How to replace your South Carolina driver license
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged South Carolina driver license in person at any DMV office, by mail if your license is only slightly damaged, or online through the SC DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The fastest route is an in-person visit, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $10 for a standard replacement. If you choose mail or online, processing takes 7 to 10 business days, and you'll receive your new license by mail.
Your choice depends on how damaged your current license is, how quickly you need the replacement, and whether you've had any recent address changes. A slightly worn license can go by mail; a severely damaged one requires an in-person visit. If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police first — not required by the DMV, but it protects you if someone tries to use it fraudulently.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at any SC DMV office costs $10 and takes about 15 minutes, with your new license issued on the spot.
- Mail replacement works only for slightly damaged licenses and takes 7 to 10 business days; you'll need to mail your old license and a completed form.
- Online replacement through the SC DMV website is available if your license is not expired, not suspended, and your address hasn't changed.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report first to protect yourself against fraud, though the DMV does not require it.
- You'll need your Social Security number and a valid form of ID to prove your identity at any DMV office.
In-person replacement at a South Carolina DMV office
Walk into any SC DMV office with your Social Security number and a valid form of ID — a passport, military ID, or another state's driver license all work. Bring your damaged license if you still have it. Tell the clerk you need a replacement, complete form DL-43 (the replacement process), pay $10, and you'll walk out with your new license in your hand the same day.
No appointment is needed, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning on a weekday is usually faster than late afternoon or Saturday. If you don't have your old license because it was lost or stolen, the DMV will still issue a replacement — you just won't have it to turn in. The $10 fee covers the new card; there's no extra charge for a lost or stolen license.
Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the DMV can verify your number without it. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address at the same time you replace the license.
Mail replacement for slightly damaged licenses
If your license is only slightly damaged — a small crack, faded photo, or worn edges — you can mail it to the SC DMV with a completed form DL-43 and a $10 check or money order. Do not send cash. Include a note explaining what's wrong with the license, and mail everything to the address listed on the DMV website for your region.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the DMV receives your package. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. If the DMV decides your license is too damaged to process by mail, they'll return it to you with instructions to visit an office in person. This route works well if you're not in a hurry and your license is still readable.
Keep a copy of your mailed form for your records. If your package doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received it. Mail can be delayed, and the DMV's processing time starts only after they open your envelope.
Online replacement through the SC DMV website
The SC DMV offers online replacement if your license is not expired, not suspended, and your address hasn't changed since you got it. Go to the SC DMV website, select the replacement option, and answer questions about your license and identity. You'll pay the $10 fee by credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online replacement is the most convenient if you're may be able to access, because you don't have to leave home or stand in line. However, it doesn't work if your license has expired, if your driving privileges are suspended for any reason, or if you've moved. If any of those explore, you must go in person or use the mail option.
The online system will tell you when ready whether you're may be able to access. If you're not, it will explain why and direct you to the next step. Save your confirmation number from the online transaction — you'll need it if you have to contact the DMV about your order.
What to do if your license was stolen
Report the theft to your local police department and get a case number. This step is not required by the SC DMV, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen license to commit fraud or open accounts in your name. When you replace your license at the DMV, mention that it was stolen — the clerk will note it in the system.
You can replace a stolen license using any of the three methods above: in person, by mail, or online. The replacement process is the same; the police report just protects you separately. Keep your police report number for your records and monitor your credit report for suspicious activity over the next few months.
Fees and what to bring
| Replacement Method | Cost | Processing Time | What to Bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at DMV office | $10 | Same day | Valid ID, Social Security number, old license (if you have it), proof of address if changed |
| By mail | $10 | 7–10 business days | Old license, completed form DL-43, check or money order, note explaining damage |
| Online | $10 | 7–10 business days | Credit or debit card (no other documents needed) |
All three methods cost $10. In-person is the only option that gives you a license the same day. Mail and online both take 7 to 10 business days and deliver by mail to your address on file. If you need to update your address, do it in person or contact the DMV before you mail your process, because mail and online replacement use the address already in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
If you replaced your license in person, you can drive when ready — you have the new license in hand. If you used mail or online replacement, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, because you no longer have a valid license. Plan ahead if you need to drive during the 7 to 10 day wait.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
If you're replacing in person, bring proof of your new address and the DMV will update it at the same time. If you're using mail or online, your new license will go to the old address on file. Contact the SC DMV before you mail or submit online to update your address first, or choose in-person replacement instead.
Do I need my old license to get a replacement?
No. If your license was lost or stolen, you can still get a replacement. Just tell the DMV what happened. If you're going in person, bring valid ID and your Social Security number. If you're mailing or going online, the system will verify your identity without the old license.
How much does a replacement cost if my license was stolen versus damaged?
The cost is the same — $10 — whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The DMV does not charge extra for a stolen license. The only difference is that you should file a police report for a stolen license to protect yourself from fraud.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
No. South Carolina does not issue temporary licenses for replacements. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must go in person to get your new license the same day. If you're using mail or online, you'll have to wait 7 to 10 business days.