A.R.S. § 28-4593: Altering a serial or identification number; classification; exception

A. A person who knowingly removes, defaces, alters or destroys a manufacturer's serial or identification number of a motor vehicle or major component part of a vehicle without the permission of the department is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.

B. A person who intentionally removes, defaces, alters or destroys a manufacturer's serial or identification number of a motor vehicle or major component part of a vehicle with the intent to alter the identity of that or another motor vehicle or major component part is guilty of a class 5 felony.

C. This section does not apply to a person who, for motor vehicles manufactured before 1981, removes and reinstalls a manufacturer's serial or identification number from a motor vehicle if the removal and reinstallation are reasonably necessary for repair or restoration, unless the person knows or has reason to know that the motor vehicle is stolen.