I know this might sound like a dumb question, but I've checked the owner's manual and couldn't find anything. Was the car (2008 Lancer GTS) supposed to come with a mounting bracket or something for the front license plate? I don't really like the idea of drilling holes in my bumper, and when my dealer installed the plates, he was clueless about the front so he left it off.

And yes, unfortunately, my state still requires both front & back plates.

 

Sorry to answer my own question, I just spoke with a different person at the dealer who knew how to install the plates. There were supposed to be two rubber inserts and bolts installed into two drilled holes (there's little nipples marking where the holes are supposed to be drilled) in the bumper. So I'll be taking it back in to have the front plate installed properly for me.