Section 250-173-4 - REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUESTING A CATALYTIC CONVERTER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATEIndividuals in possession of catalytic converters that have damaged or missing 17-digit vehicle identification numbers shall request an assigned identification number.
A.Process1. A requestor must complete the online request form (MVI-29) found on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles website and submit supporting documentation listed in subsection B of this section.2. Once the MVI-29 is received by the Bureau, an acknowledgment will be provided to the requestor and a temporary VIN number will be issued for a temporary period of up to 30 days.3. The investigation will consist of reviewing and analyzing all relevant information and supporting documentation.4. Once confirmation of information and review of documentation is complete, the responsible detective will contact the requestor to arrange a time to permanently mark the catalytic converter, at no cost to the requestor. The detective will complete an MVI-30 form at the time of marking which must be signed by the requestor attesting to the accuracy of the information.5. The Secretary of State shall maintain a record of all requests made for a period of five years.6.Transportation: Transportation of a catalytic converter is prohibited without an identifying number engraved or marked.(a) A catalytic converter may be transported without identifying markings if it is being returned to a manufacturer of the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer specifications as a core part, which will be replaced with a new converter.7.Recovery and Disposal: Catalytic converters for which a detective determines that an identification number may not be assigned will be handled in accordance with 29-A M.R.S. §1113(15).B.Supporting Documentation1. A requestor submitting a request for a state-issued identification number must submit documentation sufficient to prove ownership of a catalytic converter(s) at the time of the request.2. This documentation may include, but is not limited to: a. Sworn affidavit by the requestor, or witness detailing the circumstances as to how the catalytic converter came into the requestor's possession;b. Copy of dealer contract showing proof of purchase of the vehicle containing unmarked catalytic converter;c. Photographic evidence;d. Other documentation showing proof ownership of the property.C.Marking: The Secretary of State shall permanently mark the catalytic converter.D.Disposal: Once a catalytic converter receives a state-issued number, all forms given to the requestor must remain with the catalytic converter.29-250 C.M.R. ch. 173, § 4