Are magnetic number plates legal? Will they fall off? Which kit fits your car? Everything you need to know, from the makers of the original Plateless® kit.
Magnetic Number Plate Holders: Your Questions Answered
Also known as magnetic license plate holders or mounts. Everything you need to know about the original Plateless® kit.
Plateless® (formerly Magna Plates) makes the original magnetic number plate kit. It lets you take your plate off in seconds, without tools, and put it back just as quickly. Below are the questions we're asked most often. If yours isn't here, email sales@plateless.com.
What is a magnetic number plate holder?
A magnetic number plate holder (called a magnetic license plate holder or mount in the US) attaches your plate to your car with magnets instead of screws. You can lift the plate off by hand and refit it in seconds. There's no drilling and no screw holes left behind.
Is Plateless the original magnetic plate kit?
Yes. Plateless, formerly Magna Plates, is the original magnetic number plate mounting system. Every kit is designed and manufactured in the UK, and PLATELESS is a UK registered trade mark (UK00004160130) for magnetic number plate holders. Plenty of similar products have appeared since, but this is where it started.
Why would I want a removable number plate?
Most of our customers are car enthusiasts who don't want their registration showing in photos and videos online. Take the plate off for a shoot or a car show and you won't need to blur it out afterwards. You also get a clean front and rear end with no screw holes or brackets on show, which suits lease cars, new cars and performance cars.
Which Plateless kit do I need?
It depends on where your plate is mounted and what that area is made of:
- Full Kit (Front & Rear): our best-value option. Pick the kits you need for both ends and save 10% compared with buying them separately.
- Standard Plastic Bumper Kit: the original kit, for plates on a plastic front or rear bumper, or on a non-steel (carbon or aluminium) tailgate.
- Steel Tailgate Kit: for plates mounted directly on a steel tailgate (trunk or boot lid).
- Honeycomb Grille Kit: a clip-on solution for honeycomb grilles, such as Audi RS models, without damaging the grille.
- BMW G87 M2 Front Kit: made to fit the unique curve of the G87 M2 front bumper.
- Show Plate Kit: includes an extra set of magnets so you can swap between your road plate and a show plate in seconds.
Not sure? Use the kit finder on plateless.com or browse the full collection.
Is my tailgate steel or plastic?
Try a fridge magnet where your plate sits. If it sticks, you need the Steel Tailgate Kit. Steel tailgate examples include the BMW M2, Audi A3, S3 and RS3, Mercedes A-Class, Alfa Romeo Giulia and MINI Hatch. If it doesn't stick, choose the Plastic Kit. Examples include the Porsche 911, VW Golf, BMW M140i, Renault Megane, Vauxhall Corsa and Astra VXR. The Steel Kit won't work on carbon or aluminium.
How does the Plastic Bumper Kit work?
The kit has 4 Plateless pads that go on the back of your plate and 8 magnets that fit inside the bumper, behind where the plate sits. The pads and the internal magnets need to line up exactly, so take your time positioning them. Step-by-step instructions are in our fitting guides.
Do I need to drill holes?
No. Plateless kits use soft foam-backed magnetic pads and high-strength backing tape, so there's no drilling, no screws and no permanent fixings.
Will it damage my paintwork?
No. The pads are thin and topped with soft foam, so the magnets never touch your paint directly.
Will a magnetic number plate fall off while driving?
No, as long as the full kit is fitted correctly. Plateless kits are tested at motorway speeds and on track, including at the Nürburgring, on cars from McLarens to a 1000bhp VW Golf R. The plate stays put with no rattling or vibration.
Does it work in rain and cold weather?
Plateless kits are built for year-round use and hold firm in rain, cold and heat.
Will it work with a short or custom plate?
Yes. Our kits work with short and custom-size plates. The only requirement is that your plate is more than 80 mm tall.
Does the kit include a number plate?
No. Kits and plates are sold separately. We also sell 3D Gel, 4D Acrylic and Standard Printed plates if you need new ones.
Are magnetic number plates legal?
Yes. In the UK, the law covers the plate itself and how clearly it's displayed, not how it's fixed. Use a BS AU 145e-compliant plate and keep it fitted whenever you drive on public roads. Take it off for photos, shows and when you're parked up. Read more in our guide: Are magnetic number plates legal in the UK?. Outside the UK, check your local rules (in the US, your state's license plate laws).
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide, with express delivery available in the UK. Overseas prices exclude UK VAT. International customers pay any local import duties or fees on delivery, so the total usually works out about the same as the UK price. See our shipping policy.
Can I become a stockist?
Yes. We work with stockists and distributors around the world. Email sales@plateless.com for wholesale details.
What is your returns policy?
Kits can be returned unused and in their original packaging. Send them to: Plateless Ltd, Unit 13 Sutton Oak Drive, Sutton Road, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 3PH. Write RETURN, your name and your order number clearly on the parcel. Full details are in our refund policy.
Ready to go plateless? Find your kit at plateless.com