and chemicals. Now, let’s discuss some of these methods.
Using adhesive sticky pads
At Bespoke Plates, we sell double-sided sticky pads which you can use to stick your number plate on.
- Opt for double-sided sticky pads which are water resistant
- Sanitise the plate and your vehicle surface with rubbing alcohol
- Remove the backing of the sticky pads
- Apply these sticky pads to the rear of the plate, making sure the positioning is correct
- Press down firmly for at least 10 seconds
- Position the number plate in the correct place
- Check that the number plate is secured properly and won’t fall off when driving
Using heavy-duty VELCRO® to stick the number plate on
- Sanitise the plate and your vehicle surface with rubbing alcohol
- Stick the Velcro onto the number plate, making sure no debris gets caught on the Velcro.
- Press down firmly for at least 10 seconds
- Position the number plate in the correct place
- Check that the number plate is secured properly and won’t fall off when driving
Using adhesive glue
- Choose a strong adhesive glue which is water resistant
- Santise the plate and your vehicle surface with rubbing alcohol
- You can use a heat gun to warm up the adhesive glue
- Add a few drops of glue to the corners of the number plate, taking care not to burn yourself with the hot glue
- Position the number plate in the correct place
- Check that the number plate is secured properly and won’t fall off when driving
Can I screw my number plate on with screws?
Yes, you can secure your number plate using screws. You will need an electric drill for this, as well as screw fixings.
At Bespoke Plates, we sell a screw pack, which will help you stick your number plate onto your vehicle.
If you no longer need your old plate, you can use it as a template to attach your new number plate:
- Place the new number plate flat on a surface, on top of the old number plate. Make sure both registrations are facing upwards.
- Then tape the plates together with masking tape, making sure the edges match up.
- Put the plates face down on the surface.
- Grab an electric drill and hold the plate firmly.
- Drill a hole in each corner of the plate. The drill should go through all the way.
- Remove the masking tape and protective film of the plates.
- Using a screwdriver, screw your new number plate onto your vehicle, using either your old screws or new ones.
- Make sure the screws are tightly in place, but not overly tightened.
If you can’t use your old number plate, you need to calculate the positions of the holes by yourself. Use a ruler to measure where the holes are in your old plate. Use this measurement to replicate this on your new number plate.
What NOT to do when sticking number plates onto a vehicle
- Do not choose sticky pads or adhesive glues that are not water-resistant. The sealant needs to withstand all weather conditions.
- Take care not to scratch your car’s paintwork when you stick on the number plate.
- Do not attach the number plate with weak materials such as Blu Tack or sellotape, as these are not secure enough to keep the plate from falling off.
- Do not stick a number plate on if the vehicle is dirty, cracked or broken, or if the plate itself is dirty, cracked or broken. Wipe away any debris from the car and the plate before you attach it.
- Do not yank the old number plate off with force. You will have to remove it carefully, especially if it is broken or damaged.
- If you feel your number plate has loosened, try your best to secure it immediately or consult a professional if you are not sure what to do.
- Do not stick a new number plate on your vehicle if it is a particularly hot day. Wait until the temperature has cooled, and then you can stick on the new plate.
How do I remove my previous number plate?
- Remove the plastic screw covers (if applicable) with a screwdriver
- Unscrew the number plate
- Loosen and remove the adhesive pads underneath the plate
- Polish the new number plate with a soft, clean cloth, to remove fingerprints and any acrylic residue
How do I stop my number plate from being stolen?
To prevent your registration plates from being stolen from your vehicle we have listed a few safety precautions you may want to consider.
- Use security-headed screws, which stop thieves from unscrewing your plate and stealing it. These are better than regular screws, as they offer better protection from thieves. They also provide better protection than self-adhesives.
- Never leave your car, van or motorbike unlocked.
- Don’t leave your vehicle unattended for long periods of time.
- Install security devices in your vehicles, such as immobilisers, alarms and trackers.
- Install security cameras in your driveway, garden or garage.
Can you drill number plates from the front or back?
It is not recommended that you drill into a number plate yourself if you are not confident about DIY. If you drill the number plate incorrectly, you could crack the plate or break the sealant.
Consult a professional to minimise the risk of damaging your private plate. Private plates can be expensive, so you need to take care when you are handling and attaching them to your vehicles.
Are number plates self tapping?
Yes, number plates can be attached using drill fixings known as self tapping screws.
Self tapping screws drill their own holes when they are screwed into materials such as wood, plastic and metal .
A self tapping screw features a drill point, which drills a hole and form the mating threads in a single operation.
They are ideal for combining two different types of materials or for screwing in areas where access is only one-sided.
Can I use double-sided tape to stick my number plate on?
No, the double-sided tape may not be strong enough to hold your number plate securely in place. Opt for adhesive sticky pads or adhesive glue, if you do not want to screw the number plate in.
What do I do with my old number plate?
- You can recycle your old number plate- you can take this to your local recycling centre.
- You can privately sell a private number plate.
- You can give up your right to use that number plate by getting in touch with the DVLA and they will ask you to fill out the ‘Give up a right to this personalised registered number (surrender) section of the V778 or V750 form.
- You can apply to retain a private number plate. To do this, you must fill out an application, which costs £80. If you are approved, you will receive a V778 Retention Document
Read our blog article on “how to retain private plates” to find out more about the laws surrounding keeping a private plate.
Can I draw on, paint on, or put stickers over my number plate?
No. It is illegal to modify plates and disfigure the numbers or lettering in any way. You cannot alter them so that they are hard to read. For example, you cannot move the screws to alter the appearance of the number plate’s letters.
Number plates are designed to be reflective, which enhances their visibility. Hence, you can be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates.
By law, the lettering on all number plates must be spaced in specific dimensions.
Clean your number plate before every journey. You could be fined £1,000 if your number plate is covered by dirt or incorrectly displayed.
Personalise your plate today
There you have it, now you should be fully equipped with all the information needed to stick number plates onto your vehicle.
We sell a number plate holder, sticky pads and screw pack, which will help you secure your number plate to your vehicle.
To find out more about Bespoke Plates, which is the UK’s top number plate maker specialising in 3D plates, 4D plates and standard number plates, visit our website here.
All products are also manufactured in-house using state-of-the-art equipment by our team of talented technicians. The quality that this provides is outstanding, with our detailed checking process and craftsmanship resulting in one-of-a-kind solutions
Visit our blog to find the answers to frequently asked questions about custom number plates, including short number plates, 3D number plates and 4D number plates.
