Under a grant from the FMVTPA, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) purchased equipment to do VIN etching in the eleven regions covered by state offices.
Regional offices may be contacted to find out when they can do etching on your vehicle. There is typically a $25 charge for this service.

HARRISBURG (Oct. 11) -- In an effort to deter vehicle theft, State Police and the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority will conduct a free
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching program on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the King of Prussia Mall.

The Bedford Police Department has been operating a "VIN Auto Glass Etching Program" since December 1999 in our community's
effort to reduce car theft.

The 1st Precinct provides this service free of charge to any interested motorists. The Crime Prevention Officer does a chemical etching of the vehicles
Identification number onto all glass panels of the vehicle.

The theory is rather simple. The good reason for a thief who steals a car is to bring it to a chop shop and have it stripped for  parts. The principle of etching the Vehicle Identification number on the glass is to make those parts worthless, and traceable. So when the thief goes up to a car that has the vin etching,  he will usually pass on to the next vehicle with out the etching.  

The Nice thing about this item is many states and insurance companies will give a discount off you comprehensive insurance policy. For more information on the discount if it applies, call your insurance carrier, agent, or broker for more information.