Title 2 Transportation

Vehicle Services



2262 Special Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plates (Formerly Reg. No. 37)

1.0 Special Plates

Pursuant to 21 Del.C. §302 and 21 Del.C. 92310, this Policy Regulation is adopted for implementation, effective January 1, 1979.

1.1 The Delaware State Police Auto Theft Unit, acting as an agent of the Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles, will issue the Special Plates for all motor vehicles and semi trailers.

1.2 The Special Assigned VIN Plate will be made of aluminum and will measure 3 5/8" x 1 3/4". The plate will have a blue background and a silver portion where the information is to be embossed.

1.3 The information on the Special VIN Plate will include the Delaware title number, the date of issue, the code number, the year, the make, the model, the type of vehicle, the plate number, and the originally assigned manufacturer's vehicle identification number. If the original manufacturer's number cannot be determined, then a special assigned number will be issued.

1.4 The Delaware State Police Auto Theft Unit will issue assigned special numbers to vehicles where no serial number has been assigned by the manufacturer. This serial number will consist of a combination of letters and digits, such as (ASNOOOOIDEL) A log of the Assigned Special Number Plates issued will be controlled and maintained by the DSP Auto Theft Unit.

1.5 Instructions and locations relative to the placement of this Special Number Plate will be as follows:

1.5.1 On all motor vehicles, where feasible, the plate will be attached to the driver's side door post where it can be read clearly by any police officer or inspector of the Division of Motor Vehicles.

1.5.2 On semi trailers, motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, and other vehicles, the special number or plate will be either die stamped or attached to the left front or side of the vehicle on a permanent component part.

2.0 Reference "A"

2.1 The new Delaware Special Number Plate will be blue and silver. The information printed on the Special Number Plate will be embossed as indicated.

2.2 Explanation of each block is as follows:

2.2.1 TITLE This will be the title, tag and registration number assigned by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time the VIN number is assigned. (Note: Title, tag and registration number may change in the future, due to retention of tag, etc.)

2.2.2 DATE ISSUED This will be three letters followed by four digits. The three letters will designate the month, and the four digits will indicate the day of month and the year.

2.2.3 CODE This will be a two (2) digit number which designates the type of vehicle for which the Special Number Plate was issued (see Ref. "B").

2.2.4 YEAR This will be a four (4) digit number pertaining to the year of the vehicle for which the plate is issued.

2.2.5 MAKE This will be a four (4) letter characterization and will consist of the first four (4) letters of the make of vehicle.

2.2.6 MODEL This will be the first four (4) letters of the model of the vehicle.

2.2.7 TYPE This block will be as follows: Coupe, sedan or convertible, etc. (abbreviated).

2.2.8 PLATE NUMBER This block will be a five (5) digit number in numerical sequence as the Special Number Plates are issued: A log will be kept and maintained, in sequence, by the Delaware State Police Auto Theft Unit on plates issued.

2.2.9 MANUFACTURER'S This number will be the original manufacturer's serial number

2.2.10 SERIAL NUMBER assigned to the vehicle by the manufacturer, except on some occasions such as on reconstructed or homemade vehicles. These assigned special numbers will be assigned and maintained by the Division of Motor Vehicles or the Delaware State Police Auto Theft Unit acting as an agent for the Division.