FS-Flush Mount Plate Bracket To Replace Big Ugly Stock Bracket $20/$23

3rd Gen Flush Mount Plate Bracket-$20/$23 Shipped in the United States---As of March 2025 I will be taking a pause in making these brackets. Costs of materials and shipping has increased to the point where I would need to charge almost twice as much as I am now if I was going to continue. Many thanks to all the people who purchased a bracket in the past!

Model FM-3GEN

After selling Low Mount Plate Brackets for 2nd and 3rd Gen for awhile I am offering a new design that eliminates the big, ugly stock license plate holder that comes from the factory.



The cost is $20 shipped via USPS 1st Class Mail or $23 for USPS Priority Mail. If you are interested, just start a conversation by clicking the link under my TW name on the left hand side of this post. Let me know you are interested in the FM-3GEN model in your post.

Here are the bracket details.

Each bracket is made from 1/8" thick aluminum flat bar that is 1.5 inches wide. I cut, counter sink, drill and tap the pieces myself to a pattern I have made. Stainless steel hardware and two felt pads that can be used for spacers are included. Instructions are included. Installation comes with two choices. You can use the included felt spacers to let the bracket sit out from the bumper by about a quarter inch or you can just mount the bracket tight up against the bumper.

Installation does require the temporary removal of the grille to allow access to the back of the bumper cover so the bracket can be attached. Removal of the grille is deceptively easy and requires minimal tools with easy removal of a few bolts and plastic fasteners. Installation takes about 30 minutes if you are taking your time and being careful. The license plate bolts are attached using a hex bit making it more difficult for someone dishonest to remove.

Model FM-3GEN
This bracket is for model years 2016+ with stock bumper that has had the Toyota plate bracket installed previously.

My thanks and gratitude go to Thomas, TW member @Mclovin80 for testing the prototype and doing such a great job of detailing his installation with many pictures!

If you have a 2nd Gen Tacoma and you need the front plate lowered or have a 3rd Gen that has not had the bumper drilled then please check out the other plate bracket models I offer.

2nd Gen Low Mount/No Drill License Plate Bracket-$35 Shipped

3rd Gen Low Mount/No Drill License Plate Bracket $40 Shipped

 

Here are the directions for installation:

Tools needed: 10mm, 11mm sockets, ratchet and small extension, 1/8 hex bit and flat blade screw driver or trim removal tool to pop the plastic retainers out. Optional tools include a drill with a 3/16" drill bit and a razor knife.



Start by removing your license plate to allow access to the two mounting screws behind the plate that hold the big ugly bracket on the bumper cover.



Next, remove the grille by removing the bolts and plastic retaining clips that hold the grille on.





Carefully set aside the grille, bolts and plastic retainers. You now have access to the back of the bumper cover.

The screws used to mount the original big ugly bracket tend to tear up the cover a little bit. You can clean things up a bit if you want by trimming any excess plastic that is sticking out too much and/or by using the drill to make a little cleaner hole.



You are now ready to mount the new license plate bracket. If you want to space the bracket out from the bumper slightly then affix the two felt pads to the back of the bracket and mount the bracket with the provided hardware. Tighten as necessary.


Attach the license plate to the bracket then install the grille and you are all done!

 

I like this solution for those who have already had the factory holder installed. Thankfully I live in a front plate free state and my bumper is unmangled. I would definitely convert to this if it had been installed.

 

I do have a product for the 3rd Gen for people who have unmolested bumpers. Some people in front plate free states want to run a plate celebrating their favorite college team or pro team or Toyota logo, etc. Links to them are in my signature if you ever change your mind....

 

Ordered! Thanks....looking forward to it.

 

Thanks for the order!

 

The first customers should be getting their brackets soon. I am looking forward to a few customers posting pictures of their bracket mounted.

 

Read through this, is there a link to order it, or just send you a PM?

 

You just have to start a conversation.....or, I can start one also...

 

Quick review, it's a fantastic product. Went through a bit of a back and forth with Aaron on install with some design suggestions, but it's a great addition to my truck. I've been looking to replace the offset plate holder I had and this fit the bill perfectly. I took off the factory bracket to reduce my overall length for garage parking (DCLB problems), and originally put some plugs in the factory holes. This bracket is simple, but made very well and comes with good quality hardware. It can be tough to get behind the valence, but it's a simple enough install. Don't be like me and drop one of the nuts into the depths of the bumper, it disappeared immediately.

The only thing I wish he could do is convince my state government to take away the front plate requirement... but that might be a bit out of the scope of this product. Can't speak well enough of Aaron's product and customer service. I highly recommend this to replace that plastic bracket.

 

Thanks for the review. I am always willing to make design improvements. I appreciate you working with me to figure out some subtle improvements. Your truck looks amazing and your pics are fantastic. I like how the plate mounts so close to the bumper, very clean looking. Thanks again!

 

Being in CA and forced to have a front plate, I do actually like the Toyota's mounting for the front plate. However, I wish it was color coded with the rest of the truck. That aside, I'm going to see if some vinyl tubing, slit to allow it to wrap onto the back of the lic plate mount will do the trick. If done right, it would just look like a gasket.

 

Sounds like an interesting solution.

 

Today, I bought the Cowels Door Guard Strips from AutoZone ( $7.99 ) which is a U shape design which I thought would have been a perfect adaptation. To be honest though, they were kinda stiff to work with in the cooler weather in SoCal tonight, i.e. 70ish degrees. I had to open up the U shape ( sorta flattening it out ) in order to get access to the glue goop they use to make it self adhesive and pull it out. In the extreme heat in SoCal and other similar places, that goop just melts and eventually drips out of whatever opening it can find which on vehicle doors, is straight down and makes an ungodly mess under the door. That process of getting the goop out was a PITA, but I didn't want it dripping or splattering on my new Taco ( lesson learned on a previous car ). Still, I got it done and wrapped around the edges and while it looks okay, it's too thick to be pliable enough get around the fine turns/bends and it doesn't allow for a snug fit at the top or bottom long edges, so those are trying to pop off out of place. I'll let this run on the 4th to see if the heat of the day helps it to settle in, but if not, I'll be pulling it off and looking for something else, maybe some micro tubing from Dig at Home Depot split with a box knife to make an U shape opening for install. IIRC, the micro tubing is kinda stiff too, so the jury is still out on this.

 

Fast shipping, great product! Installed mine this evening.

 

Nice beauty shot! Thanks for posting the pic!

 

Just shot you a note. Looking forward to ordering.

 

Got it! Replied!

 

Heck yeah, ordered.

Aaron’s the man!

 

Thanks for the order!