About Replacing Car Registration in South Carolina

You must replace a lost car registration in South Carolina as soon as you realize your registration certificate or plates are no longer in your possession. If you do not replace stolen or lost vehicle registration materials, you may receive a traffic ticket if a police officer pulls you over and you cannot present proof of valid registration.

You must also apply for a duplicate registration if your original documents become damaged or can no longer be read. Unless these credentials are valid and legible, they will not serve as acceptable proof of valid vehicle registration. To learn more about the process to replace your registration credentials, review the information below.

Replacing a Lost Registration in South Carolina

You may replace car registration cards online or by visiting a local branch of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). To order your replacement credential online, however, you must meet a few requirements. For instance, your registration must be active with the SCDMV and your current address must be on file with the department.

Note: For more information on how to replace your registration and what documents you may need, review our free registration guide.

Drivers often ask, “Can you print your car registration online in South Carolina?” If you meet the above requirements and can provide your registered vehicle’s license plate number, you may print a duplicate certificate online. If you cannot purchase your replacement credential online, you must visit an SCDMV office to submit your request.

Keep in mind that if your registration is nearing its expiration date, you may be able to simply apply for a vehicle registration renewal instead.

Getting SC DMV Copy of Registration Decals

To obtain a copy of your registration decals after you lose or damage your vehicle’s license plate stickers, you may submit your request in person or by mail. You cannot replace a registration sticker online in South Carolina.

In Person

To obtain a replacement car registration decal, you may visit any local SCDMV office to submit your request in person.

During your office visit, you must submit a completed Application to Replace License Plate or Expiration Year Decal and payment for the applicable fee.

By Mail

If you prefer to order your duplicate car registration decal by mail, you must submit a completed Application to Replace License Plate or Expiration Year Decal to the SCDMV’s main office in Blythewood. When submitting your application by mail, you must also include payment for the applicable fee.

Replacing South Carolina Car Registration Plates

You may order auto registration replacement plates online or in person at a local SCDMV branch.

Online

If you have access to your vehicle’s current registration card and your license plate is in good standing with the SCDMV, you may replace a defective or lost license plate online. In order to submit your online request, you must also be able to provide your vehicle’s license plate number, vehicle number, registration expiration date and a current address.

In Person

If you cannot replace vehicle registration plates online, you must visit a local SCDMV office to submit your request. During your office visit, be sure to bring payment for the applicable fee.

For more information on how to replace your car registration materials, download our free guide.