What you need to do to replace a South Carolina driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged South Carolina driver's license, you must visit a SCDMV (South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You'll pay a replacement fee, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license online or by mail in South Carolina. The SCDMV requires a new photograph and your physical presence to issue a replacement, even if your current license is still valid and you're only replacing it because it's damaged.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an SCDMV office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current South Carolina address.
  • The replacement fee is $10 for a standard license, and you'll receive a temporary license when ready.
  • Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on the temporary license until it arrives.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it's not required by SCDMV to issue a replacement.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, as SCDMV will verify your identity through the Social Security Administration.

Documents to bring to the SCDMV office

Bring one form of valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you don't have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

You also need proof of your current South Carolina address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you've recently moved and don't have a document in your new name yet, bring your old address proof plus a signed statement explaining the move.

Have your Social Security number ready. SCDMV verifies it electronically, so you don't need to bring a card, but you must know the number.

SCDMV office locations and wait times

South Carolina has 38 SCDMV offices across the state. The main office is in Columbia, but every county has at least one location. You can visit any office; you don't have to go to the one in your county.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Charleston, Greenville, or the Columbia area. Early morning visits, typically before 10 a.m., and visits on Tuesday through Thursday tend to be less crowded than Friday afternoons or Monday mornings.

SCDMV does not take appointments for license replacements. You walk in, take a number, and wait. Some offices post current wait times on the SCDMV website, though not all do. Calling ahead to ask about typical wait times for your location can help you plan.

The replacement fee and what it covers

A standard replacement license costs $10 in South Carolina. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead of a standard one, the fee is $20. A REAL ID license is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025, though a standard license still works for driving.

The fee covers the temporary license you receive when ready and the permanent license that arrives by mail. If your license was damaged but you still have it, bring it with you; SCDMV will destroy it as part of the replacement process.

SCDMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some smaller offices may accept only cash, so calling ahead is wise if you prefer to pay by card.

How to use your temporary license while you wait

The temporary license SCDMV prints for you on the spot is valid for driving when ready. It's a paper document, not a card, and you must carry it with you whenever you drive. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of a valid license.

Keep the temporary license in a safe place. If you lose it before your permanent license arrives, you'll need to return to an SCDMV office and pay another $10 replacement fee. Your permanent license will still arrive on its original timeline.

The temporary license expires when your permanent license arrives. Once the card arrives, destroy the temporary license and carry the card instead.

If your license was stolen and you're concerned about fraud

Filing a police report is optional but recommended if your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged. A report creates a record that can help if someone uses your license fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or in person at a police station.

SCDMV does not require a police report to issue a replacement. The new license will have a different number than your old one, so the stolen license becomes invalid once your replacement is issued. However, if you're worried about identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freezing your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No. A replacement and a renewal are separate transactions in South Carolina. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you'll need to handle both, but they're processed separately and may cost more. Ask the SCDMV staff which to do first when you arrive.

What if I don't have proof of my current address?

SCDMV requires address proof dated within 30 days. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, bring your old address proof and a signed letter explaining your move. Some offices will accept a notarized statement. Call your local SCDMV office to confirm what they'll accept before you visit.

How long does the permanent license take to arrive?

SCDMV states 7 to 10 business days, but delivery depends on mail service. If your license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact SCDMV to confirm it was mailed. You can drive on your temporary license the entire time you're waiting.

Do I need a REAL ID license, or is a standard license fine?

A standard license is fine for driving. You only need REAL ID if you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 2025. If you're unsure, ask the SCDMV staff when you visit; upgrading to REAL ID costs an extra $10 and takes the same amount of time.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. SCDMV will update your name on your replacement license. This is treated as part of the replacement process and costs the same $10 fee.