🚘 Quick Answer
The standard size for license plate frames in North America is 6 x 12 inches. This applies to both the U.S. and Canada. Most cars on the road are designed to fit this size, though brands must still decide between 2-hole and 4-hole mounting styles to ensure a secure and compliant fit.
Why Size Matters for Brands in 2025
When it comes to aftermarket accessories like license plate frames, standard dimensions aren’t just a technical detail—they directly affect compliance, customer satisfaction, and packaging efficiency.
For U.S. and European distributors sourcing from China, knowing the exact standard size license plate frame ensures:
- ✅ Fewer returns due to misfit
- ✅ Easier packaging and logistics planning
- ✅ Faster time-to-market with ready molds and tooling
As a Chinese OEM license plate frame manufacturer, we’ve seen many brands underestimate this detail—only to face added costs later when products didn’t meet state or retailer requirements.
The Standard Size: 6×12 Inches
- United States → All 50 states require license plates that fit 6 x 12 inch frames.
- Canada → Follows the same dimensions, making it easy to sell across both markets with one SKU.
- Exceptions → Some U.S. states used to allow smaller “novelty plates,” but these are not legal replacements for road use. For mainstream retail, 6×12 inch is the only standard that matters.
📏 In manufacturing, this means molds, printing plates, and packaging are all standardized, helping brands save on tooling costs.
2-Hole vs. 4-Hole Mounting Styles
While the overall size is standardized, the mounting holes differ:
- 2-Hole Frames
- Popular in states where the top screws are sufficient to hold the frame.
- Allows more design space at the bottom for logos, slogans, or decorative patterns.
- Often used in giftable SKUs for Amazon and retail.
- 4-Hole Frames
- Provides extra stability and prevents rattling.
- Favored by OEM-style buyers who prioritize durability.
- Recommended for premium retail packaging or brands selling to stricter states.
As an OEM manufacturer, we often advise U.S. brands to keep both versions in their product lineup to maximize coverage.
Compliance Considerations
Even with the correct size, brands must ensure:
- ❌ No obstruction of registration stickers or state names.
- ❌ Avoid overly thick borders that reduce visibility.
- ✅ Use corrosion-resistant materials (zinc alloy, stainless steel, ABS with UV coating) to pass retail inspections.
Failing compliance checks can result in Amazon listing removals or retailer rejections.
OEM Manufacturing Insights
For brands planning new collections in 2025, here are practical tips from a China-based OEM license plate frame supplier:
- Keep 6×12 inch as your master mold → lowest cost, fastest lead time.
- Offer both 2-hole and 4-hole SKUs → cover different state regulations.
- Plan your packaging early → blister packs and gift sets require slightly different frame edges.
- Consider bulk blank frames → U.S. distributors can add local printing (hot stamp, UV print) for flexible branding.
Final Takeaway
The North American license plate frame standard size is 6 x 12 inches—and this isn’t likely to change. For brands and gift distributors, the key decision isn’t the size itself, but whether to stock 2-hole, 4-hole, or both to stay competitive.
📩 As a Chinese OEM manufacturer, we specialize in helping U.S. and European brands streamline production, stay compliant, and scale efficiently. Contact us if you’d like production-ready insights for your next launch.
