Not quite. This was the subject of discussion at the IA renewal clinic last
year. The FAA could care less if it is there or not. The DEA is the one
with
the regulation and the FAA can not and will not enforce DEA regulation. Just
ike FAA can not and will not enforce FCC (old radios) regulations.

Then why is the regulation requiring an external data plate a part of the FAR
45 rule? Maybe your FSDO doesn't want to enforce it but mine will. The
impetus for the rule came from the DEA and Customs but the rule is the FAAs and
in the New England region they made real sure that we were all complying with
it back in the '80s when it came out.

The required manufacturer's data plate is in the forward port side of the
aircraft, generally on the sill between the door jamb and the floorboard.

Not on any Beechcraft or Piper or Mooney or Commander and not on many Cessna's
either though on those it is not far from the floor and is on the left side.

John Dupre'