S.D. Codified Laws § 22-14-5
Possession of firearm with altered serial number--Felony--Exception
Any person who possesses any firearm on which the manufacturer's serial number has been changed, altered, removed, or obliterated is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
The provisions of this section do not apply to persons who have applied for a new serial number pursuant to § 23-7-43 .
Source: SDC 1939, § 21.0114; SDCL, § 23-7-21 ; SL 1976, ch 158, § 14-4 ; SL 1985, ch 190, § 2; SL 2005, ch 120, § 243.