FAQs

PIATO Plate is an aesthetic-driven, engineered alternative medium to the traditional vehicular metal license plate. 

A PIATO Holder is a rigid, smooth, finished surface specifically designed to hold your PIATO Plate.  In many rear-mounted license plate scenarios, the back of a vehicle does not have a smooth, hole-free mounting surface.  Smooth surfaces which are devoid of mounting screws are necessary for the PIATO Plate to look its part.  Further, PIATO has developed a unique mounting system whereby the mounting screws are replaced with low-profile parts so that the mounting heads can be discreetly flush-mounted into the PIATO Holder. Answer our Do I Need a PIATO Holder? questionnaire/tool to see if your application requires a PIATO Holder.

The PIATO Shield is a wafer-thin layer of clear protective film, or laminate, that provides added protection for your PIATO Plate.  The PIATO Shield is optically transparent and has been manufactured and cut to exacting tolerances specifically for either the Motorcycle or Automotive PIATO Plate.

The PIATO Plate is the thin, malleable, adhesive-backed novelty replica of your existing, traditional, metal plate.  The PIATO Holder is the plexiglass base to which the PIATO Plate may be attached, when necessary.

Yes.

PIATO Plates are currently being sold for “Off-Road Use Only”. Check your specific State Legislature and local governing laws for specifics and how they might affect you. We have not had a single negative situation/implication related to vehicles rockin’ PIATO plates.

Yes. Your PIATO Plate will be a faithful representation of your existing plate.  In fact, that’s why we request you provide one close up picture of your current DMV issued plate via our website – so that there are no miscommunication/errors.

• 6.00” x 12.00” x for passenger vehicles and commercial big rig trucks
• 4.00” x  7.00” for motorcycles and other 2 wheeled vehicles

• 6.0625” x 12.0625” for passenger vehicles and commercial big rig trucks

• 4.0625” x  7.0625” for motorcycles and other 2 wheeled vehicles

0.0625” shy in W + H dimensions as compared to its respective, intended PIATO Plate.

All countries.  All nations.  All languages.  All shapes.  All colors.  All sizes. If you do not see your country and/or state plate, please use our custom inquiry form to touch base. Let’s chat!

Yes, we require an account to ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment, order creation, design development, ongoing order tracking, etc.  In all, creating a PIATO account further ensures a terrific customer experience end-to-end.

Clicking ‘Unsubscribe’ from any PIATO email communications will opt you out.

Yes.  Removing yourself from future PIATO communications will not affect timely updates and needed communications with regards to your orders.

Click here to start the ordering process.

Four to six (4-6) weeks from the date of purchase is the typical turnaround you can expect to wait before receiving your PIATO products.

All orders are unique and custom made for each person, and to that end, once an order has been placed, it cannot be cancelled nor returned.

You should receive an order confirmation email of placing your order.  If you don’t see an email from PIATO, check your SPAM or JUNK folders for our email. If still you don’t have a Order Confirmation, please send us an email to orders@PIATO.net.

Allow up to 72 hours for a response.

Drop us a message and let’s discuss your particular situation.

No.  Not if you know what the hell you’re doing.  However, we do recommend having the PIATO Plate installed professionally.

• We strongly recommend that you have your PIATO Plate installed professionally by a reputable Paint Protection Film (PPF) company or Window Film (aka. Tint) installer.
• It has been our repeat experience that a “wet application” (i.e. special formulated mixture) is the most accurate and efficient method of applying your PIATO Plate.  While a “dry application” can be used to apply a PIATO Plate too, this ‘dry’ method requires greater patience and skill to achieve perfect results.  Again, we strongly recommend you seek the skillset of a professional installer.
• High-Level Instructions on how to apply the PIATO Plate will be included with your order should you choose to do this task.  However, we strongly recommend professional installation to obtain optimal results.  
• IMPORTANT:  If you want your PIATO Plate to ‘look the part’ and have the fit & finish as the featured vehicles displayed on our site and social media, then don’t mess around:  find a reputable, professional PPF (Paint Protection Film) or Window Tint installer.

Go to your local, reputable, automotive PPF or window film/tinting company.

• So you can achieve optimum results!  
• So your vehicle can look as good as the vehicles shown on our website!

Less than 30 minutes per PIATO Plate.  However, more time may be needed if customization is needed.

• Let the PIATO Plate cure for 3-7 days
  1. Three (3) day cure time when car is exposed to warm/sunny climate
  2. Seven (7) day cure time when care is exposed to humid/shaded/cool climate
• Under no circumstance apply forced air or water pressure during cure time

PIATO Plates and PIATO Sheilds have been specifically engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions without adverse effects or visible alterations.  From the sub-zero humid climates of Chicago winters to the triple-digit arid heat or Arizona, you can rest assured that your investment will continue to look the part for many years to come. 

• The process to remove your PIATO Plate is straightforward:
  1. Ideally, removal will occur in ambient temperatures of around 65 to 80 degrees fahrenheit.
  2. Gently pull up a corner of the PIATO Plate and remove slowly.
• You may need professional help for this task.  However, using mild heat (even the sun) to warm the surface should allow for easy removal.

No.  The adhesive which holds the PIATO Plate to the surface of the vehicle or to the surface of the PIATO Holder has been specifically engineered for automotive-based adhesion, formulated to avoid marring, distorting or altering in any way the finished surface area.  In fact, this leading adhesive formula has been being used in the automotive industry for over 20 years with continual refinement.

Since the PIATO Plate is completely opaque and will not allow any visible light to pass, it is possible that in extreme UV exposure-related conditions will cause the surrounding areas to fade from “sun fading” while the surface below the PIATO Plate remains protected.  This is an identical scenario as would  be found by using a traditional metal plate.

• No.  PIATO Plates were engineered for any smooth, hard, finished surface.
• The PIATO Plate is not intended for wood surfaces/finishes.
• If the PIATO Plate has been installed upon compromised and/or after-market painted surfaces refer to PIATO Warranty Disclaimer.

No.  Your PIATO Plate was not intended to be applied more than once.  In other words, the PIATO Plate has been created for a single-use application.

The PIATO Plate can be washed, waxed and polished—the same as caring for your vehicle’s painted surfaces.

You can purchase a protective film to put atop the PIATO Plate to obtain an increased warranty.  This protective film can also be washed, waxed and polished.  See PIATO Warranty Disclaimer.

No.  You’ll want to refer to your vehicle manufacturer’s suggested license plate locations.

• What if I’m selling my car…
• What if I’ve had an accident…
• What if I’ve damaged my PIATO Plate…
• What if I want a vanity plate…
• What if I need body work and my PIATO Plate needs removal prior to servicing…

ANSWER:  Remove your PIATO Plate and cut it up into pieces for disposal.  And don’t forget to order a replacement PIATO Plate. Click here to start the ordering process.

PIATO has been created for the enthusiast by the enthusiast.  We are design-minded, gear-head automotive enthusiasts to the core!  When given the choice, we prefer spending time in our workshop prototyping and wrenching on our projects or hanging out at our local meet-ups talkin’ all things mechanical with like-minded individuals.  Read about the founders here.

PIATO is located in sunny Santa Monica, California, overlooking our beautiful Pacific Ocean coastline alongside the Pacific Coast Highway (Rt.101).   Amidst the car mecca that is Los Angeles, CA., we are the destination place of the famous Route 66.  How appropriate 😊.

PIATO’s products are designed and engineered entirely in Southern, California, by a team of kick ass, passionate, skillful people

From end-to-end, PIATO and its various components are proudly made entirely within the United States of America, and primarily within our local Los Angeles, California boundaries.

Yes.  Absolutely!  Contact us!

Drop us a message and let’s discuss!

That’s a great question! We encourage you to use your imagination and send us a message with your thoughts, suggestions and questions on this!

Yes.  See PIATO Warranty Disclaimer.

One (1) to three (3) Year(s) from the Date of Purchase.  See PIATO Warranty Disclaimer for details.

See PIATO Warranty Disclaimer.

Yes.  The PIATO warranty is extended out to a total of three (3) Years with the purchase, use and proper installation of a PIATO Shield. See PIATO Warranty Disclaimer.

In the unlikely event that there’s an issue with your PIATO purchase, please reach out to us at warranty@PIATO.net and we’ll walk you through the simple process. See PIATO Warranty Disclaimer.