If a car, trailer, or tire is missing its original ID number — because it was destroyed, removed, or damaged — the owner can apply to the director of revenue, pay $7.50, and show proof they own it. The director will then give them permission to put a new special number on it. Once that special number is placed on the vehicle or tire, it becomes the official legal number for registration and selling purposes. Nobody is allowed to destroy or remove that special number.
301.380. Special numbers d, when — fee — effect — trailers, special numbers issued, when — examination required — fee. — 1. Whenever the original, 's, or other distinguishing number on any motor vehicle, trailer or motor vehicle tire has been destroyed, , covered, altered, d or is otherwise nonexistent, the , upon , payment of a fee of seven dollars and fifty cents, and satisfactory of ownership by the owner, shall issue a authorizing the owner to place a special number by the director of revenue upon the vehicle, trailer or tire.
2. In to properly calculate the sales tax due, in the case of a trailer which is alleged to have been made by someone who is not a manufacturer using readily distinguishable manufacturers' identifying numbers or a , the person seeking the special number by the of this section shall secure a written statement from a that the trailer has been examined and that it is not one made by a regular manufacturer. The shall provide such forms for inspection stations, and the person, firm, or seeking the examination shall pay a regular inspection fee for the examination. The of the fee shall be in the same manner as regular inspection fees are distributed. This shall not apply to trailers inspected under section 301.191.
3. The director of revenue shall the special numbers consecutively beginning with the number one preceded by the "DR" and followed by the letters "Mo" for each make of motor vehicle, trailer or motor vehicle tire, or if the make be unknown, the number shall also be preceded by the letter "X".
4. When such number has been placed upon the motor vehicle or motor or engine thereof, or trailer or motor vehicle tire, it shall be the lawful number of the same for the purpose of identification, , and all other purposes of this chapter, and the owner may sell and such property under the special number. No person shall destroy, remove, cover, alter or deface any such special number.
(RSMo 1939 §§ 8396, 8397, A.L. 1945 p. 1194, A. 1949 S.B. 1110, A.L. 1984 H.B. 1045, A.L. 1998 H.B. 1528)
Prior revision: 1929 § 7781
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Related Missouri laws
Replacement of motor
RSMo 301.370
Possession and sale of vehicles and equipment with altered identification numbers prohibited, penalties
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Record established by chapter 301 to be retained or destroyed, when
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Removal or defacing manufacturer's numbers
RSMo 301.400
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Special mobile equipment and tires, defacing serial number prohibited
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Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.