What you need to do right now if your South Carolina license is lost
If your South Carolina driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and request a replacement. You can do this in person at any SCDMV office, by mail, or online through the SCDMV website. The fastest route is online or in person — by mail takes longer because the DMV has to process your request and then mail the new license to you.
You'll need to bring or provide proof of your identity and South Carolina residency. A replacement license costs money (the fee varies depending on how long your current license is valid for), and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready if you go in person, or you can print one online if you explore that way.
Do not wait to report a lost license if you think it was stolen. The sooner you report it, the sooner you can prevent someone else from using it.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to the SCDMV online, by mail, or in person at any SCDMV office as soon as you notice it's missing.
- You'll need a government-issued ID (passport, military ID, or Real ID) and proof of your current South Carolina address to get a replacement.
- In-person replacement is fastest — you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic license by mail within two weeks.
- Online replacement lets you print a temporary license when ready, but you still have to wait for the permanent license to arrive by mail.
- The replacement fee depends on how long your current license would have been valid; you pay only for the remaining time on your license term.
Replacing your license in person at an SCDMV office
Going to an SCDMV office is the fastest way to get a temporary license the same day. Bring your Social Security number (or have it memorized), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of your South Carolina address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — it must show your current name and address.
You'll fill out Form DL-43 (process for a Driver's License or Permit) at the office. Tell the staff member that your license is lost, not that you're renewing it — this matters because the process is different. You'll pay the replacement fee, take a new photo, and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail, usually within two weeks.
SCDMV offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the SCDMV website for your local office's hours can help you plan. Some offices are busier than others, so going early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait.
Replacing your license online through the SCDMV website
The SCDMV allows you to report a lost license and request a replacement online if your license hasn't expired and you have a valid email address. Go to the SCDMV website, select the option for a lost or stolen license, and follow the prompts. You'll need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
After you submit your request online, you can print a temporary license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works the same way as the paper license you'd get in person — it lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file, usually arriving within two weeks.
Online replacement is convenient if you're busy or can't get to an office, but you do have to wait for the permanent license to arrive by mail. If you need to drive before your temporary license prints, you cannot do so legally, so make sure you complete the online process before you need to be on the road.
Replacing your license by mail
You can request a replacement license by mail, but this is the slowest option because everything happens through the postal service. You'll need to complete Form DL-43, include a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a copy of proof of your South Carolina address, and a check or money order for the replacement fee. Mail everything to the SCDMV address listed on their website.
The SCDMV will process your request and mail your new license to you. The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from the time they receive your envelope. During this time, you won't have a valid driver's license unless you have another form of ID that allows you to drive. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you should go in person or use the online option instead.
What happens if your license was stolen, not just lost
If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, report it to the police and get a report number. Then report it to the SCDMV using the same process as a lost license — in person, online, or by mail. The police report number helps document that the license was stolen, which matters if someone tries to use it before you report it.
Reporting a stolen license doesn't change the replacement process or cost, but it does create a record in case the license is used fraudulently. Keep your police report number and the SCDMV confirmation number for your records. If you later discover that someone used your stolen license, you can reference these numbers when reporting the fraud.
Fees and what affects the cost
The replacement fee for a lost South Carolina driver's license depends on how much time is left on your current license. You don't pay for a full new license term — you pay only for the remaining months. For example, if your license would have expired in six months, you pay a smaller fee than if it would have expired in four years.
The SCDMV website lists current fee amounts, which can change. Call your local SCDMV office or check their website before you go in person so you know exactly what to bring. If you're replacing your license by mail, include a check or money order for the amount listed on the SCDMV website.
What to do while you wait for your new license
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and most other purposes where you'd normally show your driver's license. Keep it in a safe place — losing the temporary license means you'll have to start the replacement process over. If your permanent license hasn't arrived after two weeks, check the SCDMV website or call your local office to confirm it was mailed.
If you're pulled over while driving on your temporary license, explain that you have a valid temporary license and show it to the officer. It's a legal form of ID for driving purposes. If your permanent license still hasn't arrived after 30 days, contact the SCDMV when ready — it may have been lost in the mail and you'll need to request another replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
No, not legally. You must have either your temporary paper license (if you got one in person or printed one online) or your original license to drive. If you lost your license and haven't yet received a temporary one, you cannot drive until you do. Go in person or use the online option to get a temporary license when ready.
What if I don't have a government-issued photo ID to bring to the SCDMV?
You need some form of government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or Real ID. If you don't have any of these, you'll need to get one first. A passport can be obtained through the U.S. State Department, and a Real ID can be obtained through the SCDMV at the same time you replace your license if you bring the required documents.
How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?
The entire process usually takes four to six weeks from the time the SCDMV receives your envelope. This includes processing time at the SCDMV office plus mailing time. If you need to drive sooner, go in person or use the online option to get a temporary license you can use when ready.
What if my address has changed since I got my current license?
Bring proof of your new South Carolina address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) when you go in person. If you're replacing by mail, include a copy of your proof of address. The SCDMV will update your address on your new license.
Can I get a replacement license if my current license has expired?
If your license has expired, you cannot use the lost license replacement process. You'll need to renew your license instead, which is a different process. Contact the SCDMV to find out whether you can renew by mail or if you need to go in person, since renewal rules differ from replacement rules.