Replacing a Lost Title in South Carolina
You'll need to apply for a replacement South Carolina vehicle title from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if your title is lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Continue reading this page to find out exactly how to replace your title with the SC DMV, and handle other title scenarios related to lien releases and changes to your title.
Applying for a Duplicate SC Vehicle Title
You can submit a request for a replacement title in South Carolina online, by mail or in person at your local SC DMV office.
By Mail or In Person
To apply for a duplicate SC title by mail or in person, you'll need to complete anApplication for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Manufactured Home/Mobile Home (Form 400). Include the current odometer reading for the vehicle.
Submit both forms to your local DMV or by mail to:
SCDMV
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016
The titling fee for a duplicate title is $15.
NOTE: When applying in person, you'll need to provide proof of identity, such as your:
- Valid South Carolina credential.
- Valid out-of-state credential that's unexpired.
- Valid or unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Passport that's valid and unexpired.
- Permanent residency card that unexpired and valid.
Did you know you can sign up as an organ donor and donate during this process?
The SCDMV site includes a portion on the Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Manufactured Home/Mobile Home (Form 400) to make a donation to DonateLifeSC. Your donation will help fund efforts efforts to increase donation, awareness and fund-raising events, and continued access to a statewide organ donor registry.
You may send a check for your monetary donation, but do not send cash.
Rush Service
Due to the efforts of the SC Department of Motor Vehicles, the title processing time had been dramatically decreased. Beginning on January 5th, 2015, expedited title services will no longer be offered.
Other Title Scenarios
What happens if the vehicle has no title?
If you don't have a previous title, you can apply for approval for a new title, which can be processed at DMV headquarters. Applicants must bring:
- Acceptable ID showing South Carolina residency.
- For a complete list of documents, please visit the SC DMV website.
- Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer or Mobile Home (Form TI-021A) that includes information about the circ*mstances of the acquisition, its condition and any known history about sellers or lien holders.
- Photos of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Information Verification Title without Previous Title (Form TI-021B) signed by a SCDMV official from a local branch.
- If this verification isn't available you can use an Application for Special Serial Number (Form 401-A).
Lien Release
If there is a lien on your vehicle, the South Carolina DMV will mail the replacement title to the lienholder.
Lien holders are now able to release a lien electronically if an electronic title exists. You can either complete the release information on the front of it, or turn in a letter on business letterhead. If you're applying for a new title and there's an existing lien, a copy will be sent to both you and the owner.
If you use a letter with business overhead, please include:
- Name of owner.
- VIN of the vehicle with the lien.
- Existing title number.
- Release date of lien.
- The signature of an authorized rep from your business.
Making Corrections on Your SC Title
You can make a variety of changes to your title in the process of replacing a lost title, including:
- Changing the owner's name.
- Updating the owner's address.
- Correcting odometer information that may have been reported incorrectly when the title was issued.
- Updating any insurance information.
- Updating any lienholder information.
Change Your Address
If you recently moved, you will need to update your address before applying for a duplicate title.
Although you're still required to visit your local SCDMV office in person for many tasks, you may change your address online by visiting the SC DMV website.
You can also visit a local SCDMV office to request or submit the Application for Name and/or Address Change, Date of Birth and/or Social Security Correction, or Special Mailing (Form 4057) by mail.
For more information, please see our page about Changing Your Address.
Forms
- 400
- Application for Certificate of Title and Registration for Motor Vehicle or Manufactured Home/Mobile Home
- Apply for an original, transferred, OR duplicate (title only) South Carolina vehicle title and registration with this DMV form.
- TI-021A
- Affidavit of Ownership for a Motor Vehicle or Mobile Home
- Use this DMV form to prove ownership of a vehicle, trailer, or mobile home you'd like to title in your name IF it doesn't have a previous title.
- 401-A
- Application for Special Serial Number
- Apply for an assigned serial number for a homemade, replica, OR kit car through the SC Department of Motor Vehicles.
- TI-021B
- Vehicle Identification Verification for Title Without a Previous Title
- A South Carolina DMV agent or law enforcement officer will complete this form after verifying the VIN of a vehicle missing a title.
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue:
Email the link to this form
- Registration Renewal
- Registration
- Title Transfers
- Replacing a Lost Title
- Car Insurance
- Release of Liability
- DMV Forms
