The Texas Tampering with Identification Numbers law gives police the right to arrest you if they believe you removed or altered a serial number on any tangible personal property (such as a vehicle’s VIN number) or if you possessed, sold, or offered for sale any such property if you knew or should have know that the serial number was altered or removed.
FAQs about the
Tampering with Identification Numbers law in Texas
- What is the current Texas law about Tampering with Identification Numbers?
- What is the penalty for a Texas Tampering with Identification Numbers offense?
- How can I be charged with a Tampering with Identification Numbers offense in Texas?
- What is the statute of limitations for Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas?
- Can you get probation for Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas?
- What level of crime is Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas?
The Texas legislature codified this criminal offense in Texas Penal Code Section 31.11. The legislature did not update this law in 2025. In fact, this law has not been amended since 2009.
The Penal Code classifies the Texas Tampering with Identification Numbers law under Title 7 “Offenses Against Property,” Chapter 31 “Theft.” Learn more about the Texas offense of Tampering with Identification Numbers below.
What is the current Texas law about Tampering with Identification Numbers?
AV Preeminent Texas lawyer Paul Saputo provides the current law defining Tampering with Identification Numbers in Penal Code Section §31.11, as follows:[1]
(a) A person commits an offense if the person:
(1) knowingly or intentionally removes, alters, or obliterates the serial number or other permanent identification marking on tangible personal property; or
(2) possesses, sells, or offers for sale tangible personal property and:
(A) the actor knows that the serial number or other permanent identification marking has been removed, altered, or obliterated; or
(B) a reasonable person in the position of the actor would have known that the serial number or other permanent identification marking has been removed, altered, or obliterated.
What is the penalty for a Texas Tampering with Identification Numbers offense?
A conviction for Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas is punished as a Class A misdemeanor,[2] with a maximum possible fine under Texas state law of up to $4,000 and jail time of up to one year.
How can I be charged with a Tampering with Identification Numbers offense in Texas?
You can be charged with Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas if the state’s attorneys believe that each of the elements of §31.11(a) as described in the section above have been met.
What is the statute of limitations for Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas?
As a misdemeanor, Tampering with Identification Numbers charges have a two-year limitations period.[3]
Can you get probation for Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas?
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure allows both judges and juries to grant probation for Tampering with Identification Numbers, and judges are also allowed to accept deferred adjudication plea deals.[4]
What level of crime is Tampering with Identification Numbers in Texas?
The Penal Code classifies the punishment for Tampering with Identification Numbers as a Class A misdemeanor.
Learn more about the penalty range for this offense in the section above.
Legal References:
^1. Texas Penal Code §31.11. This law is current as of 2025.^2. Texas Penal Code §31.11(d)^3. See Code of Criminal Procedure 12.02(a)^4. See Chapter 42A, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 42A.054, Art. 42A.056, Art. 42A.102
