All motor vehicle license plates issued by the department, or by any county treasurer of the state, shall continue to be the property of the State of South Dakota for the period for which the plates are valid. Source: SDC 1939, § 44.0113; SL 1945, ch 186 ; SL 1989, ch 257 , § 101.
Plates as state property
SDCL § 32-5-100 — under ANNUAL REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATES.
SDCL § 32-5-100