What You'll Pay for a Replacement Driver's License in South Carolina

South Carolina Replacement License Fees

A replacement driver's license in South Carolina costs $10 if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged card. This is the standard fee charged by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) for a duplicate of your current license.

The $10 fee applies whether you renew your license at the same time or request only a replacement card. If your license has also expired and you want to renew it while getting a replacement, you will pay both the $10 replacement fee and the renewal fee, which depends on your license class and how many years you are renewing for.

Payment is due at the time you submit your request. The SCDMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person locations. If you explore by mail, you must include a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

A replacement South Carolina driver's license costs $10 and covers lost, stolen, or damaged cards.
You can request a replacement in person at any SCDMV office, by mail, or through the SCDMV website if your license was lost or stolen.
Replacement licenses typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days if ordered in person, or 2 to 3 weeks if ordered by mail.
If your license has expired, you will pay both the $10 replacement fee and a separate renewal fee based on your license class.

How to Request a Replacement License in Person

Visit any SCDMV office with your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 30 days), and a valid form of identification. Bring your original license if you still have it, though it is not required if your license was stolen or destroyed.

Tell the clerk you need a replacement card. They will verify your information in the system, take a new photo if required, and process the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your replacement card is printed and mailed to your address on file.

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your current address and update it before requesting the replacement. This ensures your new card arrives at the correct location.

Requesting a Replacement by Mail

Complete the Form DL-43 (process for Duplicate Driver's License) and mail it to the SCDMV with a check or money order for $10. Include a copy of your proof of residency and a valid form of identification.

Mail your packet to: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the SCDMV receives your request. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file with your current license record.

If your address has changed, you must update it in person at an SCDMV office before mailing your replacement request, or include a signed statement with your mailed process explaining the address change and providing proof of residency at the new address.

Online Replacement for Lost or Stolen Licenses

If your license was lost or stolen (not damaged), you can request a replacement through the SCDMV website. Log in to your account, report the license as lost or stolen, and pay the $10 fee by debit or credit card. Your replacement will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

You must have a valid SCDMV online account to use this method. If you do not have one, you can create an account on the SCDMV website using your driver's license number, date of birth, and Social Security number.

Online replacement is the fastest option if your license was lost or stolen. However, if your license was damaged or you need to update your address at the same time, you must visit an office in person or use the mail method.

Replacement Fees vs. Renewal Fees

Do not confuse a replacement fee with a renewal fee. A replacement is a duplicate of your current license and costs $10. A renewal extends the expiration date of your license and costs between $24 and $48 depending on your license class and the number of years you are renewing for.

If your license is still valid but you have lost or damaged your card, you only pay $10 for a replacement. If your license has expired or is about to expire within 30 days, you will need to renew it, which is a separate transaction with its own fee.

If you need both a replacement and a renewal at the same time, you will be charged both fees. The SCDMV will process them together, and you will receive one new card with an updated expiration date.

What to Do If Your License Was Damaged

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can request a replacement in person or by mail using the same process as a lost or stolen license. Bring the damaged card with you if you visit an office, or include a photo of the damage with your mail request.

If the damage is minor (a small crack or faded printing), the SCDMV may ask you to keep using your current card. If the damage prevents the card from being read by a scanner or makes your photo unrecognizable, a replacement will be issued.

You cannot request a replacement online if your license is damaged. You must go in person or mail your request with the damaged card or a photo of it.

Timeline and What to Expect

In-person replacement: You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail replacement: Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from receipt. Your replacement card is mailed to your address on file.

Online replacement (lost or stolen only): Your replacement card arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

During the waiting period, your temporary paper license is valid for driving. It is not a valid form of identification for other purposes such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building. Keep it with you while driving until your replacement card arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

No. The SCDMV does not issue replacement licenses on the same day. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when you explore in person, and your replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a valid photo ID when ready, you may be able to obtain a state ID card at the same office, though this is a separate document with its own fee.

What if I move before my replacement arrives?

Contact the SCDMV before you move and update your address in person or online if you have an account. Your replacement will be mailed to your new address on file. If your replacement was already mailed to your old address, contact the SCDMV with your new address and they can reissue it or arrange for it to be forwarded.

Do I have to pay $10 again if my replacement card never arrives?

No. If your replacement card is lost in the mail or never arrives, contact the SCDMV with your tracking information or proof of your original request. They will reissue your replacement at no additional charge. Keep your temporary paper license until the replacement arrives.

Is the $10 fee the same for all license classes?

Yes. The $10 replacement fee is the same whether you hold a Class D (regular passenger vehicle), Class CDL (commercial), or any other license class. Renewal fees vary by class, but replacement fees do not.

Can I request a replacement if my license is suspended or revoked?

You can request a replacement card, but you cannot legally drive with it if your license is suspended or revoked. The SCDMV will issue the replacement, but it will carry the same suspension or revocation status as your original license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation separately before you can use the license to drive.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.