driver’s license through the SCDMV online portal or at a local DMV office. Along with submitting a duplicate license application, a small fee of $10 is required to complete your replacement.

You can replace a lost driver’s license or beginner’s permit through the South Carolina DMV online, in person, or by mail
A $10 fee applies for a replacement driver’s license
Because it’s illegal to operate a vehicle without a driver's license, replacing a lost one as soon as possible is vital.

How to replace a lost driver’s license in South Carolina

First and foremost: The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) advises you to file a police report for your lost or stolen ID card. This action can help protect you from identity theft.

Now, let’s start the process of getting you a new ID.

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South Carolina driver’s license renewal

Replacing a lost South Carolina license online

The most efficient way to replace your driver’s license is through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)

website

The website will direct you to provide the following information:

Driver’s license number, learner permit number, identification card number, or customer number

Social Security number

Date of birth

If you’re eligible to renew your license online, you can then fill out

Form 447-NC

and pay a $10 replacement fee. Your replacement fee will be waived if your license was within one year of expiring.

Keep in mind: If you've purchased a duplicate license within the past 12 months, you cannot receive another one through the online system—you’ll have to visit an SCDMV office in person. You may be asked to provide additional documentation, such as a police report.

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Replacing a lost South Carolina license in person

If you want to (or need to) visit the DMV to replace your driver’s license, you can use

this locator

to find a branch near you.

You’ll also need to visit the SCDMV in person if:

You’re replacing a commercial driver’s license (CDL)

You want to upgrade to a REAL ID and don’t already have one

In addition to filling out Form 447-NC and paying the replacement fee, you’ll need to complete a

Surrendered Driver’s License Affidavit (SCDMV Form DL-49

). This form is designed to acknowledge the surrender and cancellation of your lost ID.

To upgrade to a

REAL ID

, you’ll need the following documentation:

Proof of identity: A birth certificate or passport

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card or tax documents

Two proofs of address: A utility bill or financial statement that shows your name and

current residential SC address

Proof of legal name if you’ve had a name change: A marriage license, divorce decree, or other court documents

Whether you choose the online or in-person process, you should receive a temporary license while you wait for your new driver’s license so you can continue on with your driving privileges uninterrupted.

What if you lose your South Carolina license out of state?

If you are located out of state and are unable to get to a local SCDMV, you’ll have to follow a mail-in process. You will fill out the same forms as you would if you were replacing your license in person.

Submit your completed paperwork and payment (made payable to the "South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles") to the following address:

Department of Motor Vehicles

P.O. Box 1498

Blythewood, SC 29016

Keep in mind: Snail mail is the slowest process, so allow adequate time for your driver’s license to be officially replaced out of state.

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