Lost Car Title in South Carolina: How to Replace It
Replacing a lost car title in South Carolina costs $15, filed with Form 400 (or EZ Online Duplicate Title, no form) (online (SCDMV EZ Online), mail (SCDMV Blythewood), in-person (same-day expedited)), with typical processing of Same-day in person (expedited); ~2 weeks by mail. That's the entire DIY cost — form-prep services charge $150+ for the same paperwork.
Compiled from available sources — verify with the South Carolina titling agency · 2026-06-12 · Reviewed by the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team
State fee
$15
Form
Form 400 (or EZ Online Duplicate Title, no form)
How to file
online (SCDMV EZ Online) · mail (SCDMV Blythewood) · in-person (same-day expedited)
Processing time
Same-day in person (expedited); ~2 weeks by mail
Official source: dmv.sc.gov
Buying or selling while the title's being replaced?
A missing title is the moment to check the vehicle itself. The $9.99 Full VIN Report shows the federal record — recalls, owner complaints, service bulletins — plus the original window sticker where available, before any money moves. Run the report →
FAQ
How much does a duplicate car title cost in South Carolina?
$15, paid to the state with Form 400 (or EZ Online Duplicate Title, no form). Verify the current fee with the South Carolina titling agency — fees change. Form-prep services charge $150+ for this same paperwork; the state fee is all that's required.
How long does a replacement title take in South Carolina?
Same-day in person (expedited); ~2 weeks by mail, per the state's published guidance (available online (SCDMV EZ Online), mail (SCDMV Blythewood), in-person (same-day expedited)). Expedited options vary by state.
Can I sell a car in South Carolina while the title is lost?
Generally no — you need the duplicate in hand first, and buyers should insist on it. If you're the buyer in this situation, run the VIN before money moves: the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report shows the federal record (recalls, complaints, service bulletins) and the original window sticker where available, so you know what you're buying while the paperwork catches up.
Do I need a service to replace a lost title?
No. Replacing a lost title is a standard DMV transaction costing $15 that owners complete directly. Paid services charge $150+ to pre-fill the same public form — useful only if your situation is genuinely complicated (no proof of ownership, out-of-state liens, deceased owner).
Sources: fee, form, and timeline from the South Carolina titling agency (linked above) where available — items without an official link should be verified directly. Fees change by statute — always confirm against the official page before filing. Cite this page: CarWhere, "Lost Car Title in South Carolina," carwhere.com/titles/lost-title/south-carolina, verified 2026-06-12.