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How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in South Carolina

By Viola Travers · Practical Services & Civic Guide

Getting a replacement title when yours is lost or destroyed

You can replace a lost vehicle title through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The process takes about two weeks by mail and costs $10 for a duplicate title. You will need to submit a form, proof of ownership, and identification — you do not have to visit an office in person unless you choose to.

The SCDMV issues titles for all vehicles registered in the state. If your title was lost, stolen, water-damaged, or destroyed, a replacement is the standard way to get a new one. You cannot register a vehicle without a title, and you cannot sell or trade it without one either, so this is often urgent.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a duplicate title by mail, in person, or online through the SCDMV website without visiting an office.
  • You will need Form 4007 (Application for Duplicate Title), a copy of your driver's license or ID, and proof you own the vehicle — usually your current registration or insurance card.
  • The replacement title costs $10 and arrives in about two weeks if you mail your request, or the same day if you go to a regional office.
  • If you do not know your vehicle identification number (VIN) or have questions about ownership, call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 before submitting your request.

What you need to submit

Form 4007 is the official application for a duplicate title. You can download it from the SCDMV website (scdmv.org) or pick one up at any regional DMV office. Fill in your name, address, the vehicle's VIN, and the year, make, and model. You do not need a notary signature for a duplicate title request.

Bring or send a copy of your driver's license or state ID — front and back. This confirms your identity. If your ID is expired, bring it anyway; the SCDMV will accept it as long as it was valid when you owned the vehicle.

You also need proof of ownership. This is usually your current vehicle registration card, insurance card, or a previous title if you still have part of it. If you have none of these, bring a bill of sale, a loan document, or a receipt from the purchase. The SCDMV needs something showing your name and the vehicle's VIN.

Submitting by mail

Mail Form 4007, a copy of your ID, and proof of ownership to the SCDMV at P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016. Include a check or money order for $10 made out to "SCDMV." Do not send cash.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the SCDMV receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself can add a few days on each end, so plan for three to four weeks total. The new title will be mailed to the address you list on the form.

Keep copies of everything you send. If your envelope is lost in the mail, you will have proof of what you submitted. You can also include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the SCDMV to send you a receipt confirming they received your request.

Getting a replacement the same day in person

The SCDMV has regional offices across South Carolina where you can submit your request and receive a duplicate title the same day. Bring the completed Form 4007, your ID, proof of ownership, and $10 cash or a check. Office hours vary by location, so check the SCDMV website for the office nearest you and its hours before you go.

Wait times at regional offices range from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the time of day and how busy the office is. Going early in the morning or midweek typically means shorter waits. You do not need an appointment.

Ordering online through the SCDMV website

The SCDMV allows you to request a duplicate title online at scdmv.org without visiting an office. You will enter your vehicle information, upload images of your ID and proof of ownership, and pay the $10 fee by credit or debit card. The title is then mailed to you, arriving in about two weeks.

The online system works best if you have a clear photo of both sides of your ID and your proof of ownership. Make sure the images are readable — blurry or cut-off photos may cause delays. If the SCDMV cannot read your documents, they will contact you by phone or email to ask you to resubmit.

If you do not have proof of ownership

If you have lost your registration card and do not have an insurance card or previous title, you have other options. A bill of sale from when you bought the vehicle, a loan document from a lender, or a receipt from a dealer all count as proof of ownership. Even a handwritten bill of sale signed by the previous owner is acceptable.

If you cannot find any document with your name and the vehicle's VIN, call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000. Explain your situation and ask what documents they will accept. In rare cases, the SCDMV may ask you to provide additional information or visit an office in person so they can verify your ownership through their records.

If you do not know your vehicle identification number

Your VIN is a 17-character code that appears on your registration card, insurance card, and the lower left corner of your windshield. If you cannot find it, look at the driver's side door jamb or the engine block — the VIN is stamped in multiple places on the vehicle itself.

If you still cannot locate the VIN, call the SCDMV at 803-896-5000 and provide your name, address, and the vehicle's year, make, and model. They can look up the VIN in their system if the vehicle is registered to you. Once you have the VIN, you can complete your duplicate title request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car while I wait for the replacement title?

Yes. You can drive the vehicle as long as your registration is current. The title proves ownership; the registration proves you have paid your fees and the vehicle is insured. You do not need the physical title in your car to drive legally.

What if I lost my title and my registration card at the same time?

You will need to replace both. Request the duplicate title using Form 4007 as described above. For the registration, contact the SCDMV separately or ask about replacing both at once when you call 803-896-5000. Some regional offices can process both requests together.

Do I need to notarize the form?

No. A duplicate title request does not require a notary signature. Form 4007 just needs your signature and the required documents. If you are ordering online, you do not sign anything — you simply upload your documents and pay the fee.

What if the title arrives with my name spelled wrong?

Contact the SCDMV immediately at 803-896-5000 with your title number and the error. They can issue a corrected title. Bring the incorrect title with you if you visit an office, or mail it back with a note explaining the mistake.

Can someone else pick up my duplicate title if I go to a regional office?

No. The SCDMV will only release the title to the person whose name is on it. You must be present and show your ID. If you cannot go in person, use the mail or online option instead.