[brec]

Found 'em in the recess in the back of the glovebox door.

 

[brec]

Under the chrome caps should be a phillips head, they look like license plate fastener screws. The chrome caps are just for asthetics.

Right about the phillips heads. As to license plate frames, I'm wondering where the front plate frame is intended to be mounted.

 

[brec]

They drilled 5 holes into the front bumper of our Ioniq 5. I believe there should be tiny divits in your bumper to show you where to drive the screws. But, I would leave it off.

Leave it off is my plan.

 

[brec]

Is the front plate optional (it's mandatory in Europe)? If it's optional, why would anyone even consider having it? Genuine question.

In the U.S. it varies by state. Some states require it unless the car is manufactured without a mount for it.

 

[brec]

So by leaving just 4 faint drill marks in the fender, Hyundai are effectively NOT providing a front plate holder?

I saw only two faint drill marks, but I'll look again soon.

In my state I'd interpret the law such that the answer to your question is yes -- not providing. This could vary by state.