Have you recently lost your car title? Whether it was misplaced or stolen, you'll need to replace a lost car title in South Carolina. It's a legal document that proves your ownership and includes details about your vehicle, such as its make, model, and VIN (vehicle identification number). A vehicle title proves legal ownership and is important when selling or transferring a vehicle.

In this guide from Carolina Title Loans, Inc., we explain how to obtain a duplicate car title in South Carolina to replace a misplaced one. We will review the process for replacing a vehicle title online in South Carolina, so you can obtain your car title if you need to get a title loan for emergency cash.

Key Takeaways

• You can get a duplicate car title in South Carolina online, in person, or by mail. The SCDMV offers an EZ Online Duplicate Title service for eligible vehicle owners who need to replace a lost car title.
• To replace a South Carolina car title by mail or in person, complete SCDMV Form 400. For a duplicate title, applicants generally need to complete Sections 1, 2, and 4 and provide the required vehicle and owner information.
• A standard South Carolina duplicate title costs $15. If you apply in person, you can request an expedited same-day duplicate title for an additional $20, bringing the total cost to $35.
• You'll need acceptable identification when applying by mail or in person. Depending on your situation, you may also need additional authorization if someone else will pick up the replacement title.
• A replacement title restores proof of vehicle ownership and can be important when selling or transferring your vehicle. If your vehicle is fully paid off and the title is lien-free, you may also be able to use the duplicate title to apply for a South Carolina title loan.

How To Get a Duplicate Car Title in South Carolina (Lost Title Guide)

Replacing a lost SC car title is important because you need it to prove your legal ownership of a vehicle. If you plan to sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle, you'll generally need the title. You can also use a fully paid-off vehicle title to get a title loan for emergency financing.

Thankfully, replacing a lost vehicle title in South Carolina is simple; you just need to complete a few steps. You can complete this process in person, online, or via mail.

Can You Get a Duplicate Car Title Online in South Carolina?

If you're asking yourself, "Can I get a copy of my car title online?" the answer is yes! You can get a duplicate title in SC by filling out the EZ Online Duplicate Title form. Before applying, verify that the address on file with the SCDMV is current because the replacement title will be mailed to the address on file.

That said, not everyone wants to complete the process online. If you prefer person-to-person contact for something like this, you can complete the process at a local DMV office.

If you prefer to apply in person or need an expedited same-day duplicate title, follow the steps below:

1. Complete The SCDMV Form 400 For A Duplicate Title

To begin the process of replacing your SC vehicle title, you must complete the SCDMV Form 400. For duplicate title requests submitted by mail or in person, you'll need to complete SCDMV Form 400. For a duplicate title, you only need to complete sections 1, 2, and 4. 

Be prepared to provide information such as your VIN, vehicle make and model, current mileage, owner information, address, and lien information, if applicable.

Accuracy is essential here, so double- and triple-check the information you provide before submitting it. Remember that you can't use correction fluid, tape, strikeovers, or erasures on the form, or else your application will get rejected.

Here is some of what you will need to provide on the SC duplicate title form:

• Transaction type (check "title" here)
• Title-specific information (check "duplicate title" here)
• Special vehicle type (if applicable)
• VIN
• Make and model
• Year
• Primary owner's full name and date of birth
• Address where the vehicle is kept (if different from your address)
• Phone number
• Leasing company information (if your vehicle is leased)

You may also need to provide your current odometer reading and lien information, if applicable. Review the form carefully, then provide your signature and date where required. If you complete the process online, just remember that your SCDMV address must be current.

2. Gather Acceptable Identification

When applying for a duplicate title by mail or in person, you must provide acceptable identification. This can include a valid driver's license, beginner's permit, or identification card. Check the SCDMV's current identification requirements before submitting your application.

3. Submit Your Application and Pay the Duplicate Title Fee

To finish the process, submit your completed Form 400, acceptable identification, and the required fee. A standard duplicate title costs $15. If you apply in person, you can request a same-day expedited duplicate title for an additional $20, for a total of $35.

Depending on who will pick up the title, one of the following authorization forms may apply:

• SCDMV Form MV-80 — Otherwise known as an Agent Authorization for Title Pick-up form, it is used by companies when they send somebody to pick up the title in their place.
• SCDMV Form MV-80A — Also known as the Third Party Title Pick-Up form, you must complete it if you pick up the title for another person.

You can bring the SCDMV Form 400 and pay the fees in person at a DMV office or mail them. If you pay by mail, you must send a check, as the SCDMV cannot accept cash. Make the check or money order payable to the SCDMV. You can send it to the following address:

SCDMV

Titles

PO Box 1498

Blythewood, SC 29016-0024

Same-day printing to get your duplicate title immediately is available only when you visit in person. Once you have your replacement SC title, you can use it to get fast emergency cash through car title loans.

How To Get a Title Loan in South Carolina

One of the reasons it can help to get a duplicate title for a vehicle that's fully paid off is that you can use it as collateral for a title loan. You should only do this when faced with serious financial emergencies, like medical bills, home repairs, and unexpected travel costs. 

You can use your car’s title as collateral to borrow up to $15,000. You will only need three required items: a driver’s license, a lien-free vehicle title in your name, and your vehicle for an inspection. Use this loan only as a last resort for urgent costs you cannot afford. The process is fast and stress-free, requiring only a few steps and taking less than a day.

Here is how to get approved for a title loan in South Carolina:

• Fill out our online inquiry form with your basic information
• Answer a phone call to discuss title loan terms
• Gather your required items and head to the nearest South Carolina store location
• Get your requirements verified and vehicle inspected for its value
• If approved, sign the loan agreement to finish the process
• Receive your title loan funds later the same day or by the next business day

Get Approved for a Title Loan in South Carolina – Borrow up to $15,000 Today!

Once you have gone through the process to replace a vehicle title online in South Carolina, you can use your replacement title to get a title loan. As long as you have fully paid off your loans, debts, and/or judgments, you can borrow up to $15,000 by using your vehicle title as collateral.

You get to keep your car during loan repayment, and you don't need good credit to get approved. Ready to get started? Fill out our online title loan form, and you can visit us in person to get approved in 30 minutes!

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.