N.M. Stat. § 64-4-6
Action on application.
Upon receipt of an application for registration of any aircraft and payment of the
required fee, the division shall file the application, assign to the application and the
aircraft to be registered a distinct number and register the application and the number in
an index to be kept for that purpose. A number plate and certificate of registration
bearing the same number assigned to the application shall be delivered to the owner or
lessee of the aircraft without further expense to such applicant. The certificate of
registration shall be carried in the aircraft at all times and the registration number shall
be conspicuously displayed on the aircraft as may be required by appropriate rule of the
director.