Vin Plate Partially Ripped off on Machine I've Owned for Years

[TheJerm]

I have a 2005 Thomas Mini Skid Steer that I've owned for about 6 years. (I know I posted in the Bobcat forum but I figured this is a general question). The Vin sticker on this machine is basically just an aluminum sticker. Its not hard metal like a bobcat. Well theres a big gash through the middle of it. I didn't really know anything when I bought the machine about SME tags and wasn't concerned when I bought the machine. Shoot I've driven this thing all over town for years without an issue. Well I am older and more paranoid now. Should I be worried about running this thing around with a gash on the vin plate? I just need to take it down to our farm to set some posts tomorrow. I have it chained and ready to roll on my 18 wheeler. Don't want state patrol thinking I stole it if I got stopped. I have a bill of sale when I bought it but the bill of sale doesn't mention the vin. I don't think the thing is stolen (I guess you never know). It looks like someone ran into something that ripped up the sticker. The guy I bought it from seemed legit. Was a landscaper who owned a ranch.

 

[TheJerm]

They guy I bought it from let me pay with a business check too. Thieves normally wouldn't take a check. He had a large business with employees too.

 

[Tazza]

They guy I bought it from let me pay with a business check too. Thieves normally wouldn't take a check. He had a large business with employees too.

I'd like to say don't worry about it, if a machine was reported stolen, then i guess they can look further, but you have proof that you bought it with a cheque. Without doing a background check on the serial number, you won't know for sure if it was reported stolen or not.
It's a skid steer, they hit things and damage plates, if the plate was removed then be concerned.