I live in Texas, front plates are required. My front plate is on the passenger side floor, just laying there. Any officer that wants to see it can ask when they pull me over.
I do not drive the car much, and when I do, I am often outside the state of Texas. I've never been stopped for not having a front plate.

If I were to drive a great distance in the state, I'd put it up in the windshield area where it's visible.

I am not drilling holes in the front bumper for this.