How to Fit Number Plates – Sticky Pads vs Screws

Fitting new number plates is a 15-minute job with the right method. You've got two main options – sticky pads or screws – and the right choice depends on your car and your old plate.

Before you start

• Check your new plates match your V5C exactly.
• Make sure you've got the right plate for each end – white at the front, yellow at the rear.
• Clean the plate recess with warm soapy water, then dry it fully. Pads won't stick to dirt, wax or damp.

Removing the old plate

1. Screwed plates: undo the screws and keep them if they're in good condition.
2. Plates on sticky pads: run a length of fishing line or dental floss behind the plate in a sawing motion to cut through the pads. A plastic trim tool helps – avoid metal tools that scratch the paint.
3. Remove any leftover adhesive with an adhesive remover or a little isopropyl alcohol, then clean and dry the surface.

Option 1: sticky pads

Sticky pads give a clean, screw-free finish and are ideal for cars with a flat plate recess.

1. Place pads evenly across the back of the plate – near each corner, plus a few along the top and bottom edges.
2. On longer plates, add pads in the middle so the plate can't flex.
3. Peel off the backing, line the plate up carefully, and press firmly across its whole surface for 30 seconds.
4. Avoid washing the car for 24 hours to let the adhesive fully bond.

Tip: pads bond best above about 10°C. On a cold day, fit them indoors or warm the surface first.

Option 2: screws

Screws are the most secure option and are best if your car has threaded holes or a curved recess.

1. Hold the plate in place and mark where the existing holes line up.
2. Drill small pilot holes through the plate in the margins or between the two groups of characters – never through a character.
3. Fit the screws and cover the heads with caps that match the plate.

Important: screw caps must not change the appearance of any character. Placing a black cap to make a "1" look like a "7", for example, is illegal.

Which should you choose?

• Sticky pads – best for a clean look and flat recesses. No drilling.
• Screws – best for security, curved surfaces and older cars with existing holes.
• Both – some drivers use pads for a flush fit plus screws for security.

Need fixings? You can add sticky pads or a screw fixing kit with matching caps in the final step of our number plate builder.