How to Drill Holes in a Number Plate
If you’re fitting a new number plate to your vehicle, you may need to drill holes for the mounting screws. It’s a simple job, but careful measuring is important to avoid damaging the plate or placing fixings over the registration characters.
What You’ll Need
- New number plate
- Old number plate, if available
- Drill and suitable drill bit
- Masking tape
- Marker pen
- Scrap wood
- Number plate screws and caps
If you’re ordering from Number Plate Supply, you can also add a fixing kit containing screws, domes, nuts, bolts and adhesive fixing strips when you build your replacement plates.
1. Use Your Old Plate as a Template
Remove your existing number plate and place it over the new one.
Line up the edges, then use the existing fixing holes to mark where you need to drill.
If you don’t have the old plate, carefully measure the fixing points on your vehicle and transfer the measurements onto the new plate.
Always double-check before drilling.
2. Prepare the Plate
Place a small piece of masking tape over each drilling point and mark the centre.
Lay the plate face-up on a flat piece of scrap wood. This supports the plate and gives the drill bit somewhere to go once it passes through.
Never hold the number plate in your hand while drilling.
3. Drill the Holes
Choose a drill bit that’s large enough for your mounting screw to pass through without making the hole unnecessarily large.
Position the drill over your mark and drill slowly and carefully. Avoid applying too much pressure.
Repeat for each fixing point.
4. Fit the Number Plate
Remove the masking tape and clear away any loose material around the holes.
Line the plate up with the vehicle and fit the screws. Tighten them enough to hold the plate securely, but don’t overtighten them.
Make sure your screws or fixing caps don’t cover or alter the appearance of any registration characters.
Can You Fit a Number Plate Without Drilling?
Yes. Adhesive fixing strips can be used on suitable clean, flat mounting surfaces and provide a neat finish without visible screw heads.
The Number Plate Supply fixing kit includes both screw fixings and adhesive strips, giving you the choice of installation method.
Need a New Number Plate?
At Number Plate Supply, you can build and order road-legal replacement number plates online, including front plates, rear plates or a complete set.
Our road-legal plates are made to the current BS AU 145e standard, and you can add a fixing kit when placing your order.
Final Tip
The easiest method is usually to use your old plate as a drilling template. Measure carefully, support the new plate while drilling and always make sure your fixings don’t interfere with the registration characters.
Need a replacement? Build your new number plate online with Number Plate Supply.
