Buy Kia Forte License Plate Bracket

Most Kia Forte owners will need a simple plastic or metal license-plate bracket (also called a plate holder, tag bracket, or number-plate mount) to keep the state plate secure, rust-free, and easy to read. The bracket bolts to the bumper in minutes, yet it also touches legal rules, safety lighting, theft prevention, and styling.

Quick Facts

• 2008-2024 Forte generations share the same 12 × 6-inch U.S. plate size, but bracket shapes differ; first-gen part # 86519-1M000/1M010 fits 2010-2013 cars, while third-gen part # 86519-M7000 covers 2019-2024 sedans
• A factory front molding (# 86529-M7800) lets 2022-2024 owners add a plate without drilling fresh holes
• Forte plate screws are metric M6 × 1.0 × 20 mm; stainless or nylon M6 replacements resist rust and seizing
• U.S. rules say the rear plate must be lit by a white lamp and kept 12-60 inches above the road surface
• As of 2025, 19 states (including Ohio, Utah, and Alaska) now waive a front plate, but most still require two plates

Generations & Fit

Kia built three Forte generations from 2008-2024 .

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Materials

ABS plastic brackets flex, resist salt, and break away in a crash to spare the bumper; powder-coated steel is stiffer but can rust if the paint chips . Choose plastic for harsh winters or automatic car-wash use, steel for high-heat areas where UV fades plastic faster.

Legal Basics

1. Keep the entire plate visible-no frames covering state names.
2. Rear plate must be lit by white light only .
3. Most states demand the plate bottom sit at least 12 inches off the ground; California caps both plates at 60 inches .
4. Check if your state has dropped the two-plate rule; Ohio did in 2020, and Utah followed in 2025 .

Install Steps

1. Gather parts: bracket, four M6 × 1.0 × 20 mm screws, plate, and #2 Phillips screwdriver.
2. Locate dimples: Feel for two starter dimples in the bumper center.
3. Start by hand: Thread screws into the dimples to tap the holes.
4. Level the plate: Tighten until the bracket sits flush; do not overtighten-plastic can crack.
5. Add anti-seize: A dab of silicone keeps the screws from bonding to metal.
6. Check lighting: Verify the rear plate lamp glows white at night.

No-drill option: use a tow-hook mount like the Platypus; it threads into the factory recovery eye and pivots for best angle .

Care & Upkeep

• Wash behind the plate when you clean the bumper to stop grit scratching the paint.
• Spray a plastic bracket with UV-safe protectant twice a year.
• Touch-up rust on a steel bracket right away to keep it solid.
• Re-torque screws after a harsh winter freeze/thaw cycle.

Theft & Security

Plate-swapping thieves now target everyday sedans; a stolen tag can help mask serious crimes (sfchronicle.com). Police advise using tamper-proof or keyed screws so the plate cannot be removed with a common screwdriver (wichita.gov). Stainless M6 security bolts are a direct swap for Forte brackets .

Custom Touches

• Frame inserts: Silicone plate frames cut vibration and keep paint safe.
• Tow-hook relocators: Move the plate to the side for track-day airflow, then return it for street use .
• Quick-release clips: Let you pop the bracket off for detailing without tools.
• Reflective bolts: Add night-time visibility without extra lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size screws hold the Kia Forte plate bracket?
A: Metric M6 × 1.0 × 20 mm pan-head screws fit both front and rear mounts

Q: Do I need a front plate on my Forte?
A: It depends on your state. Nineteen states now allow only a rear plate, but most still require two

Q: How high should the plate sit?
A: Most state laws say at least 12 inches from the ground; California also sets a 60-inch maximum

Q: Does the plate light have to be white?
A: Yes. Federal rules require white illumination so officers can read the plate at night

Q: Can I paint or wrap the bracket?
A: Yes, but use paint or vinyl rated for plastic and keep the mounting holes clear.

Q: What bracket fits a 2012 Forte hatch?
A: The first-gen bracket, part # 86519-1M000 (or 1M010), matches 2010-2013 hatchbacks and sedans

Q: My bumper has no holes. How do I mount a plate without drilling?
A: Use a tow-hook relocator or an adhesive pad kit shown in no-drill tutorials

Q: Will a steel bracket rust?
A: It can if the powder coat chips; plastic resists rust but may fade in strong sun

Q: How do I stop thieves from taking my plates?
A: Fit tamper-proof screws or security bolts; many police departments give them out free

Q: Are special brackets needed for the 2024 facelift?
A: Kia released molding # 86529-M7800 that lines up with the new bumper styling

Q: Do LED plate bulbs pass inspection?
A: Yes, if they shine white light and meet brightness rules under FMVSS 108

Q: Can I relocate the rear plate inside the cabin window?
A: No. Laws in every state require the plate mounted outside, upright, and clearly readable.

Q: What happens if the plate is bent?
A: A bent plate can be ticketed. Replace a damaged bracket so the plate stays flat and legible.