Fillable Form DL-49 South Carolina Driver License Replacement

What is Form DL-49?

It is important to keep our proofs of identity with us all the time, so that it comes in handy whenever we need it. These could be anything from passports, identification cards, or Social Security cards. One of the most important cards to keep with you is the driver’s license card, which is very essential to bring whenever you use your car to travel.

However, there are some things that are out of our control, and even though we strive to keep our cards safe, they may become lost, stolen, or destroyed. When this happens, we cannot use the said card anymore. But this does not mean the end--you can always get a replacement for your driver’s license.

For you to have your driver’s license replaced, you need to fill out Form DL-49 or the Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver’s License Form.

Why do I have to report my lost driver’s license or beginner’s permit?

You have to immediately report your lost or surrendered driver’s license, because this is central to your driving privileges. If you do not have one, you may not be allowed to drive your car. And even if you do drive, when you commit a traffic violation and you’re not able to present a license or permit to the enforcer, you will be subject to penalties and possibly criminal liabilities. It may get you fined, jailed, or both.

What happens if I don’t report my lost driver’s license immediately?

Aside from the reasons presented above, it is important that you immediately report your lost cards to prevent identity theft. It is possible that someone else would use your cards to make transactions without your knowledge. They might use it to commit illegal activities, and all of these would be under your name. You may be made liable to these acts even if you have no knowledge that all of these were happening. To prevent identity theft, report your lost driver’s license, beginner’s permit, or identification card as soon as possible.

How do I replace my driver’s license?

In the event that your driver’s license is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the local police authorities. This is to avoid possible identity theft.

If your card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you may apply for a replacement license online, by mail, or in person.

If you apply online, it is important that your DMV account is in good standing. This means that your driver’s license is valid and that you do not have outstanding reinstatement requirements. The DMV may not process your application if you have a suspended license or any outstanding reinstatement requirements.

In addition to that, you must also have a valid Visa, MasterCard, or Discover Card, which you will use to pay for the replacement fee.

However, online applications for driver’s license replacement are not available to all South Carolina drivers. In such instances, you must apply to the South Carolina DMV in person.

How to fill out Form DL-49?

The form is only a page long and requires you to provide a few of your personal information.

In this form, you are also going to explain why you are applying for a replacement card.
You are required to provide all the needed information, but this does not necessarily mean that all sections are answered. Refer to the instructions below to know which sections in the form you have to have to answer.

Please also read through the form thoroughly first before writing so that you avoid making mistakes in the middle of the process.

Personal Information
Provide the following in the spaces provided at the top of the form:

• Name
• Address
• Driver’s License, Beginner’s Permit, or Identification Card Number

Section 1
Section 1 should only be filled out if your driving privileges are currently suspended. In this case, you may not be able to surrender your driver’s license or beginner’s permit because of an incident that made you lose possession of the card.

Check the box next to the reason that is applicable in your situation.

• It (driver’s license) has been lost, misplaced, or destroyed.
• It has been stolen. An investigative incident report is attached.
• It has been stolen. An investigative incident report is NOT attached.
• It was surrendered to someone else

In cases wherein your driver’s license or beginner’s permit could still be retrieved, you are still obligated to return your driver’s license or beginner’s permit. You would have to immediately surrender it to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

Section 2
Section 2 should only be filled out if your driving privileges are not suspended. In this case, you may be requesting a driver’s license or beginner’s permit and your driving privileges are not suspended.

That’s it! You have filled out Form DL-49.

Does the driver’s license replacement have a fee?

The fee for replacing your driver’s license is $10. This is regardless if your DL card is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

• If you file in person, you can pay with cash, check, or debit card.
• If you file online, you must pay with a credit or debit card.
• If you file by mail, you must send a check.

How to submit Form DL-49?

You can send your accomplished Form DL-49 in person at the South Carolina DMV. This would be the quickest way to have your license replaced.

However, you can also opt to send the form through mail at the address below:

Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016
If by mail, remember to also send a check for payment.

Are there additional documents I have to submit?

The South Carolina DMV will require you to submit official documents that serve as proof of your identity. According to the DMV, these are the documents that they’re accepting:

• Proof of Citizenship/Identity, Name, and Date of Birth (birth certificate, passport)
• Proof of Social Security Number (Social Security card, Social Security Form SSA-1099, tax documents)
• Proof of South Carolina Residency (school records, current employment records, utility bills)
• Insurance Information (provide information about your insurance company)

Usually, the DMV would require that you submit the same documents that you used when applying for your driver’s license.

Further information
For further clarification about the replacement process and the additional documents to submit, visit the South Carolina DMV Office, or you may call at 803-896-5000. You may also email the DMV at [email protected].

Important reminder
It is recommended that you keep copies of your documents, especially your driver’s license and car registration. This is to prove your identity in case someone else uses your identity in your driver’s license. This would also make the driver’s license replacement process easier.