SDCL § 32-3-51.21: Owner to obtain salvage title if insurer or self insurer declares vehicle total loss but does not acquire ownership--Notice--Sale without title as misdemeanor--Application.

If an insurer or self insurer declares a vehicle to be a total loss but does not acquire ownership of the vehicle, the owner shall obtain a salvage title for the vehicle. The insurer or self insurer shall, in writing, notify the owner of the obligation to obtain a salvage title before the owner sells or transfers the title. If the owner sells or transfers the ownership of the vehicle without first obtaining a salvage title, the owner is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This section does not apply to any motor vehicle more than ten model years old or with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than sixteen thousand pounds.