Sorry mate, but that is wrong. You have to get the number stamped in, or do it yourself and have an MOT station sign and stamp a letter to confirm it has been done.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring...le/DG_10014199
Vehicle identification number

This is a legal requirement for all vehicles used on the public highway to carry a vehicle identity number (VIN). This may be lost when a vehicle is substantially rebuilt, particularly in the case of kit vehicles where the chassis or bodyshell may not have been stamped by the manufacturer. In such circumstances the DVLA local office will allocate a replacement VIN. The DVLA local office will issue an authorisation letter and registration will not take effect until the Agency receives confirmation that the vehicle has been stamped with the correct identity.