Stealth License Plate Curtain Single Plate Kit (USA/Canada)
A motorized license plate curtain is a remote-controlled device that slides a black panel over your license plate in under 2 seconds — fully concealing it at the press of a button, then retracting completely when you're done. The PlateVanish Stealth Plate Curtain is the most trusted remote license plate hider for USA and Canadian plates: 1,400+ customers, 28 countries, built and backed in Glendale, Arizona.
Designed for car shows, track days, and photo shoots where you want a clean, plate-free look — without physically removing your plate every time. No tools needed at the event. No fumbling in the parking lot. One button from up to 50 meters away and your plate disappears. One button and it's back.
What's in the Box — Single Plate Kit
- 1× Stealth Curtain Frame (mounts front or rear — your choice)
- 1× Control Unit (cigarette lighter powered)
- 1× Wireless Remote (pre-paired from factory — no setup required)
- 1× Cable Connector
- 1× Power Cable (12V DC)
- 1× Interior Status Indicator — glows when plate is covered, dark when plate is visible
- 1× Mounting Hardware (bolts to existing plate holes)
Specs at a Glance
- Concealment speed: 1.5 seconds
- Remote range: 50 meters / 165 ft
- Power: DC 12V · 2W draw
- Frame size: 167mm × 320mm (6.57" × 12.6")
- Frame depth: 25mm (1") — tight clearance compatible
- Max plate size: 157mm × 309mm (6.18" × 12.16")
- Fits: Standard 12" × 6" USA, Canada plates
- Weather resistance: Sun, rain, snow — anti-rust construction
- Warranty: 1-year from date of receipt
How Does a License Plate Curtain Work?
A compact electric motor sits inside the curtain frame, which bolts directly to your existing license plate mounting holes. A wireless receiver inside the housing listens for your key fob — when you press the button, the motor engages and a solid black curtain panel slides down over the face of your plate in 1.5 seconds. Press again and the curtain rolls back up, leaving your plate completely exposed with zero obstruction.
The included interior status indicator sits on your dashboard or center console — it glows when the plate is covered, goes dark when it's clear. No second-guessing from the driver's seat.
Unlike a license plate flipper, which rotates the entire plate assembly 180° and requires 3–4 inches of clearance behind the bumper, the curtain design operates entirely on the face of the plate. That makes it compatible with modern sports cars, sedans, and trucks where bumper depth is limited. It also produces no loud mechanical clunk — just a quiet, smooth slide.
Why Car Enthusiasts Choose the Curtain Over Other Options
You've got four ways to hide a license plate: curtain, flipper, fogger, or vanisher. Here's the honest breakdown:
- Curtain (this product) — slides a black panel across the plate face. Most compatible with modern vehicles. Lowest profile. Quietest operation. Best choice if you have limited bumper clearance.
- Flipper — rotates the plate 180°. Dramatic, satisfying flip action. Requires more rear-bumper depth. Bulkier housing. Better for vehicles with deep plate recesses.
- Fogger — electronic PDLC film goes opaque at the press of a button. No moving parts. Ultra-thin. More expensive. Best for buyers who want zero visible hardware.
- Vanisher — retracts the plate entirely under the bumper. Most dramatic concealment. Universal fit. Front plate only. Requires drilling for clean installation.
For most cars, trucks, and SUVs with standard USA or Canadian plates — the curtain is the right call. It installs in 15–25 minutes, has no fitment surprises, and the 1.5-second deploy time is more than fast enough for any car show or photo scenario.
Installation — 15 to 25 Minutes, 4 Steps
- Remove your existing plate from its front or rear mount using a screwdriver.
- Bolt the PlateVanish curtain frame to the same holes — uses the same mounting points, no new holes required for most vehicles.
- Route the power wire into the cabin and plug it into the 12V cigarette lighter port. Most vehicles have a trunk light or grommet opening to pass the wire through cleanly. For vehicles without a pass-through, a small hole through the bumper housing keeps the cable hidden. A direct battery connection wire is available on request for permanent installs.
- Test the remote — it comes pre-paired from the factory. Press the button and confirm open/close. Mount the status indicator on your dash. Done.
The rear plate wire run is longer and routes through the trunk. If you're installing a Double Kit with front and rear, the front wire is shorter and typically routes through the engine bay firewall or front grommet. Both plates operate from the same remote — simultaneously or independently depending on kit configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best license plate cover for car shows?
For car shows, the best option is a motorized license plate curtain or flipper — not a static tinted cover. Static covers obscure your plate at all times and are illegal in most states. A motorized curtain lets your plate remain fully visible while driving, then covers it the moment you arrive and want a clean, no-plate look for display or photos. The PlateVanish curtain is the most popular choice for show cars because it deploys in 1.5 seconds, operates silently, and leaves no visible hardware when retracted.
What is the difference between a license plate curtain and a flipper?
A license plate curtain slides a panel across the face of the plate. A license plate flipper rotates the entire plate assembly 180° using a motorized hinge. The curtain requires far less rear-bumper clearance — making it the better fit for modern sports cars and sedans with tight bumper designs. The flipper produces a more dramatic mechanical action and works better on vehicles with deeper plate recesses. Both operate via wireless remote and conceal the plate completely.
Are license plate covers now illegal? What about the new Florida law?
In October 2025, Florida passed House Bill 253 making it illegal to display any cover that obscures a plate while driving — including decorative covers, smoked frames, and anything blocking numbers or stickers. Several other states have similar statutes. The PlateVanish curtain is a completely different product category. When not activated, the plate is 100% unobstructed and visible. It is designed exclusively for off-road use — car shows, track events, and photo shoots — where the vehicle is not being driven on public roads. Always check your local regulations before use.
Why do car enthusiasts hide their plates at shows and on social media?
License plates are considered public information — but that changes when your photos go online. Private data brokers purchase ALPR (Automatic License Plate Reader) scan data and sell location histories, addresses, and vehicle records for as little as $10 per lookup. Car enthusiasts who post on Instagram or attend public events increasingly use motorized plate covers to prevent their personal information from being linked to their vehicle's appearance online. The curtain lets you keep your plate legal while driving, then hide it for photos and display — giving you control over when your plate is exposed.
Can I use this at a track day?
Yes. Track day license plate covers are one of the most common use cases. Most track operators require plates to be covered or removed before going on circuit — the PlateVanish curtain lets you cover your plate before entering the track and uncover it in the paddock or on the road home without any tools. Designed for exactly this scenario.
Does the remote work from inside the car?
Yes — the wireless remote works up to 50 meters (165 ft) and does not require line of sight to the plate. It operates reliably from the driver's seat with the doors closed. The interior status indicator confirms your plate is covered or exposed so you never have to guess.
Do I need the Single or Double Kit?
The Single Kit covers one plate — front or rear. Most buyers in the USA cover only the rear (the only legally required plate in many states). If your vehicle runs plates on both ends, the Double Kit includes two curtain frames controlled from one remote simultaneously.
Will this fit my vehicle?
Fits any vehicle with a standard USA or Canada 12" × 6" plate mount. The frame is 25mm (1") deep — compatible with most vehicles with tight bumper clearance. Compare the frame dimensions listed in the specs above to your plate recess before ordering. Compatible with cars, trucks, SUVs, and most pickups. Contact us if you're unsure.
Is the remote pre-paired or do I need to set it up?
The remote comes pre-paired from the factory. No frequency matching, no button sequences, no app. Plug in the control unit, press the remote, and it works. Out of the box.
How PlateVanish Compares
| Feature | PlateVanish | Overseas Brands | Generic / Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concealment speed | 1.5 seconds | Varies / unspecified | Not specified |
| Remote range | 50 meters | Typically less | Varies |
| Interior status indicator | ✓ Included | Rarely included | No |
| Remote pre-paired | ✓ Out of box | Sometimes | Often requires pairing |
| Based in USA | ✓ Glendale, AZ | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Warranty | 1-year full | Varies | None or 30-day |
| Free USA shipping | ✓ Always | Often adds fees | Varies |
| Customers served | 1,400+ · 28 countries | Unknown | Unknown |
Warranty and Support
Every PlateVanish Stealth Curtain is backed by a 1-year warranty from date of receipt — covering motor failures and mechanical defects under normal use conditions. If anything goes wrong through no fault of your own, we replace or repair it. No run-around.
PlateVanish ships from Glendale, Arizona, USA. Orders are processed and dispatched within 1–2 business days with free shipping on all USA orders. Support responds within 24 hours on business days.
Keeping Your Curtain Running
- Wipe the track periodically — road grime in the curtain channel causes the most common slowdowns. A dry cloth every few weeks is enough.
- Run a few test cycles monthly — keeps the motor and curtain mechanism responsive, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods.
- Check the power connection before winter — cigarette lighter ports can loosen with temperature cycling. Reseat the plug if response feels sluggish.
- Remote battery — if range drops noticeably, replace the CR2032 coin cell. Takes 30 seconds and fixes 90% of remote issues.
Intended Use & Legal Notice
- Off-road use only — designed for car shows, track events, and photo shoots where the vehicle is not being driven on public roads.
- Legal disclaimer: Do not activate while driving on public roads. PlateVanish will not be held responsible for any legal consequences arising from misuse. Check your local regulations before purchase.