Tennessee § 55-5-112 - Altering or changing of distinguishing number or identification mark — Restoration of vehicle identification number.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-5-112 — Altering or changing of distinguishing number or identification mark — Restoration of vehicle identification number., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 55-5-112. Altering or changing of distinguishing number or identification mark — Restoration of vehicle identification number.
No person shall with fraudulent intent deface, destroy or alter the manufacturer's serial, engine or transmission number or other distinguishing number or identification mark of a motor vehicle or its component parts, nor shall any person place or stamp any serial, engine, transmission or other number or mark upon a motor vehicle or its component parts, except one assigned by the department. A violation of this subsection (a) is a Class E felony. This section shall not prohibit the restoration of a vehicle identification number upon a motor vehicle or motor vehicle component part by the commissioner of safety or the commissioner's designee, nor prevent any manufacturer from placing in the ordinary course of business numbers or marks upon motor vehicles or motor vehicle component parts thereof. Acts 1951, ch. 70, § 74 (Williams, § 5538.174); T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 59-507; Acts 1971, ch. 122, § 2; T.C.A., § 59-512; Acts 1990, ch. 1030, § 40; 2000, ch. 941, § 2; 2007, ch. 484, § 68. Cross-References. Alteration of item's permanent distinguishing numbers, selling or possession of such item, § 39-14-134 . Misrepresenting the mileage on a used car by changing mileage registering instrument, § 39-14-132 . Penalty for Class E felony, § 40-35-111 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 55-5-112
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-5-112 cover?
Section 55-5-112 ("Altering or changing of distinguishing number or identification mark — Restoration of vehicle identification number.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 55-5-112?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-5-112" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 55-5-112 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.