Mississippi Code Title 59. Ports, Harbors, Landings and Watercraft § 59-25-9

(1) Every vessel shall have a hull identification number assigned and affixed. The department shall assign a hull identification number to an undocumented vessel not having a hull identification number at the time of numbering or applying for a certificate of title after transfer of ownership or change of state of principal operation. Every motor shall have a motor serial number affixed.

(2) A person may not destroy, remove, alter, cover or deface the manufacturer's hull identification number or motor serial number, the plate bearing it or any hull identification number or motor serial number the department assigns to any vessel or motor, without authorization from the department.