SDCL § 32-4-9: Alteration or removal of vehicle identification number prohibited--Violation as felony.

No person may intentionally remove, deface, alter, destroy, cover, or obscure any vehicle identification number or other distinguishing number of a motor vehicle or trailer or any part thereof in this state, without written authorization from the Department of Revenue, nor may any person place or stamp in place of the original manufacturer's serial, motor, or other number or mark upon a vehicle, any number except one assigned by the department under the provisions of chapter 32-3 or authorized agency of another state. A violation of this section is a Class 6 felony.