According to the officer, once the original plate is off of the truck, regardless of how it came to be off of the truck, it will never be put back on the truck. He did tell me that if I needed a new VIN plate, that DMV would issue me a new one with the original VIN number stamped in the new plate...unless I've substantially modified the truck. By substantially modified, he meant new driveline, or new frame or modifications of that sort. In that case, it becomes a reconstructed vehicle, not a restored vehicle. In that case, DMV would issue a new VIN plate with the old number and the letter "R" stamped behind it, to indicate reconstructed. I was hoping that they could do any of the things that you had mentioned, but they don't do those things. So, I'll dance with the one that brung me. At least until she falls off!
