SDCL § 32-3-51.22: Recovered stolen vehicles--Inspection--Title--Salvage vehicle.

If a stolen vehicle is recovered, the insurer or self insurer shall, within forty-five days of recovery, inspect the vehicle and apply for a title.

If the vehicle has no damage or the damage is less than that defined in § 32-3-51.19, the insurer or self insurer shall surrender the existing salvage title to the department. The department shall promptly issue a title marked as a recovered theft with no salvage notation.

However, if the condition of the vehicle is such that it would have been determined a salvage vehicle as defined in § 32-3-51.19 due to the damage to the vehicle, the salvage title is retained and the insurer or self insurer is not required to apply for a title pursuant to this section.