South Carolina · Titles & temporary tags

South Carolina Duplicate Title & Temporary Tag Guide

A practical playbook for South Carolina dealers handling lost titles and issuing 45‑day temporary plates.

Duplicate / replacement title workflow

Use this checklist when a customer reports a lost title or when you’re cleaning up paperwork before a sale:

Duplicate titles in South Carolina are requested through the SCDMV using the standard Title and Registration Application (Form 400) with the duplicate title option selected.
Only the titled owner or lienholder can request the duplicate, and all required sections of Form 400 must be completed.
If a lien is being removed at the same time, a proper lien release from the financial institution is required.
Dealers should verify that the VIN, owner details, and lien information on the application match SCDMV records before submitting.
Applications and fees can be submitted at SCDMV branches or by mail to the main Blythewood address listed on Form 400.

Temporary tags / permits

Use this when the buyer needs to drive on a temporary plate or permit while you finish title and registration work:

South Carolina uses 45‑day temporary license plates, governed by S.C. Code §56‑3‑210, for newly acquired vehicles.
Dealers issue these plates using SCDMV Form 45‑A (Application to Issue or Replace 45‑Day Temporary Plates) and must record key information such as buyer, VIN, and date of sale.
Temporary plates are valid for no more than 45 days from the date of purchase or lease.
The buyer must carry a bill of sale, title, lease contract, or temporary registration card showing the date of purchase while operating on the temp tag.
Temporary plates are not for test drives or dealer use; they are restricted to buyers and a specific vehicle and must be replaced with permanent plates within 45 days.

Official references & forms