New Mexico § 66-12-5 - Identification number

§ 66-12-5. Identification number

A. The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering and inspection by this state shall

file an application for number with the division on forms approved by it. The application shall be signed by the owner of the motorboat and shall be accompanied

by a three year registration fee as required in Section 66-12-5.1 NMSA 1978 . Upon receipt of the application in approved form, the division shall file it and

issue to the applicant a certificate of number stating the number awarded to the motorboat

and the name and address of the owner. The owner shall paint on or attach to each side of the bow of the motorboat the

identification number in the manner prescribed by regulations of the division in order

that it is clearly visible but in no case less than three inches in height and of

a contrasting color to the boat color. The number shall be maintained in legible condition. The certificate of number shall be pocket size and shall be available at all times

for inspection on the motorboat for which it is issued whenever the motorboat is in

operation. B. Should the ownership of a motorboat change, prior to operating it on the waters

of this state the new owner shall file with the division an application for a new

certificate of number in the same manner required for the award of a number under

Subsection A of this section. C. If an agency of the United States has in force an overall system of identification

numbering for motorboats within the United States, the numbering system employed by

the division pursuant to the Boat Act shall be in conformity with that system. D. The division may award any certificate of number directly or may authorize any

person to act as agent for the awarding. If a person accepts such authorization, he may be assigned a block of numbers and

certificates which, upon award in conformity with the Boat Act and with any regulations

of the division, are valid as if awarded directly by the division. E. Every certificate of number awarded pursuant to the Boat Act shall continue in

force through December 31 of the third calendar year of registration unless sooner

terminated in accordance with the provisions of the Boat Act. A certificate of number may be renewed in the same manner provided for in the initial

securing of the certificate and upon payment of the three year registration fee. Each application for renewal of a certificate of number shall be made by the owner

on an application form which must be received by the division within sixty days after

the expiration date of the certificate. F. The owner shall notify the division of transfer, destruction or abandonment of

the motorboat within fifteen days thereof. The transfer, destruction or abandonment terminates the certificate of number for

the motorboat except in the case of a transfer of a part interest which does not affect

the owner's right to operate the motorboat. Whenever the certificate of number is terminated, the owner shall return it to the

division within fifteen days and state the reason for termination. G. If there is a change of address, the holder of a certificate of number shall provide

to the division the new address, existing certificate of number and a reasonable administrative

fee. Upon receipt, the division will issue a new certificate of number. H. Only the assigned registration number shall be painted, attached or otherwise displayed

on either side of the bow of a motorboat. I. The registration number assigned to the motorboat shall remain the assigned number

for the life of the boat, except when a boat is transferred out of state, destroyed

or abandoned.