West Virginia Code Chapter 17A. Motor Vehicle Administration, Registration, Certificate of Title and Antitheft Provisions § 17A-3-20. Department may assign new identifying numbers

The department may assign a distinguishing number to a motor vehicle whenever the serial number thereon is destroyed or obliterated and issue to the owner a special plate bearing such distinguishing number which shall be affixed to the vehicle in a position to be determined by the commissioner. Such motor vehicle may then be registered under such distinguishing number in lieu of the former serial number.