Replacing a South Carolina Vehicle Title

If your South Carolina title is lost, stolen, damaged, or never arrived in the mail, the SCDMV issues a duplicate title for a $15 fee. The same Form 400 used for original titling handles duplicates. Most owners receive the new title in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, although high-volume periods can stretch to two or three weeks.

When to request a duplicate

The most common reasons:

• The original title was lost or misplaced.
• The title was destroyed by fire, water, or wear.
• The title never arrived after a recent title transfer or registration.
• A lienholder released the lien but didn't return the title.
• The title shows an outdated owner address that needs to be corrected on the title face.
• You need a clear title to sell the vehicle, refinance, or take out a title loan.

Who can request a duplicate

Only the legal owner of record — or all owners jointly if multiple — can request a duplicate. If a lien is recorded, the lienholder typically holds the original title and is the only party that can request a replacement. After the loan is paid off, the lienholder must file an electronic or paper lien release, and the SCDMV reissues a clean title to the owner. Court orders can override these rules in inheritance, divorce, and probate cases.

Documents required

• Completed Form 400 — check the "Duplicate Title" box.
• Photo identification (SC driver's license, SC ID, or other approved ID).
• Proof of ownership reference — registration card, prior title number, or VIN.
• Lien release if applicable.
• Probate or court documents in inheritance cases.
• Power of attorney if a third party is requesting on the owner's behalf.

How to apply

The SCDMV offers three channels for duplicate title requests:

• Online — through the SCDMV portal for owners with a single name on title and no recorded lien. Pay the $15 fee by credit or debit card. The new title is mailed in 7-10 business days.
• In person — at any of the 70 SCDMV branches. Bring Form 400, ID, and the $15 fee. The branch processes the request the same day; the printed duplicate is still mailed (no same-day pickup of titles).
• By mail — Form 400, a check for $15, and copies of supporting documents to the SCDMV address printed on Form 400. Mail processing adds another 2-3 weeks.

Fees

• Duplicate title fee — $15.
• Expedited processing — not currently available; standard mail is the only option.
• Lien release recording — usually free if filed electronically by the lender.
• Notarization — required only in specific cases (probate, certain power of attorney scenarios).

Damaged or destroyed titles

If the original title is damaged but legible, surrender the damaged title with Form 400 and the $15 fee. The SCDMV destroys the damaged title and reissues a fresh one. If the original was destroyed entirely, complete Form 400 and check the appropriate destruction box; the SCDMV processes the request as a standard duplicate.

Liens and duplicate titles

If a lien is still active, the lienholder is the legal holder of the title until the loan is satisfied. The lienholder requests duplicates directly from the SCDMV. After payoff, the lender must file an electronic or written lien release; the SCDMV will then issue a duplicate to the registered owner. If a lender has gone out of business or merged, the owner may need to provide proof of payoff (a stamped loan history, court order, or written release from the successor institution) before the SCDMV will release a clean duplicate.

Common reasons for delay

• The owner's name on Form 400 doesn't match the SCDMV record exactly.
• The lien on file hasn't been released, even though the loan is paid.
• The mailing address on the SCDMV record is outdated — see SC address change to update before requesting a duplicate.
• An inheritance transfer requires court documentation that wasn't included.

Once the duplicate title arrives, you can use it to complete a sale, refinance, or transfer. For the next steps in a sale, see SC title transfer or our national title transfer guide.