28-2165. Special serial or identification number

A. If the manufacturer's serial or other identifying number of a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer is altered, removed, obliterated, defaced, omitted or otherwise missing or if the original manufacturer's serial or identification number on a major component part of a motor vehicle can be permanently restored after having been removed, defaced, altered or destroyed, the owner at the time of application for registration of or a certificate of title to the vehicle shall file an application with the department, on a form the department provides, that contains facts and information required by the director for the assignment of a special serial or identifying number.

B. The form prescribed by subsection A of this section shall require, at a minimum, both of the following:

1. A sworn statement by the owner that the owner is the lawful owner of the vehicle and that sets forth the basis for the claim of ownership, including documentation such as purchase contracts, bills of sale, invoices and receipts for the original vehicle and any replacement parts that replaced damaged portions of the original vehicle that bore original manufacturer's serial or identification numbers.

2. A copy of police or law enforcement agency reports documenting the theft and recovery of the vehicle, a copy of a police or law enforcement agency accident report documenting the extent of damage to the vehicle, a certified copy of documents from an insurance company documenting the precise nature, extent and dollar amount of damage to the vehicle or a sworn statement by the owner, including full and complete supporting documentation, establishing the origin of the vehicle and each major component part of the vehicle.

C. If the director is satisfied that the applicant has provided the documentation required by this section and that the applicant is entitled to assignment of a special serial or identification number, the director shall designate the serial number and note it on the application, on a suitable record of the department and on the authorization of use of the number.

D. The director shall furnish to the applicant a serial plate together with the authorization of use that shall be immediately delivered to a department inspector or agent who shall permanently attach the serial plate to the item in a conspicuous position and certify the attachment on the authorization of use. After attachment and certification, the plate is the lawful serial or identification number and shall remain on the item during its existence.

E. Subsection A of this section does not apply if the provisions of section 28-2092, paragraph 1, subdivision (c) are met.