(1) In any instance where a transfer of a motor vehicle is accompanied by a certificate of title or registration and the vehicle has had the vehicle identification number removed, altered, defaced, or covered, the owner shall, before delivery of the vehicle to any other person, obtain a replacement vehicle identification number from the manufacturer and affix it to the vehicle at the places specified by the Department of Vehicle Regulation or obtain a Kentucky identification number from the department and affix it to the vehicle at the places specified by the Department of Vehicle Regulation.
(2) Each application for a Kentucky identification number from the department shall be assessed a five dollar ($5) fee, which shall be retained by the department to defray the costs of processing, producing, and transmitting the plates to the applicant.