Most Ford Tremor trucks and SUVs come with pre-drilled holes in the front and rear bumpers, making installation straightforward. However, before you pick up a screwdriver, it is important to understand the difference between your state-issued registration and a decorative Tremor license plate.
Know Your Placement: Front vs. Rear
In the United States, your official state-issued plate must always be mounted on the rear bumper. Replacing your legal registration with a decorative plate on the back of your vehicle is not recommended.
However, a decorative plate (a novelty plate) is the perfect accessory for the front of your truck if you live in a “Single-Plate State.”
Check Your Bumper Holes
Ford builds the Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty (F-250/F-350), Ranger, Maverick, and the upcoming 2026 Explorer with specific mounting points. If the holes are already there, a plastic bracket is often just extra weight. You can mount your Tremor license plate directly to the front bumper using factory screws.
If you are in a state that requires a front registration plate, you can still add a premium Au-TOMOTIVE GOLD, Inc. license frame around your official stale issued license plate to tie the look together.
Guard Your Paint
Off-road fun can create a lot of vibration. Even a securely bolted Tremor license plate can work itself loose over time and the ensuing vibration can scratch your finish over time.
If you are direct mounting against painted surfaces then we recommend using spacers behind the plate to create a small protective gap. This prevents the metal edges from rubbing against your painted surfaces when you’re hitting the trails.
Use Rust-Proof Hardware
Road salt, mud and high moisture environments can compromise inexpensive zinc plated screws over time. If you reside in an area where these conditions are prevalent, then we recommend you upgrade to stainless steel bolts for your license plates or frames.
This ensures the hardware won’t rust or seize, allowing you to swap or clean your plates without stripping the screw heads or damaging the plastic anchors in your bumper.
Style Your Off-Road Rig
A blank bumper looks unfinished, but a decorative Tremor license plate can make your vehicles front-end pop.
Matching the plate’s accents to the recovery hooks on your Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty (F-250/F-350), Ranger, Maverick and Explorer can create a stylish clean look. It’s the easiest way to tie the “Tremor” theme together while staying within legal guidelines for front-end decor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1) Why choose stainless steel over plastic?
Trucks handle tough conditions. Plastic brackets become brittle in the sun and can snap in the cold. A stainless-steel setup provides a durable “sandwich” for your Tremor license plate, ensuring it stays secure during high-speed highway driving and bumpy off-road excursions.
Q.2) Can I put a decorative license plate on the back of my truck?
No. The rear bumper must always display your official, DMV-issued registration plate. Novelty plates are intended for front-bumper use only in states where a front state plate isn’t required.
Q.3) Will a metal frame scratch my paint?
It can if mounted directly to the body. To protect your truck, use washers to create a cushion/gap between the metal frame and the paint.
Q.4) Can I use a frame on my rear plate?
Yes! While you cannot replace the rear license plate with a decorative plate, you can absolutely use a high-quality frame around your legal registration, provided it doesn’t obscure the numbers, the state name, or your validation stickers.
Key Points
- Decorative plates are front-only accessories and cannot replace legal rear registration in any U.S. state.
- It is legal to display a novelty logo plate on the front bumper in the 22 states that do not require a second state-issued plate.
- Au-TOMOTIVE Gold, Inc. recommends upgrading to T304 stainless steel and rust-proof hardware to survive the mud, salt, and vibration of off-road driving.
- Using high-quality frames around official rear plates is a legal way to style your truck as long as state names and stickers remain visible.
- Always check that plate brackets do not block your Ford’s factory sensors for adaptive cruise control or parking assistance.
Lock Down Your Custom Style
Upgrading your truck’s look with a Tremor license plate or license frame is a simple DIY project that has a huge visual impact on your Truck or SUV.=
To ensure a professional finish that won’t flake, rust, or peel, check out the premium stainless-steel options from Au-TOMOTIVE GOLD, INC. Our officially licensed products offer the durability and high-end look your Tremor deserves.