Looking at a Willys Jeepster that is missing the serial number plate. From what I've read there's no other VIN/serial number on the body or frame - the original engine is long gone. I've bought cars that were out of the system before and got them registered but never anything that needed the blue tag assigned VIN. What is needed to get one of these replacement VIN plates?
No title. Pretty sure it would have to go to CHP but not sure what paperwork is required or whether it has to be in drivable condition.
Honestly, I would let this become someone else's headache. Yes, the laws were changed not all that long ago. Vehicles with missing numbers, or VIN (serial) tags will have to go to CHP for inspection, where they would look for an alternate VIN. As you know, that vehicle does not have one. There is no verifiable chain-of ownership on this vehicle. Without the assigned number, it no longer exists. I am not suggesting that you are doing anything wrong, but rolling in with this would look exactly the same as being in possession of a vehicle that went through an "involuntary change of ownership". If CHP does not buy your story of how you come to be in possession of this vehicle, you won't be getting it back. If they can prove it stolen, you can be charged with, and convicted of possession of stolen property. Even if they buy your story, they may be paying a visit to the person you got it from. They better have a good explanation as to why that plate is missing. (a)A person who— tampers with, or alters an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part; or motor vehicle, knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both. That is a FELONY! Before any of you get the idea that this is a good opportunity to bash California, and to boast about how great your semi-lawless state is, what I just posted is US FEDERAL LAW. It is the law-of-the-land, in the entire US. Cases like these are on the court docket, all of the time. Don't gamble.
I've got one of those blue assigned VIN tags. I registered my car as a SPCNS under the SB100 rule which I posted about back in 2019. There may be some info in the article that's helpful to you. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...-vehicle-in-california.1152488/#post-13108183
A little tid bit of information, passed down to me from a hot rod shop, that Australia will not except a vehicle with that tag on it, even though all of the United States does they won't.
The Jalopy Journal
