Replacing a Lost License in South Carolina

Powerful Information At Your Fingertips

Search Warrants & More

Instantly access all types of publicly available information in one place in just a few seconds. Search almost anyone at any time with this background check subscription service to obtain information on:

Convictions, court records, and in many cases tickets
Access to 100 public records monthly

First Name

Last Name

State

By checking this box, I acknowledge this service cannot be used to look up official driving records, license status, or points on a license.

Disclaimer: Truth Finder cannot be used for employment or tenant screening. Truth Finder is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Replacing a Lost License in South Carolina

A lost or stolen South Carolina driver's license, permit, or ID is a serious issue. Not only does it prevent you from legally driving and providing proof of identity, but it also puts you at risk for identity theft.

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles provides several options for getting a duplicate—even if you're out of state or away on military assignment.

SC REAL ID Driver's Licenses

The South Carolina DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses, which allow you to use your license for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings. You can choose to replace your standard license with a REAL ID—details are outlined below.

Report Your Missing License, Permit, or ID

The SC DMV uses the Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Drivers License (Form DL-49) as a means of reporting your lost or stolen South Carolina driver's license to the DMV.

Once you have the form:

Complete the bottom section for drivers with valid (not suspended) driver licenses.
Sign and date the affidavit.
Submit it with your duplicate license application.

South Carolina recommends you report a lost or stolen license to law enforcement, too. Reporting your lost or stolen license is the first step toward preventing identity theft.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen SC License or ID

Depending on your needs and circumstances, you can replace your lost South Carolina driver's license:

Online.
In person.
OR
By mail.

The following people MUST apply in person:

Minors.
Non-citizens.
Those replacing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Those with Provisional, Temporary Alcohol, or Route Restricted licenses.
Anyone who currently has a non-REAL ID-compliant driver’s license but wants to upgrade to a REAL ID.
- Sometimes, you can replace a standard driver’s license with a REAL ID by mail if the SCDMV already has all the required documents on file.

Replace Online

Because it's the quickest method, the SC DMV generally prefers drivers apply for a replacement license online.

Want to update to a REAL ID license?

If your license is currently non-compliant with REAL ID, and you wish to upgrade to a REAL ID, you must do so in person. If you replace your license online, you'll receive a standard driver's license.

You're eligible to apply online if:

You're replacing a standard driver's license. You cannot replace the following online:
- Driver's permit.
- ID card.
- Commercial driver's license (CDL).
Your license is valid (not expired, suspended, revoked, or canceled).
You're a U.S. citizen.
You haven't applied for a duplicate license online within the last 12 months.
- If you have applied for an online duplicate within the last 12 months, you must visit a DMV office in person for your new duplicate.
- Also note that if you've applied for over 3 duplicate licenses in one renewal period, the DMV may choose to investigate you.

NOTE: If you've changed your name or address since your last license issuance, update the DMV before applying for a replacement. See our Address & Name Change page for details.

If you are eligible, you may apply online at the DMV's online portal. The system will guide you through the process, but you should have the following ready:

Driver's license number.
- Contact your DMV office if you don't remember the number.
Social Security number.
Date of birth.
A VISA, MasterCard, or Discover credit or debit card to pay the $10 fee.

Any receipt or confirmation you get will not suffice as a temporary license, nor will a print-out of your driving record. The SC DMV reminds drivers it's illegal to drive without a license—period.

You should receive your license by mail within a couple of weeks. If you don't, contact the DMV Call Center at (803) 896-5000.

Replace in Person

Update to a REAL ID License

When renewing in person, consider bringing all the required documents for a REAL ID driver’s license if you don’t already have a REAL ID. The DMV provides a list of acceptable proofs. You still have the choice to receive a non-compliant driver's license, though.

Applying in person is the only way to get an immediate replacement license, permit, or ID; it also requires a few more steps.

Complete and sign the following:
- Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver's License (Form DL-49). This form tells the DMV your license is lost or stolen.
- Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC).
  - Mark whether you need a beginner's permit, driver's license, ID card, or moped license.
  - CDL applicants: See Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL below.
Submit any necessary identity documents to switch over to a REAL ID, if applicable.
Provide additional documents as required, IF you've applied for a duplicate within the last 12 months.
Pay the appropriate replacement fee:
- Driver's license: $10.
- Permit: $2.50.
- ID card:
  - Persons 5 to 16 years old: $15.
  - Persons 17 years old and up: Free.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide:

Proof of:
- Identity.
- Birth date and place of birth.
- Authorization to live, study, or work in the U.S.
- Residency in South Carolina.
- Name or address change, if applicable.
A Social Security card OR letter from the SSA stating your non-work-authorized status.
Information about your liability insurance (if applying for a driver's license).
- The DMV provides a full list of documents that will fulfill all of the above requirements.

Replace by Mail

Want to Update to a REAL ID License?

If you want to replace a standard driver’s license with a REAL ID by mail, you can only do so if the SCDMV already has all the documents required for a REAL ID; otherwise, you’ll get a basic driver’s license. Consider replacing your driver’s license in person so you can go ahead and purchase a REAL ID.

Replacing a lost South Carolina license, permit, or ID by mail is the slowest process, but an ideal option for people unable to get to the DMV or who are out of state (see below for out-of-state and military information).

To apply by mail:

Download and complete the same forms as outlined for in-person replacements.
- Commercial drivers: See Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL below.
Be sure to make updates to your key information if it's changed (name, address, etc.).
- If you need your replacement mailed to a different address, complete the appropriate sections on your Application for a Commercial Driver's License or Commercial Learner's Permit (Form 447-NC).
Pay the same fees (see above) by sending a check or money order made payable to the "South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles".
Mail everything to:
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- P.O. Box 1498
- Blythewood, SC 29016

If you do not receive your SC driver's license in a timely manner, contact the DMV Call Center at (803) 896-5000.

SC Out-of-State or Military License Replacement

You'll follow the mail-in instructions to replace a lost South Carolina driver's license while out of state; the same goes for military license replacement and license replacement for dependents of military members.

Complete and sign the:
- Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver's License (Form DL-49). This form tells the DMV your license is lost or stolen.
- Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Form 447-NC) or, if you are replacing a CDL, the Application for a Commercial Driver's License or Commercial Learner's Permit (Form 447-CDL).
  - Mark whether you need a beginner's permit, driver's license, ID card, or moped license.
  - If you need your replacement mailed to a different address, make sure to complete the appropriate sections.
Send a check or money order made out to the "South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles" for:
- Driver's license: $10.
- Permit: $2.50.
- ID card:
  - 17 years old and up: Free.
  - 5 to 16 years old: $15.
Mail everything to:
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- P.O. Box 1498
- Blythewood, SC 29016

If you need more information you can contact the DMV Call Center at (803) 896-5000.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL

You can replace your lost or stolen commercial driver's license (CDL) in person or by mail; the SC DMV doesn't allow online CDL replacements.

Complete and sign the:
- Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver's License (Form DL-49). This form tells the DMV your license is lost or stolen.
- Application for a Commercial Driver's License or Commercial Learner's Permit (Form 447-CDL).
  - Mark that you need a CDL replacement.
  - If you need your replacement mailed to a different address, complete the appropriate sections.
Pay the replacement fee. See below for a note on CDL fees.
- If replacing by mail, send a check or money order made payable to the "South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

Bring the application and fees to your local DMV office or mail everything to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

If you don't receive it in a timely manner, contact the DMV Call Center at (803) 896-5000.

CDL-Specific Replacement Requirements

Generally, CDL-replacements have a few different requirements. Always call ahead to ask about:

The exact fee. The SC DMV may charge a little more for CDLs than regular driver's licenses.
Whether you need to bring or mail in any special identification or residency requirements.
Whether you need to bring or mail in your medical certification or waiver.

Learn more about commercial driver requirements at our Applying for a New CDL in South Carolina page.

Forms

447-NC: Application for a Beginner's Permit, Driver's License, or Identification Card (Non-Commercial Credential); Use this DMV form to apply for a South Carolina learner's permit, driver's license, identification card, OR moped/motorcycle license. Can be used to request an original, renewal, duplicate, or correction.

DL-49: Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Drivers License; Submit to the SC Department of Motor Vehicles if you lost OR must surrender your driver's license, learner's permit, or ID card.

447-CDL: Application for a Commercial Drivers License; SC DMV application for a commercial learner's permit OR commercial driver's license.

Replacing a Lost License in South Carolina

Replacing a Lost License in South Carolina

Report Your Missing License, Permit, or ID

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen SC License or ID

Replace Online

Replace in Person

Replace by Mail

SC Out-of-State or Military License Replacement

Replacing a Lost or Stolen CDL

CDL-Specific Replacement Requirements

Forms

Thank You!