1.160 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Assignments (VC §4161)

DMV will assign and affix a VIN plate when required for original registration of the following vehicles:

• Trailers with an unladen weight under 6,000 pounds (except logging and auxiliary dollies).
• Trailer coaches.
• Special mobile equipment.
• Implements of husbandry.
• New motorcycles (except specially constructed [SPCNS] motorcycles).
• Snowmobiles (except when the VIN has been defaced or obliterated).

All documents and requirements for the registration application must be complete before a VIN plate is assigned.

DMV refers all requests for assigned VIN plates on the following vehicles to the California Highway Patrol (CHP):

• SPCNS motor vehicles.
• Motorcycles (except new). Older motorcycles registered by engine number only must be assigned a frame number by CHP before being registered with DMV.
• Passenger vehicles.
• Commercial motor vehicles.
• Commercial trailers 6,000 pounds or more unladen.
• Logging dollies and auxiliary dollies.
• Snowmobiles (when the VIN has been defaced or obliterated).
• Volkswagen body changes.

CHP must verify a vehicle when:

• Its identity cannot be confirmed or there is a discrepancy between the public and alternate VIN.
• The public or alternate VIN has been altered or tampered in any way.
• The Federal Certification Label is missing or illegible, and an alternate VIN cannot be located.