I don't know about how lawful it is or isn't, but anybody can remove it. And to replace it all you will need is a rivet tool and some rivets. I've even seen guys replace them with screws if they didn't have a rivet tool. Screws look less appealing to the eye, but hey they work. I think the taping off and painting of vin plates is more a matter of being lazy or not willing to pop the rivets off and replacing them.
