Best OverallPilot Automotive
Pilot Automotive Clear License Plate Cover
In: Best License Plate Covers 2026
- UV-resistant polycarbonate construction
- Universal fit for standard US license plates
Category guide
License Plate Covers and Frames: What's Legal and What to Buy
Plate frames protect plates and add style, but tinted or obscuring covers are illegal in many states.
- 2 roundups · 1 reviews · 1 comparisons · 4 guides
- Updated
- No paid placements
Shop the shortlist
Top license plate covers we recommend
Standout picks from our best-of lists. Tap any product for features, pros and cons.
- Aootf
Aootf Silicone License Plate Frames (2-Pack)
In: Best License Plate Frames 2026
- Rust-proof and rattle-free
- Drainage holes
- Aootf
Aootf Stainless Steel License Plate Frames (2-Pack)
In: Best License Plate Frames 2026
- Polished stainless look
- Screw caps included
Best by need
Best license plate covers for every buyer
Ranked shortlists for specific budgets and use cases. Start with the one that matches yours.
- Best License Plate Covers 2026: Clear, Tinted, and Protective OptionsLicense plate covers protect against weather, road debris, and UV fading. We compared clear, tinted, and smoked covers for fit, clarity, andSee the picks
- Best License Plate Frames 2026: Stainless Steel, Carbon Fiber, and Custom OptionsLicense plate frames protect the border of your plate and improve the look of a bare mounting point.See the picks
Know before you buy
About License Plate Covers
Many states ban covers that tint, blur or block any part of a license plate, including registration stickers. Clear covers and slim frames are generally safer choices, but check your state's laws.
Stainless steel and silicone frames resist rust and rattling.
How to choose a license plate cover or frame
Legality
Avoid tinted or reflective covers that obscure numbers.
Slim frames
Keep state names and stickers visible.
Material
Stainless steel and silicone resist rust.
Rattle prevention
Silicone frames reduce vibration noise.
Hardware
Use rust-resistant screws.
Research-based picks from specs, independent reviews and owner feedback.
No paid placements, ever.
Our methodologyQuick buying tips
What matters most in license plate covers
- Avoid tinted or reflective covers that obscure numbers.
- Keep state names and stickers visible.
- Stainless steel and silicone resist rust.
- Silicone frames reduce vibration noise.
- Use rust-resistant screws.
Deep dives
In-depth reviews
Learn first
Buying guides & how-tos
- Buying guideHow to Install a License Plate Cover: Step-by-Step GuideInstalling a license plate cover takes 5-10 minutes with a screwdriver. This guide covers the tools needed, removal of the old plate, correcRead
- Buying guideLicense Plate Cover Buying Guide: Covers, Frames, and What to AvoidClear covers protect your plate from weather and UV damage. Frames protect the border. Tinted, smoked, or anti-camera covers are illegal in Read
- Buying guideLicense Plate Cover Cracking: Why It Happens and How to Fix ItCheap license plate covers crack within one or two winters. Here is why polycarbonate fails in cold climates, what to look for when buying aRead
- Buying guideAre License Plate Covers Legal? What the Law Actually SaysA state-by-state look at license plate cover laws: what makes a cover legal versus illegal, why tinted and reflective covers get drivers ticRead
- Buying guideDo Anti-Camera License Plate Covers Actually Work?What the evidence says about photo-blocking and anti-camera license plate covers: how they claim to work, what independent testing has actuaRead
Answers
License Plate Covers: common questions
What is the best license plate cover to buy?
One of our strongest picks is the Pilot Automotive Clear License Plate Cover, a standout in our Best License Plate Covers 2026 list. The Aootf Silicone License Plate Frames (2-Pack) is another excellent choice.
How do I choose the right license plate covers?
Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best License Plate Covers 2026, Best License Plate Frames 2026.
What should I look for when buying license plate covers?
Avoid tinted or reflective covers that obscure numbers.
Are tinted license plate covers legal anywhere in the US?
No US state explicitly permits tinted license plate covers. Most states require plates to be legible from a minimum distance (typically 50-100 feet). Tinted covers reduce visibility and create liability even in states that do not have explicit cover laws. The practical risk is a fix-it ticket or warning on first offense in most jurisdictions.
What is the point of a clear cover if it doesn't change appearance?
Clear covers protect the plate from UV fading (relevant in high-sun states), debris impacts that chip the plate face, moisture penetration behind embossed characters, and road salt. Plates in states like Arizona and Texas visibly fade within 3-5 years without UV protection. The protection is functional, not cosmetic.
What size screws do license plates use?
Standard US license plates use 1/4-20 screws or 6mm metric screws depending on the vehicle make. Most plate frames and covers include the correct screws. Older vehicles may have #14 sheet metal screws. If the included screws do not fit, take an existing screw to a hardware store to match the thread.
Do I need to remove the plate to install a license plate cover?
Yes, for a full-face cover that snaps over the plate. The plate must be removed to place the cover behind the plate. For frame-only products that mount over the face without covering it, you only need to remove the screws to slide the frame over the plate.
Do I need a front license plate cover?
If your state requires a front plate: yes, a cover can protect it from debris impacts that chip and fade the plate. If your state is one of the 20 rear-only states (Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and others), you only need to protect the rear plate.