D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 18, r. 18-1102
No person shall deface an identification number of a vehicle for which a certificate is outstanding on any engine, engine block, transmission, or other location on a motor vehicle.
No person shall knowingly acquire or dispose of a vehicle for which a certificate is outstanding the identification number of which is defaced on the engine, engine block, transmission, or other location on such vehicle, or knowingly acquire or dispose of any such vehicle which contains any such defaced number.
No person shall knowingly have in his or her possession or operate a vehicle for which a certificate is outstanding the identification number of which is defaced as described in § 1102.2.
Upon discovery by an owner that any identification number of vehicle has been defaced, the owner shall make application to the Director for a DMV number and a new certificate.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 18, r. 18-1102