I guess he didn't know that they were attached w/clutch head screw, phillip head screw & pop rivets depending on the year & where it was made....joe
You got that right;
He had to call an older Worker from the inspection section. My s/n plate is attached with Philips head screws. It’s been that way since my Dad bought the truck in 1973 anyways. After a little bit of discussion with the older guy he signed off on my VIN inspection.
But I have read storied on this forum of problems with the inspection in some states. Especially when they see them held on with modern pop rivets