The division is authorized to assign a "distinguishing number" to a vehicle, required to be registered under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Code [66-1-1 NMSA 1978], 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.
NMS § 66-3-25