Whether you’re replacing a broken plate or mounting a newly purchased plate for a customer at your auto body shop, this guide is here to help you understand everything you need to know about removing and mounting license plates.
While license plate installation is often treated as a routine workshop task, achieving a professional finish that lasts requires proper preparation, correct product selection and attention to detail throughout the fitting process.
By following JTAPE’s expert guidance, auto body technicians can complete installations more efficiently while ensuring strong, long‑term adhesion and a clean aesthetic result.
Choosing How to Mount Your License Plate
Traditionally, license plates are fixed using screws or mechanical fasteners.
Although this method is widely used, it can require drilling into bumpers, potentially introducing corrosion points and creating visible hardware that disrupts the vehicle’s finish.
Alternatively, using high‑strength mounting solutions such as Double Sided Mounting Tape and High‑Strength Acrylic Tape allows for a flush, professional appearance without damaging painted surfaces.
These solutions help distribute stress evenly across the plate, reduce vibration transfer and provide reliable weather resistance for long‑term performance.
How to Remove a License Plate
Removing a Screwed on Plate
Unscrewing a license plate from the front or rear of a vehicle is typically straightforward when using the correct tools.
Start by opening any plastic screw caps to expose the fixings, then identify the appropriate screwdriver or drill attachment required to loosen the screws. Flathead and Phillips screw heads are the most commonly used.
Support the plate while removing the final screw to prevent it from dropping or scratching the surrounding finish, and once the plate has been removed, inspect the mounting area and remove any dirt, corrosion or debris before installing a new plate.
Removing a Tape-mounted Plate
If the plate has been secured using double sided mounting tape or pads, additional care may be required to remove the plate due to the strength of the adhesive bond.
Begin by gently lifting one corner of the plate using a plastic trim removal tool, and gradually work along the plate edge to separate the adhesive. Dental floss, plastic scrapers or approved adhesive removers can be incredibly useful at this stage. Applying low, controlled heat may also soften the adhesive and reduce the risk of damaging painted surfaces.
Once removed, thoroughly clean the bonding area to prepare it for the new installation.
How to Mount a License Plate
Ready to mount a license plate using JTAPE’s professional product range? Follow our expert steps below to achieve optimal results.
1. Clean the Area
Starting with a clean base will help prevent damage to the finish while ensuring the adhesive has a suitable surface to bond to. Use a clean cloth or sponge with exterior shampoo and warm water to remove contaminants. Next, dry the surface thoroughly using a second clean cloth. For best results, ensure the surface is completely free from grease, wax, moisture and polishing residue before proceeding.
2. Apply the Mounting Tape to the License Plate
Using your chosen JTAPE mounting solution, remove the backing liner on one side and apply the adhesive evenly to the rear of the license plate.
There are various options you could choose from in the JTAPE range, which offer slightly different benefits, while being more than adequate for the job of mounting a license plate.
Double sided mounting tape works perfectly because it can be applied in strips to distribute load consistently across the plate. High Strength Acrylic Tape will also provide this long-term adhesion, with particular resistance against solvents, chemicals, UV, and heat.
For the best adhesion, avoid touching exposed adhesive surfaces, as this may negatively affect the bonding agent.
It’s also worth noting that while JTAPE products are designed for long-term performance, it’s important to use sufficient coverage across the tape to minimize stress points and movement once installed.
3. Position the License Plate
To get the license plate in the right position, ensure that time is taken to carefully align the license plate before making full contact with the car’s body. If the position is slightly off, minor adjustments can be made as long as the adhesive hasn’t made full contact with the body of the car.
4. Apply Pressure to the Plate
Once correctly aligned, apply firm and even pressure across the entire surface of the plate for at least ten seconds. For larger plates, working from the center outward can help to remove trapped air and improve surface contact for better adhesion.
What to Avoid when Mounting a License Plate
Your license plate will have to face all the elements, so it’s important to ensure that your application and the tape itself are fit for purpose. Here are a few considerations you should make.
Avoid tapes that aren’t water-resistant.
Avoid scratching the body during removal or installation.
Avoid using low- or medium-tack tapes that may not provide sufficient holding power.
Avoid mounting onto dirty or damp surfaces.
Avoid installing in extremely low temperatures without allowing the adhesive to acclimatize.
Avoid uneven tape placement, which may lead to vibration‑related movement over time.
Best Tape for License Plate Mounting
Different mounting tapes provide distinct advantages depending on installation speed, environmental exposure and required bond strength.
Selecting the correct solution can help improve workflow efficiency while ensuring reliable long‑term performance.
Double Sided Mounting Tape
Our high‑tack adhesive solution is suitable for many permanent automotive fixings including license plates and decals.
It provides strong resistance to weather, solvents, chemicals, UV exposure and heat.
Its flexible construction helps reduce stress transfer and vibration movement. This makes it a versatile option for both professional workshops and individual installers.
High Strength Acrylic Tape
High Strength Acrylic Tape delivers exceptional bonding performance for demanding exterior applications.
Its durable construction supports long‑term exposure to vibration and harsh weather conditions. This makes it an ideal choice when maximum holding strength is required.
License Plate Pads
JTAPE License Plate Pads offer a quick and simple mounting solution. The pre‑cut format reduces installation time while maintaining reliable adhesion. They are particularly useful in high‑volume workshop environments where consistency and speed of application are priorities.
Here at JTAPE, we’ve curated our range of tape solutions to assist automotive professionals with all types of jobs.
We encourage professionals to explore our entire range and discover our available products, or contact us to find your local jobber.
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