The department may assign a special vehicle identification number to any street-rod vehicle whenever required by section 42-12-203 and to any vehicle or commercial vehicle whenever no vehicle identification number is found on the vehicle or whenever a vehicle identification number has been removed, changed, altered, or obliterated. The special number must be affixed to the vehicle or commercial vehicle in the manner and position determined by the department. The special number is the vehicle identification number required to be recorded by an inspector on the inspection form that is transmitted to the department, which shall register and title the motor vehicle using the special vehicle identification number.