I guess the part I don't understand is, if you are going to do that, why go through the trouble to acquire an original data plate when you can have a new one made and claim the original was lost?
From
Order 8130.2G
207. Original and Replacement Aircraft Identification Plates.
a. Original Data Plates. Each aircraft presented for airworthiness certification must meet
the requirements of 14 CFR § 21.182. Each aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, propeller blade,
and propeller hub manufactured under a TC or PC, or an aircraft to be certificated as an
amateur-built, primary kit-built, or LSA, must be identified with the information specified in
14 CFR § 45.13. Manned free balloons are required to comply with 14 CFR § 45.11(d).
b. Replacement Data Plates.
(1) When FAA personnel receive inquiries regarding replacement, removal, or
destruction of identification (ID) plates, the sample letter in figure 2-2 of this order may be used
as a guide for responding.
(2) When a new ID plate is required, the owner or the owner’s authorized representative
will contact their local FAA office. The FAA determines whether the request is valid and
provides a letter to the applicant with the FAA’s finding. If the FAA determines that the request
is valid, the applicant includes the FAA letter with his or her request for the replacement data
plate from the appropriate manufacturer.
(3) Upon notification by the applicant, which must include the FAA’s letter, the product
manufacturer may then issue the replacement ID plate.
(4) The old ID plate, when available, must be voluntarily surrendered by the owner with
a written statement to the FAA office who authorized the replacement. The FAA office must
make a copy of the plate and then physically destroy it. The FAA office must then submit a
letter to AFS-750 stating that the surrendered plate has been destroyed. AFS-750 will include
the letter in the permanent aircraft records file.
c. Removal of Data Plates. 14 CFR § 45.13 permits persons performing maintenance
operations under 14 CFR part 43, Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and
Alteration, to remove an aircraft data plate. The removal must be done in accordance with the
methods, techniques, and practices acceptable to the FAA. The ID plate removed may be
reinstalled only on the product from which it was removed.
d. Misuse of Data Plates.
(1) ASIs should be on alert for any indication of ID plate misuse or suspicious activity,
such as the building of a complete aircraft by a person performing work under 14 CFR part 43.
Installation of an ID plate by a person performing work under 14 CFR part 43, where the
ID plate has been purchased or salvaged from another aircraft, is not approved unless written
approval is obtained from the FAA.
(2) Before issuing an airworthiness certificate for an aircraft that appears to be a repair
or restoration of an aircraft that previously has been destroyed or demolished, the ASI should
seek the assistance of the manager of AFS-750. That office can assist the ASI in determining
whether the serial number of the aircraft on which certification is sought is the serial number of
an aircraft previously classified as destroyed or demolished by the FAA or the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB ). If the ASI determines that the ID plate comes from a
previously destroyed or demolished aircraft, the ASI must initiate an investigation to determine
whether a violation of 14 CFR § 45.13(c) or (e) has occurred before the airworthiness certificate
may be issued. If a violation of 14 CFR § 45.13(c) or (e) is found, the ASI must deny the
airworthiness certificate and initiate an enforcement action.
Note: When the ID plate is surrendered, the ID plate is no longer
considered personal property.
e. New Data Plates. The appropriate local MIDO, Manufacturing Inspection Satellite
Office (MISO), or FSDO may authorize a builder of an aircraft authorized to be assembled from
spare and/or surplus articles in accordance with AC 21-13, Standard Airworthiness Certification
of Surplus Military Aircraft and Aircraft Built From Spare Parts, to make a new data plate for
that aircraft upon a satisfactory showing that the aircraft conforms to its type design and is in a
condition for safe operation. However, ensure aircraft is eligible for an airworthiness certificate
as built from spare and/or surplus articles in accordance with 14 CFR § 21.6, § 21.183, and
paragraph 317 of this order before authorizing the builder to make a data plate. The data plate
will be made in accordance with 14 CFR part 45 and affixed to the aircraft prior to the issuance
of any airworthiness certificate.