License Plate Sizes: Complete Guide by Country and State
License plates come in standardized sizes that vary by country, state, and vehicle type. Understanding these dimensions is essential for mounting brackets, replacement plates, and custom plate frames. This comprehensive guide covers license plate sizes across the United States, international standards, and specialty plate dimensions for 2026.
United States Standard License Plate Dimensions
The vast majority of US states use a standard license plate size established decades ago. However, some states have unique dimensions or mounting requirements.
| Plate Type | Width | Height | Mounting Holes | Used By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard US Plate | 12" (305 mm) | 6" (152 mm) | 7" apart (horizontal) | 49 states + DC |
| Motorcycle Plate | 7" (178 mm) | 4" (102 mm) | Varies by state | All states |
| Trailer Plate | 12" (305 mm) | 6" (152 mm) | Standard (7" apart) | Most states |
| Dealer Plate | 12" (305 mm) | 6" (152 mm) | Standard (7" apart) | All states |
US State-Specific Variations
While most US states conform to the 12" × 6" standard, some states have historically used different sizes or have unique mounting characteristics.
| State/Territory | Standard Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama - Wyoming | 12" × 6" | Standard 4-hole mounting (7" horizontal, 4.5" vertical) |
| Puerto Rico | 12" × 6" | Standard mounting, bilingual plates |
| US Virgin Islands | 12" × 6" | Standard mounting |
| Guam | 12" × 6" | Standard mounting |
| Washington DC | 12" × 6" | "Taxation Without Representation" slogan |
Mounting Hole Specifications
US standard license plates feature four mounting holes with these specifications:
- Horizontal spacing: 7 inches (177.8 mm) center-to-center
- Vertical spacing: 4.5 inches (114.3 mm) center-to-center
- Hole diameter: 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or 7/32" slotted holes
- Edge clearance: Typically 0.5" from edges
International License Plate Sizes
License plate dimensions vary significantly worldwide, with different regions adopting their own standards.
European Union Standard Plates
| Country/Type | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Standard (Single Row) | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | Most common, blue EU stripe on left |
| EU Standard (Two Row) | 340 × 200 mm | 13.4" × 7.9" | Used when single row doesn't fit |
| UK Standard (Post-Brexit) | 520 × 111 mm | 20.5" × 4.4" | Can have UK identifier or flag |
| UK Square Plate | 285 × 203 mm | 11.2" × 8.0" | For vehicles with limited space |
| Germany Standard | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | EU standard format |
| France Standard | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | SIV system since 2009 |
| Italy Standard | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | EU format |
| Spain Standard | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | EU format |
Asia-Pacific Region
| Country | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (Standard) | 330 × 165 mm | 13.0" × 6.5" | White plates (private), green/yellow (commercial) |
| Japan (Compact Cars) | 230 × 125 mm | 9.1" × 4.9" | Yellow plates for kei cars |
| Australia (Standard) | 372 × 134 mm | 14.6" × 5.3" | Varies slightly by state |
| Australia (Motorcycle) | 250 × 100 mm | 9.8" × 3.9" | Smaller format |
| New Zealand | 370 × 134 mm | 14.6" × 5.3" | Similar to Australian standard |
| China (Standard) | 440 × 140 mm | 17.3" × 5.5" | Blue plates (private), yellow (commercial) |
| India (Standard) | 500 × 120 mm | 19.7" × 4.7" | High security plates since 2019 |
| South Korea | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | Similar to EU standard |
Other Regions
| Country | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (inches) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (Standard) | 305 × 152 mm | 12.0" × 6.0" | Same as US standard |
| Mexico (Standard) | 305 × 152 mm | 12.0" × 6.0" | Same as US standard |
| Brazil (Mercosur) | 400 × 130 mm | 15.7" × 5.1" | New Mercosur standard (2018+) |
| Argentina (Mercosur) | 400 × 130 mm | 15.7" × 5.1" | Mercosur format |
| South Africa | 520 × 114 mm | 20.5" × 4.5" | Close to EU standard |
| Saudi Arabia | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | Arabic and English text |
| UAE | 520 × 110 mm | 20.5" × 4.3" | Arabic and English text |
Motorcycle License Plates by Region
Motorcycle plates are typically smaller than standard automotive plates, but dimensions vary significantly by country.
| Region/Country | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US (Most States) | 7" × 4" (178 × 102 mm) | Standard motorcycle plate |
| EU Standard | 220 × 200 mm (8.7" × 7.9") | Square format, effective 2026 |
| UK Motorcycle | 228 × 164 mm (9.0" × 6.5") | Standard size for motorcycles |
| Australia Motorcycle | 250 × 100 mm (9.8" × 3.9") | Horizontal format |
| Japan Motorcycle | 230 × 125 mm (9.1" × 4.9") | Same as kei car plates |
| Canada Motorcycle | 7" × 4" (178 × 102 mm) | Same as US standard |
Specialty and Custom License Plates
Various specialty plates exist for different vehicle types and purposes, though most adhere to standard dimensions.
US Specialty Plate Types
| Plate Type | Size | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Vanity/Personalized | 12" × 6" | Custom text, standard size |
| Collegiate/University | 12" × 6" | School logos, standard size |
| Military/Veterans | 12" × 6" | Service branch insignia |
| Disabled/Handicapped | 12" × 6" | Wheelchair symbol included |
| Antique/Classic Car | 12" × 6" | For vehicles 25+ years old (varies by state) |
| Environmental/Green | 12" × 6" | For hybrid/electric vehicles |
| Farm/Agricultural | 12" × 6" | For farm equipment and vehicles |
| Government/Official | 12" × 6" | For government-owned vehicles |
License Plate Frame Dimensions
License plate frames must accommodate the plate size plus mounting hardware. Here are standard frame sizes:
| Frame Type | Outer Dimensions | Plate Opening | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Standard Frame | 12.25" × 6.25" | 12" × 6" | 0.125" border all around |
| US Wide-Border Frame | 13" × 7" | 12" × 6" | 0.5" border (advertising space) |
| Motorcycle Frame | 7.25" × 4.25" | 7" × 4" | 0.125" border |
| EU Standard Frame | 540 × 130 mm | 520 × 110 mm | 10mm border |
| Slim-Line Frame | 12.125" × 6.125" | 12" × 6" | Minimal 0.0625" border |
License Plate Materials and Thickness
Beyond dimensions, license plate construction varies by material and thickness, affecting mounting requirements.
| Material Type | Typical Thickness | Weight | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum (Standard US) | 0.025" - 0.032" (0.6 - 0.8 mm) | 3-4 oz | Excellent, rust-resistant |
| Steel (Older Plates) | 0.024" - 0.030" (0.6 - 0.76 mm) | 5-6 oz | Good, can rust |
| Acrylic (EU/Modern) | 1.5 - 3 mm | 2-3 oz | Good, UV-resistant |
| Plastic/Polymer | 2 - 4 mm | 2-4 oz | Fair to good, flexible |
Historical License Plate Sizes
License plate dimensions have evolved over time. Some historical variations include:
- Pre-1956 US plates: Varied significantly by state, no standard size
- 1956 Standardization: Most states adopted 12" × 6" format
- 1970s variations: Some states experimented with different formats
- Square plates: Used by some states in early 1900s (roughly 8" × 8")
- Narrow plates: Some states used 12" × 5" in the 1940s-50s
Mounting Considerations
Front vs. Rear Plate Requirements
In the United States, license plate requirements vary by state:
- Two-plate states (31 states + DC): Require both front and rear plates
- One-plate states (19 states): Require only rear plate
- States requiring only rear: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia
Mounting Hardware
| Hardware Type | Size/Specification | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Screws | #14 × 3/4" sheet metal screws | Most common mounting |
| Security Screws | #14 × 3/4" one-way screws | Anti-theft, can only tighten |
| Bolts with Nuts | 1/4"-20 × 3/4" bolts | Through-hole mounting |
| Snap-in Clips | Proprietary sizes | Tool-free installation |
Digital and Electronic License Plates
Some jurisdictions are piloting digital license plates, which maintain traditional dimensions but use e-ink or LED displays.
| Type | Size | Availability (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Reviver Digital Plate | 12" × 6" (US Standard) | CA, AZ, MI, TX (limited) |
| E-Ink Display Plate | 12" × 6" | Pilot programs in multiple states |
| EU Digital Plate | 520 × 110 mm | Under development |
License Plate Size Regulations
Visibility Requirements
Most jurisdictions have specific regulations about plate visibility and mounting:
- Height from ground: Typically 12" minimum, 60" maximum
- Horizontal positioning: Centered on vehicle width (usually)
- Lighting: Rear plate must be illuminated at night (white light)
- Obstruction: No frames, covers, or devices that obscure characters
- Tinting: Most states prohibit tinted or smoked plate covers
- Orientation: Must be mounted horizontally (not vertical)
Cover and Frame Restrictions
- Clear covers: Allowed in most states if not tinted
- Frame borders: Must not cover registration stickers or state name
- Reflectivity: Cannot reduce plate reflectivity below standards
- Advertising frames: Generally allowed if compliant with coverage rules
Choosing the Right Plate and Frame
For US Vehicles
- Standard cars/trucks: 12" × 6" plate, standard 4-hole mounting
- Motorcycles: 7" × 4" plate, verify state-specific mounting
- Antique vehicles: May use vintage-size plates in some states
- Imports without mounting holes: Use adhesive mount or drilling kit
For International Vehicles
- US car in Europe: May need adapter brackets for EU-size plates
- European car in US: Adapter brackets to fit 12" × 6" plates
- Temporary import: Check country requirements for foreign plates
Replacement and Custom Plates
Ordering Replacement Plates
When ordering replacement plates, you'll need:
- State of registration
- Vehicle type (auto, motorcycle, trailer, etc.)
- Current registration information
- Reason for replacement (lost, damaged, stolen)
Custom Plate Considerations
- Character limits: Typically 7-8 characters (varies by state)
- Spacing: Some states count spaces, others don't
- Prohibited content: Profanity, offensive terms, confusing characters
- Cost: $25-$100 initial fee, plus $10-$50 annual renewal
- Availability check: Must verify desired combination is available
License Plate Size Comparison
Here's a quick visual reference for comparing major license plate sizes:
| Region | Width (inches) | Height (inches) | Aspect Ratio | Area (sq in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 12.0" | 6.0" | 2:1 | 72 sq in |
| European Union | 20.5" | 4.3" | 4.76:1 | 88 sq in |
| UK (Standard) | 20.5" | 4.4" | 4.66:1 | 90 sq in |
| Australia | 14.6" | 5.3" | 2.75:1 | 77 sq in |
| Japan | 13.0" | 6.5" | 2:1 | 85 sq in |
| China | 17.3" | 5.5" | 3.14:1 | 95 sq in |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all US license plates the same size?
Yes, all 50 US states and territories use the standard 12" × 6" size for passenger vehicles. Motorcycle plates are uniformly 7" × 4".
Can I use a European plate in the United States?
No, you must use US-issued plates that meet the 12" × 6" standard. European plates are too wide (20.5") and too narrow (4.3") for US mounting brackets.
Do I need a front license plate in all states?
No, only 31 states plus Washington DC require front license plates. 19 states require only a rear plate.
What size screws do I need to mount a license plate?
Standard #14 × 3/4" sheet metal screws or 1/4"-20 × 3/4" bolts work for most applications.
Can I mount a 12" × 6" plate on a European car?
Yes, but you'll likely need an adapter bracket since European cars typically have mounting points for the wider EU-standard plates.
Are digital license plates legal?
Digital plates are legal in some states (California, Arizona, Michigan, Texas) but must meet the same 12" × 6" size standard as traditional metal plates.
How much space do I need for a license plate frame?
Standard frames add about 0.125"-0.5" to each dimension, so plan for approximately 13" × 7" of space for a US plate with frame.
Can I use vintage license plates on an antique car?
This varies by state. Some states allow original plates for vehicles over 25-30 years old, while others require modern plates regardless of vehicle age.