(a) If the permanent identification number affixed by the manufacturer has been removed, altered, or obliterated, or a permanent identification number was never assigned, the department shall assign an identification number to a motor vehicle, semitrailer, trailer, motor, frame, or body of a motor vehicle, or an item of equipment not required to be titled but that may be registered under Chapter 502 or issued license plates under Chapter 504 on inspection under Section 501.0321 and application to the department.
(b) An application under this section must be in a manner prescribed by the department and accompanied by valid evidence of ownership in the name of, or properly assigned to, the applicant as required by the department.
(c) A fee of $2 must accompany each application under this section to be deposited in the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles fund.
(d) The assigned identification number shall be die-stamped or otherwise affixed in the manner and location designated by the department.
(e) The department shall reassign an original manufacturer's identification number only if the person who conducts the inspection under Section 501.0321 determines that the permanent identification number affixed by the manufacturer has been removed, altered, or obliterated.
(f) If the department reassigns a manufacturer's identification number, a representative of the department shall affix the number in a manner and location designated by the department.
(g) On affixing an assigned identification number or witnessing the affixing of a reassigned identification number, the owner or the owner's representative shall certify on a form prescribed by the department that the identification number has been affixed in the manner and location designated by the department and shall submit the form in a manner prescribed by the department.
(h) Only the department may issue an identification number to a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer, motor, frame, or body of a motor vehicle, or an item of equipment not required to be titled but that may be registered under Chapter 502 or issued license plates under Chapter 504. The department may not recognize an identification number assigned by any other agency or political subdivision of this state.