| Best Overall |
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Solid Silicone Black License Plate Frame Covers | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
Made of industrial-grade silicone, these frames are available in several colors and come with five built-in drainage slots. |
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| Best Value |
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BLVD-LPF Carbon Fiber Style License Plate Frame | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
This single frame is plastic but resembles carbon fiber. It has four mounting holes and comes with a 90-day warranty. |
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| Premium Pick |
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CK Formula Black License Plate Frames | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
These black frames are constructed of industrial-grade aluminum. They feature a two-hole mounting system, and hardware is included. |
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Best License Plate Frames Reviews & Recommendations
We like these silicone license plate frames from Solid because they’re weatherproof, rustproof, rattleproof and available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, red, gray, and white. The frames prevent your license plates from corroding and are designed not to scratch your vehicle’s finish. Made of industrial-grade silicone, they are durable and won’t fade, crack or bend, and they feature five built-in drainage slots so rain and ice etc. can leak out.
The plates are designed to hold up in temperatures from -26 to 329 degrees Fahrenheit and keep registration stickers visible, so you don’t have to worry about complying with your state laws. Eight rustproof screws are included, and the frames are easy to install. Overall, license plates fit snugly in the frames, and the silicone is very flexible. However, the screws may be too long for some vehicles, and some of the lighter colors are more apt to attract dirt and grime.
- Silicone, four-hole construction
- Several colors available
- Five drainage holes
Weatherproof, rustproof, and rattleproof
Easy to install
Street legal
Screws may be the wrong size
Lighter colors can attract dirt
Loose if you only use the top two screw holes
If you’re looking for a single license plate frame, you may be interested in this carbon fiber-style option. Made of plastic, it fits most standard license plates and features four mounting holes. The frame can also be customized with the text of your choice should you decide to add some personality to your ride. It also comes with a 90-day warranty should you experience any problems.
The frame is designed to withstand car washes, rain, and other weather conditions. It is easy to install, and it provides a sleek, clean look overall, particularly if you have a black vehicle. The screws and screw caps are included, and the build quality is good. One downside is that the frame is flat, so it doesn’t wrap around your license plate. Also, the screws may be too long for some vehicles, and you can tell the product isn’t actually carbon fiber.
- Plastic with four mounting holes
- Universal fit
- 90-day warranty
Weather-resistant
Easy to install
Sleek, clean design
Doesn’t wrap around license plate
Screws may be the wrong size
Not made of actual carbon fiber
These black license plate frames from CK Formula are made of industrial-grade aluminum, so they are lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant. They are also weatherproof, so they can withstand the elements, and they are safe to use in automatic car washes. The frames are designed to prevent license plates from bending and corroding and they also feature a slim design, so your state’s name and registration stickers are clearly visible.
This product comes with anti-theft caps that help secure the plates to your vehicle so they don’t rattle. They’re also easy to install and come with stainless steel screws and cap covers. Overall, they’re well-made and have a simple design that blends in with your vehicle. The frames are also sturdy and stay in place. One downside is that these frames are a little expensive compared to some rival options. You may also need to use different screws to attach them to your vehicle.
- Aluminum with two mounting holes
- Slim design
- Anti-theft caps included
Lightweight and durable
Weatherproof
Easy to install
Pricey
Screws may not be the right size
Only one color available
Zonetech’s two-pack of frames feature a smoky tinted bubble design that is dark but won’t obscure the numbers on the plate and cause issues with law enforcement. The frames protect plates in various weather conditions, including rain and snow, and are designed not to break or shatter. They look great on black vehicles, but they are also fine for other cars and trucks and the frames are made of acrylic with a UV-resistant stabilizer, so they won’t discolor or crack due to exposure to the sun’s damaging rays and are designed to last a long time.
These frames are easy to install, and all necessary hardware (screws, washers, nuts, screw caps, etc.) and tools are included. Overall, they provide a subtle yet sleek look for your vehicle, and since the license plate information is clearly visible, you shouldn’t be pulled over by police. One downside is that they don’t work well on vehicles that have two holes instead of four that only secure the top of the frames. They can also crack when you’re installing them if you use too much pressure.
- Two, four-hole acrylic frames
- Tinted bubble design
- UV protection
Easy to install
Provides weather protection
Stylish, smoky look
Can crack during installation with too much pressure
Not a great option for vehicles with only two screw holes
These two license plate frames from Ohuhu feature a chrome-like finish and are a good choice if you seek a simple, clean-looking accessory on your vehicle. The frames are made of stainless steel, so they won’t rust or corrode in rain or snow. They each have four holes instead of two, so you can securely fit them on the front and back of your vehicle. One standout feature with this product is that its slim design won’t block state registration tags in any of the four corners.
The frames are easy to install, and all the hardware, such as the screws, screw caps, screw fasteners, and screwdriver, are included. They also come with self-adhesive foam pads to prevent the frames from scratching your vehicle. They hold up well in automatic car washes, and they add a stylish but not over-the-top look to your vehicle. However, the screws may not fit all vehicles, so you may need to use the ones that came with your car. The caps are also made of plastic, not stainless steel, and the edges of the frames are a little sharp.
- Two, four-hole frames
- Stainless steel construction
- Hardware included
Won’t rust or corrode
Slim design won’t block registration tags
Clean, sleek chrome-like finish
Screws may not fit all vehicles
Caps are plastic
Frame edges are sharp
How We Selected the Best License Plate Frames
We looked at a lot of criteria when selecting license plate frames. First, we made sure to recommend products that are built to last. After all, you want to invest in a product that’s durable and designed to withstand the elements, road grime, and general wear and tear. We also made sure to pick products that accommodate standard U.S. license plates and are a universal fit for most cars, trucks, and SUVs. We took a look at customer feedback and made sure that our list contained products that weren’t too expensive. Rattle-free construction was also a main factor in our decision-making process because it can be irritating to hear your license plate make noise when you’re driving or simply shutting your trunk.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Buying Guide/What to Look For
License plate frames are available in a variety of styles and designs, and we focused on the simpler, more basic options. However, you can find products that are flashier should you choose to make a bolder statement on your vehicle. We considered features such as material, price, mounting options, and weatherproofing abilities, among other things.
What to Consider When Buying License Plate Frames
Types
Slim Design
If you’re not too concerned about style and want a basic design, then a slim-style frame is the way to go. These license plate frames feature a thin trim around all four edges. They allow important information to be visible, including your state’s name, motto, and registration tags. These frames are the least flashy and are more purposeful in nature.
Stylish Design
If you want to turn heads with your license plate frame, you have a lot of options. Many are customizable, and you can add the text of your choice (i.e., support your favorite football team or express your patriotism). You can also let other motorists know that you’re a member of the military or an alumni from a particular institution or college. Some products include rhinestones or crystals that make a bold statement. If you like to show off your personality, you can easily do so with a license plate frame.
Bubble Design
Some license plate frames feature clear, bubble-like covers. They extend away from the plate and keep it clean and new-looking. These products are designed to protect your plate from the environment. The “shields” are durable and made to last a long time. Some are also tinted, but you need to make sure they’re street legal and the plate numbers are clearly visible to law enforcement.
License Plate Frames Key Features
Material Construction
A license plate frame should be made of high-quality materials in order to withstand a variety of weather conditions, including snow, rain, UV rays, and automatic car washes. All of these things can damage license plates as well as the frames and cause them to fade or crack. The best options are made of stainless steel and aluminum, but silicone is another good option. Frames made of plastic are less expensive, but they won’t last as long.
Mounting/Installation
Before choosing a license plate frame, check to see if your vehicle has two or four mounting holes. If it only has two, you may want a frame that has just two holes. If your vehicle has four mounting holes, it’s better if the frame has the same number because it will be less likely to rattle.
License Plate Frames Tips and Tricks
As with something you do for decades upon decades, you pick up a few tips and tricks along the way in terms of selecting the right product, and/or using it. To help you bridge the information gap, here’s a selection of what we’ve learned along the way.
- To avoid rust and corrosion, use stainless steel hardware if possible. You may need to purchase this separately from the license plate frame kit.
- Be careful when choosing frames with tinted screen covers or bubbles. They may be illegal if the information is obscured and difficult to read. If the screen is clear, it should be okay.
- Be aware that frames that are painted may fade fairly easily, which can be unsightly.
FAQs
Silicone does a good job of protecting plates from rusting, and it’s more durable than plastic. Silicone license plate frames are also soft and flexible, so they won’t damage your vehicle’s finish.
No, license plate frames are not legally required. However, if you do choose to use one, make sure it doesn’t cover important information on the license plate such as the state name and the registration tags.
First, make sure all the screws are tightened. If necessary, you can add some foam padding or rubber washers to the back.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best license plate frame is the Solid Silicone Black License Plate Frame Covers. They’re durable, won’t fade, crack, or bend, and are weatherproof, rustproof and rattle proof. Plus, they’re available in several colors, so you can choose the best one to match your vehicle’s exterior.
