It's not an issue unless you have an accident (especially with injuries). You may have trouble with your insurance company at that point. This topic was beaten like a rented mule on another forum.
When I bought my 1984 V20 in 2000 the Capacity Plate was not readable. I called Wellcraft gave them my HIN and they sent me a photo copy of the plate. I copied it and have it with my license and insurance information.