The 10 Best License Plate Frames

An easy and cheap way to upgrade the look of your vehicle is to invest in the best license plate frame you can reasonably afford.

License plates are a necessary but often boring part of every car. If you’re looking to give your plates a bit more style or perhaps protect them against the elements, consider getting a license plate frame. 

We reviewed the the best license plate frames currently available and put together a detailed buying guide to help you find the best ones for your car. Here’s a quick rundown of our top picks:

1. Best License Plate Frame Reviews

Keep reading for a detailed look at each of our top picks, and find other great car accessories at AutoTribute’s car products page.

Sunplus Trade Stainless Steel Mirror License Plate Frame

This slimline stainless steel license plate frame has the qualities of a truly great product. Not only is it stylish, durable, affordable, and thin enough to not block your plate’s registration tags but it also comes with an installation kit.

Stainless steel is a very sturdy material that doesn’t rust, making it an ideal material for long-term protection. At the same time, the frame has a nice chrome polished mirror finish that delivers a nice and shiny look, while its good proportions ensure a perfect fit for your license plate.

The installation kit includes all the tools you need to set everything up easily and without issue, namely a screwdriver, four machine screws, four screw caps, four washers, and four self-tapping screws. Best of all, you get all of this for a very reasonable price.

A few minor quibbles are that it only comes with two mounting screw holes and, therefore, can’t be used on vehicles with four mounting holes. Also, the very thin metal can be sharp at the edges, so handle with care.

Bottom Line

The Sunplus Trade Stainless Steel Mirror License Plate Frame is the total package. At a very affordable price, it offers a stylish design, very durable build, and everything you need to install it easily. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. Ohuhu Matte Aluminum License Plate Frame

If you want a strong, lightweight, and rust-proof license plate frame and happen to have a penchant for the color black, this wide-bottom matte aluminum license plate frame from Ohuhu was made just for you. 

Although quite not as strong as stainless steel, aluminum is a lightweight but durable material that doesn’t corrode. Moreover, the frame’s powder-coated black matte finish doesn’t peel and delivers a simple yet classy look that will likely suit your vehicles.

Installation is easy and doesn’t take much time, especially when considering the package comes with everything you need to get the job done. You get two frames, screws, screw caps, spacers, and washers.

The black screw caps hide the screws nicely, while little tabs keep the plate secured in the frame. All parts are integrated seamlessly.

Finally, even with its thick wide bottom, Ohuhu’s license plate frame won’t block your registration tags, though it might cover other tags or specialized text on the lower section that may be required by law. Check to make sure it is permitted in your jurisdiction.

Bottom Line

A simply-designed, rust-proof wide bottom license plate frame with a slick black matte finish that will surely add a touch of class to dark-colored vehicles. CHECK LATEST PRICE

3. GoPlates Customized Heavy Duty License Plate Frame Laser Engraved

This is the best license plate frame for those who want to truly personalize their plates for very little money. Not only do you get to choose between six different colors, but you can also have your personalized text engraved on it.

The available colors are black, red, blue, purple, green, and orange, and you can have your text in one of 11 different fonts, all of which are clear and well-sized. In other words, there are 462 style combinations to choose from, so finding a style that perfectly matches your vehicle shouldn’t be difficult.

The plate itself is made from anodized aluminum, a strong, lightweight, durable, and rust-proof material that allows it to easily withstand car washes, harsh weather conditions, and the sun’s violent UV rays. It includes screw caps that nicely integrate the screws with the rest of the body.

An issue some users have with this license plate frame is its light gray lettering, which they say can be difficult to decipher from afar. Also, its thick bottom border may obstruct important text on your plate, such as state or provincial mottos, possibly making it illegal.

Bottom Line

With 462 style combinations, the GoPlates Customized License Plate Frame is a great value for those who want more flexibility with personalizing their license plate frame. CHECK LATEST PRICE

4. Indeed BUY 4 Holes Stainless Steel Black License Plate Frame

People often associate cheap products with poor-quality materials and subpar build quality, but that’s not the case with the cheapest license plate frame in our guide. The Indeed BUY Stainless Steel Black License Plate Frame is a very budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price. 

Like the more expensive frames on our guide, it is made with stainless steel, which is strong and resistant to corrosion and rust. A thick black powder coating adds another layer of production against the elements.

The style is simple and clean, while a slimline design ensures no registration tags or other important information on your license plate is blocked.

Not only does the package come with two frames, but it also gives you all the tools you need to install them, particularly a screwdriver, eight machine screws, four self-tapping screws, eight plastic screw caps, and eight washers.

This license plate frame has four mounting holes, so make sure your vehicle is compatible with it. Also, the plastic screw caps are a bit chintzy and prone to breaking.

Bottom Line

You get so much quality and hardware for so little money that this is easily the best license plate frame for budget buyers. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. Hippo Creation White Rhinestone Premium Stainless Steel License Plate Frame

If bling is your thing, you just might fall in love with the Rhinestone Premium Stainless Steel License Plate Frames from Hippo Creation.

As a truly premium and luxurious product, these handcrafted frames are made of stainless steel and over 1000 precision-cut white rhinestone crystals. The stainless steel provides exceptional durability and rust-resistance, while the incredibly shiny rhinestones ensure you’ll have one of the glitziest cars on the road.

They even come in three different colors (white, pink, and champagne), allowing you to infuse a bit more of your personality into them.

Each package comes with two frames, as well as extra-length mounting screws that make installation easier. Although the frames are thin enough to not obstruct registration tags in all four corners, their thick wide bottom may obstruct other texts such as state or provincial motos.

Another downside is that they are one of the most expensive options on our list, though their incredible quality makes them a good investment.

Bottom Line

If you want the best, most luxurious bling license plate frame on the market, you’re looking at one of them. CHECK LATEST PRICE

6. Aggressive Overlays Genuine Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame

Carbon fiber is an incredibly strong, lightweight, and rust-resistant material that is often associated with performance. If you want to make your car appear sportier and provide your license plate with long-lasting protection, Aggressive Overlays has a very compelling product for you.

True to its name, this license plate frame is made of genuine carbon fiber and is, therefore, lighter and around five times stronger than the stainless steel used by other products. It is also weatherproof and UV-resistant.

Style-wise, you get a twill weave pattern with a glossy finish that’s sure to turn some heads. Carbon fiber is in vogue, you know.

Two-hole and four-hole versions are available and each one comes with screws and black caps for easy, clean installation.

A common complaint with Aggressive Overlays’ Carbon fiber license plate frame is that it’s rather thick and may rub your car if not properly spaced. Also, given the incredible performance carbon fiber delivers, it isn’t exactly cheap.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a sleek, durable, and long-lasting frame, this Genuine Carbon Fiber License Plate Frame is hard to beat. CHECK LATEST PRICE

7. Zone Tech License Plate Cover Shield Combo

This frame by Zone Tech comes in the form of a license plate shield. It has a clear monochrome design that gives off a smoke tint appearance, making it ideal for dark vehicles.

The shield is made from a waterproof acrylic material that uses a UV-resistant stabilizer to help retain its color and ensure maximum strength and durability. It provides great protection against harsh weather conditions.

You get two shields with each package, and installation is easy since you get all the tools needed to get the job done, including appropriately-colored screw caps.

Unfortunately, as strong as acrylic is, it pales in comparison to stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fibers, and other commonly-used materials in terms of strength and durability.

Bottom Line

Instead of a frame, you get a cool-looking shield that protects your license plate in its entirety. CHECK LATEST PRICE

8. Cruiser Accessories 19003 Palm Tree License Plate Frame

How about adding a bit of tropical flair to your ride? Number eight on our list of best license plate frames lets you do just that with its stylized, palm-tree shaped edges.

A lot of attention went into designing the eye-catching motif so that it looks great without blocking any of the information on your license plate, and the results are great. We don’t see authorities giving you any trouble during your daily commutes.

As for materials, it’s made from a durable zinc diecast metal that’s plated with hand-polished ‘show chrome’ to shine brightly. Zinc is a strong and durable material, but unlike stainless steel and aluminum, it’s not rust-resistant.

The frame comes with screws, and as with all the other products on our list, is easy and straightforward to install.

Bottom Line

Be it summer or winter, this Palm Tree License Plate Frame will make anyone who lays eyes on it smile. CHECK LATEST PRICE

9. Product Express Personalized Your Own CHROME License Plate Frame

Yet another license plate frame that gives you more than one way to make a statement. Not only are there two colors available (chrome and black), but you can also customize the text on the top and bottom of the frame to say whatever you want.

Each plate is made from chrome steel, an alloy that is strong and durable enough to provide good protection under any weather condition. However, there is no powder-coating to prevent corrosion and rust.

The lettering is applied using waterproof vinyl stickers, which although durable in their own right, won’t last anywhere as long as an engraving.

Even with these shortcomings, Product Express’s customizable chrome license plate frame is stylish, affordable, and offers good quality. It’s a simple case of the price being right.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for an easy and affordable way to make an even bigger statement with your car, consider getting these customizable chrome license plate frames from Product Express. CHECK LATEST PRICE

10. EEEKit Rhinestone License Plate Frame

This rhinestone license plate frame by EEEKit rounds out our list in swanky fashion. 

It has an aluminum metal chrome base that’s been encrusted with rhinestones to achieve an elegant and sparkly design. But while the aluminum is durable, rustproof, and provides good all-weather protection, the rhinestones are not the real deal — they’re plastic — and may even fall out.

Each pack includes two frames but no installation hardware. Even so, you shouldn’t have any problems installing any of them.

With these frames, you’re paying more for looks than for build quality, but they are a very affordable way of adding some glitz to your car.

Bottom Line

EEEKit’s “rhinestone” license plate frame is a visually pleasing option that, although far from a premium product, will enhance the appearance of your vehicle. CHECK LATEST PRICE

License Plate Buying Guide

Whether you’re looking for something retro or modern, manly or girly, or bold or subdued, this detailed buying guide will give you the information you need to confidently find the best license plate frame that suits your taste.

What Is A License Plate Frame?

Like a picture frame, a license plate frame is a structure designed to hold a number plate and provide it with decorative and protective properties.

Depending on the design and quality of the unit, it can provide your license plates with an extra layer of protection against impacts and the elements and help set your vehicle apart from others on the road. 

Is a license plate frame necessary for the proper operation of your vehicle? No. But like putting on a necktie whenever you wear a suit, having one can make your ride look noticeably sharper.

So, who needs a license plate frame? Anyone who owns a car, we believe.

Benefits of License Plate Frames

From protecting your license plate from damage to improving the appearance of your vehicle, license plate frames offer several benefits that make them a worthwhile investment.

1. Avoid free advertising. Cars that are purchased from a dealership often come with license plate frames that boldly advertise the dealer’s information. Unless you want to be a moving billboard for the company, best to get some new frames.

2. Make your car look better. The average license plate frame is boring and adds nothing to the appearance of a vehicle. If they’re old, they may be faded, dented, or cracked, which only makes your car look worse. Both are problems you can easily solve with a custom license plate frame.

3. Make a personal statement. Your car should reflect who you are in the best way possible, and certain license plate frames can be customized in a variety of ways (colors, shapes, patterns, texts, etc.) to let you make an impactful statement about yourself.

4. They’re easy-to-install. Even if you’re mechanically-challenged, the installation process for license plates is so easy and requires so few steps that you can practically do it with just one hand. The same can’t be said about, say, new rims or brake pads.

5. They’re very affordable. Paints jobs, custom wheels, and other products and projects intended to enhance the appearance of your car can be expensive. Not so with license plate frames. They allow you to add a nice touch to your car on the cheap.

Types Of License Plate Frames

There are three main types of license plate frames: Slimline, semi-wide bottom, and wide bottom. Let’s go over each one. 

Slimline

A slimline license plate frame has, as you probably guessed, a slimline design with very thin trims. It takes up less real estate than the other types of frames and, therefore, covers up less of your license plate.

These frames are so thin that authorities will have no problems seeing your plate number,  explaining why they are legal in all U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and many other jurisdictions around the world.

Semi-Wide Bottom

Semi-wide bottom license plate frames have a thick bottom portion with open corners and a thin upper section. They are legal in most jurisdictions since such a design doesn’t usually obstruct the license plate’s important registration details.

They may, however, be forbidden in regions that require every piece of information on the license plate to be shown. To be safe, check with your respective government agency to see if you’re allowed to use semi-wide bottom license plate frames.

Wide Bottom

Wide bottom license plate frames are extra thick across the entire base —  8 to 12 inches (20-30.5 cm) thick — and tend to conceal the lower registration tags and message on license plates. This makes them illegal in some jurisdictions. 

If you don’t want to risk getting fined, check with your government agency for compliance before installing one of these bad boys on your car.

License Plate Frame Pricing

License plate frames are on the whole very cheap car accessories. However, like any other product, they can be divided between different price ranges based on their design and build quality.

Budget (Under $10)

License plate frames in this price range can have attractive designs; however, they are more likely to be made of cheap plastic or other chintzy materials than more expensive options. 

While the age-old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is apt for these frames, a model like the Indeed Holes Black License Plate Frame is an exception to the rule since it’s constructed from stainless steel, a very highly durable material.

Mid-range ($10 – $20)

Most license plate frames fall in this price range. You get decent material and built quality and various sizes to choose from.

Mid-range budget frames tend to be made of aluminum or stainless steel, two durable and rust-resistant materials.

Premium (Over $20)

License plate frames costing more than $20 are not the norm, but as you’d expect, they tend to be the best constructed and styled, as well as the most durable.

These premium frames often come with special features that you won’t find on lesser products, features such as a handcrafted design or the ability to light up at night. If you’ve got the money to spend, there is no harm in splurging on one.

Top License Plate Frame Brands

We don’t think there is a single best license plate frame brand, but GoPlates, Ohuhu, and Bell Automotive are the biggest names in the game.

GoPlates

Founded in 2001, GoPlates manufactures premium “Laser Engraved License Plate Frames” that allow drivers to make impactful statements about themselves. Not only do the company’s frames look great on cars but they also hold up well in harsh driving conditions.

The GoPlates Customized Heavy Duty License Plate Frame is one of our top picks.

Ohuhu

Named after Ohuhu, the sunny and colorful Hawaiian island, Ohuhu is a California-based company that makes a wide variety of products for the beauty, arts and crafts, and home and garden segments. The Ohuhu Matte Aluminum License Plate Frame is one of their best-selling products.

Bell Automotive

When Roy Richter started his auto parts business in the late 1940s in his garage, he probably didn’t expect it to become one of the world’s most reputable producers of racing helmets. Today, Bell Automotive sells a variety of other products, including seat covers, steering wheel covers, tire inflators, and license plate frames.

The company’s highly-rated Universal Black Paw Print Design License Plate Frame is very popular.

Things To Consider When Buying A License Plate Frame

License plate frames on the whole have a very simple design, but that doesn’t mean you can go out and buy one willy nilly. For one thing, you may not even be able to use the frames you want due to several factors you certainly need to consider.

State Laws

To make the lives of law enforcement officers and other government authorities easier, many states and provinces around the world have laws governing the use of license plate frames. Specifically, they don’t want them concealing your plate’s registration tags or other pertinent information. 

Fortunately, most jurisdictions allow the use of slimline plate frames since their thin design typically doesn’t block the registration tags. Semi-wide bottom and wide bottom frames are thicker and more obstructive, and, therefore, may be prohibited.

Either way, always check with your respective government agency to make sure the license plate frame you want complies with all applicable bylaws.

Note: Don’t confuse a license plate frame with a license plate cover. Whereas a frame only holds and secures the license plate at the edges, a cover is a screen that is placed over the surface of the plate. Just because one is illegal in your jurisdiction doesn’t necessarily mean the other is, as well.

Plate Size

License plate sizes vary depending on the country, state, or province of registration. You want a license plate frame that fits your license plate nice and snug so that the plate doesn’t move around, vibrate, or even fall out. 

Always measure the height and width of both items to ensure they are a good fit.

Mounting Style

License plate frames can have either two or four mounting screw holes, and your vehicle will also have two or four screw points depending on its make and model (most vehicles have just two). Make sure they match.

With some vehicles, the front and rear mounting brackets are different. One might have two screw points, while the other has four. Consider your situation before buying anything.

Number of Frames

Pay close attention to how many frames a package comes with since companies will either give you a single- or two-piece set. If you need a license plate frame for both ends of your vehicle, go with a multi-piece set.

Even if you need just one frame, it never hurts to get a second piece, especially if it’s part of a good deal. You’ll have a spare in case something happens to the other one.

Installation Kit

It helps to get a license plate frame that comes with an installation kit. Such a kit will usually include the screws, caps, screwdriver, washers, and other tools needed to easily install the unit.

If, for example, a product doesn’t come with screw caps, finding ones that match the frame may be difficult, and you might end up with an unsightly mismatch.

Features Of The Best License Plate Frame

Not only does finding a good license plate frame require determining whether or not it is compatible with your vehicle and legal in your state or country, but it also requires considering the design and build quality of the frame itself.

Design Aesthetics 

People buy license plate frames mostly for aesthetic reasons — they want to decorate their license plate to improve the overall appearance of their vehicle. If you’re going to buy one, make sure it has a design that you find attractive.

It’s a good thing, then, that license plate frames are available in many different designs. Some come out of the box with simple designs, while others have so much bling that they glitter in the light.

Some frames can even be customized to display unique patterns, texts, and/or colors.

Material Durability

Quality license plate frames are usually made of a metal, namely stainless steel, zinc, aluminum, or carbon fiber. Each type of metal has unique properties that affect the weight and durability of the frame.

Stainless steel frames are sturdy and rust-proof but heavy. By comparison, aluminum frames are lightweight and also rust-resistant but not quite as strong.

Though more durable than aluminum, Zinc isn’t rust-resistant and will corrode if exposed to moisture. If you’re going to buy a zinc license plate frame, make sure it has a protective coating that minimizes rust and corrosion.

Carbon fiber is the most expensive option, and for good reason. It’s highly durable, rust-resistant, and can be easily molded into different patterns. It also has a more premium look than the other materials.

Cheap chrome or plastic frames are always an option if money is tight, but they won’t be as durable or long-lasting as higher quality frames.

Protective Finish

The base material of license plate frames is often coated with a subtle finish that not only enhances the appearance of the frame but also protects it against the elements.

You may want a brushed stainless steel finish that hides smudges and fingerprints, or perhaps a stainless steel finish with a black pearl color that enhances the reflectiveness of the frame.

A black powder coat, on the other hand, will give the frame a classic, more subdued appearance. 

Vibration Control

High-quality license plate frames tend to have designs that minimize or eliminate sound and vibration. They typically come with built-in spacers that act as a barrier between the license plate, frame, and vehicle.

The spacers reduce vibration, the risk of paint damage, and the accumulation of dirt and debris behind the plate frame.

How To Install A License Plate Frame

License plate frames are so easy to install that anyone can do it, and with very basic tools. This step-by-step guide will show you how to install your stylish new frame properly so that it doesn’t vibrate or damage your car’s paint job.

Tools You’ll Need

The installation process requires the following tools and items. If your license plate frame came with an installation kit, it will likely contain everything you need for the job.

• License plate and license plate frame.
• Spacers to buffer your vehicle against the plate/frame and prevent vibration and damage to your paintwork.
• Screw caps for hiding the unsightly screws and achieving a more streamlined look.
• Microfiber towel for wiping down the license plate and frame.
• Screwdriver to fasten the license plate and frame to your vehicle.

Preparing Your Car

It helps to start with a clean slate before installing the license plate frame. Take off your license plate and remove any dirt, debris, or other unwanted substances that might be on it.

You want to also take this opportunity to properly wash and wax the area of the car where the license plate is mounted.

Installing The License Plate Frame

After gathering all the necessary tools and giving your license plate and the area behind it a good cleaning, you’re ready to install the license plate frame(s). Here are the steps:

Step 1. Remove the spacers from their packaging, and align them with your license plate’s mounting holes, making sure their adhesive side is facing outward. Then gently shove the spacers into the holes. 

The spacers will act as a barrier between the plate, the frame, and your car to prevent vibration and protect your paint job.

Step 2. Inert license plate into the frame starting with the bottom edge. Make sure the plate is held in place by the frame’s mounting tabs.

Step 3. Insert the screws through the screw caps without snapping them close.

Step 4. Align the mounting holes of both the license plate and frame with the vehicle’s mounting holes. Slowly thread the capped screws into the holes, and tighten them.

Step 5. Finish off by making sure all the screw caps are snapped into place and use a microfiber towel to remove any smudges or fingerprints.

License Plate Frame FAQs

If you didn’t have time to go through our license plate frame reviews and buying guide sections, the answers to these frequently asked questions highlight many of the major points we covered.

Do I Need A License Plate Frame For My Car?

A license plate is not necessary or legally required, but installing one can give your vehicle more personality and protect its paintwork from damage.

Many products can be customized to have unique patterns, shapes, colors, or slogans.

Are Silicone License Plate Frames Good?

Yes, silicone license plate frames can be a good option since they don’t rust or rattle. However, silicone is a less durable material than stainless steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, and zinc.

Can  A Logo Be Added To A License Plate Frame?

Yes, many license plate frames can be personalized to have the phrase and/or logo of your favorite sports team. However, you will be restricted on the length and size of the lettering and graphic, so plan accordingly.

Are License Plate Frames Legal?

In most states, provinces, and countries around the world, license plate frames can be used on a vehicle as long it doesn’t obstruct the registration tags, letters, or other necessary information on your number plate.

Slimline frames have very thin edges that are unlikely to obstruct any important information and are, therefore, permitted in nearly every jurisdiction. Semi-wide bottom and wide bottom frames have thick edges that may obstruct your plate’s numbers and letters, possibly making them illegal in your jurisdiction. 

Before buying any license plate frame, check that it complies with your jurisdiction’s bylaws.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a spiffy paint job or shiny new wheels to make your car stand out. A custom license plate frame can let you make a bold statement for far less money.

Our detailed license plate frame reviews and buying guide contain all the information you could need to find a great license plate frame that not only looks good but is also durable and well-designed. Just make sure to pick one that can be legally used in your state, province, or country.

What is the best license plate frame? For us, it’s the Sunplus Trade Stainless Steel Mirror License Plate Frame as it’s well-designed, highly durable, rust-resistant, and doesn’t peel. The Indeed BUY Stainless Steel Black License Plate Frame is our budget pick.