New Mexico Statutes Chapter 66. Motor Vehicles § 66-3-25. Division may assign new identifying number

The division is authorized to assign a “distinguishing number” to a vehicle, required to be registered under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code, whenever the identifying number thereon is destroyed or obliterated. The distinguishing number shall be affixed to the vehicle in a position to be determined by the director. Such vehicle shall be registered under such distinguishing number in lieu of the former identifying number.