The SC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires commercial drivers to get a CDL replacement in South Carolina if they lose or destroy their existing documentation in any way. To replace a CDL license, all SC drivers must complete the necessary application and submit it along with the required supporting documentation to the DMV. The proper application fee must accompany all applications for requests to be processed correctly. The SC DMV only accepts duplicate commercial license applications in-person.

Drivers who fail to replace a destroyed or lost CDL drivers license can face legal penalties for operating a commercial vehicle without the proper documentation. The SC DMV requires drivers to declare why they are requesting a duplicate license when submitting the application. Drivers who request multiple replacement licenses within a short period of time will have to submit additional paperwork to receive a new commercial license. Read on to learn more about getting a replacement commercial driver’s license in South Carolina.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in South Carolina?

South Carolina commercial drivers must pay CDL replacement fees and submit an application packet if their license is stolen, lost or significantly damaged. According to South Carolina law, driving without the necessary DMV CDL replacement license is against the law.

Breaking this law can result in legal penalties and a negative impact on the driver’s record with the DMV. When requesting the duplicate license, the SC DMV asks drivers to declare why they need the replacement by completing and signing an Affidavit for a Lost/Surrendered Driver’s License.

Especially when a driver must request more than one duplicate CDL license within a 12-month period or the need for replacement arises due to theft, the DMV may ask the driver to provide evidence to support his or her claim. In the case of multiple theft requests, drivers may be asked to show proof of having filed applicable police reports or taken other such actions before being granted a replacement.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in South Carolina

How to replace a CDL license in South Carolina begins with gathering the necessary documents to support the driver’s request. To apply for a duplicate CDL or renewal CDL, the DMV requires SC commercial drivers to prepare at least one form of proof attesting to the driver’s physical ability to operate commercial vehicles and one document attesting to the driver’s identity. Drivers who would like to replace a CDL that was not already qualified as a REAL ID, accepted at federal locations across the country, will receive a license that clearly states that it is “Not for Federal Identification”.

All supporting material for the CDL replacement application should be provided in their original forms, not as photocopies. Drivers who are not U.S. citizens or regularly resident in South Carolina may be asked to present additional application material. The complete list of documents that the SC DMV expects drivers to provide with any duplicate CDL license request includes:

• An Application for a Commercial Driver’s License or Commercial Learner’s Permit (Form 447-CDL), signed and completed
• An Affidavit for a Lost/Surrendered Driver’s License (SCDMV Form DL-49), signed and completed
• A Medical Examiner’s Certificate, signed by an approved physician on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners OR other acceptable proof of having passed federally required medical exams
• Proof of identity, usually through presentation of one of the following documents:
  • SC Non-commercial Driver’s License
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card

How to Replace a South Carolina CDL in Person

Once a commercial driver realizes he or she needs a DMV CDL replacement in South Carolina, it is paramount that he or she begins gathering the necessary material for submitting a duplicate request as soon as possible. SC drivers are required to replace a CDL license in-person at a nearby DMV branch office.

The DMV considers commercial drivers unqualified for access to the state’s online driver services system for completion of any request due to federal restrictions. Commercial drivers who are temporarily out-of-state are not generally permitted to request a replacement by mail and must instead wait to return stateside to apply in person.

Before heading to the DMV to replace a CDL license, drivers should confirm the opening hours of the specific DMV office located nearest them. Drivers are also encouraged to confirm how CDL replacement fees are accepted at that their specific DMV location before heading in. Once ready, commercial drivers who need to submit a duplicate request for a commercial license can do so by taking the following steps in person:

1. Print or pick up a copy of the two necessary application forms: The Application for a Commercial Driver’s License or Commercial Learner’s Permit A, B or C (Form 447-CDL) and the Affidavit for a Lost/Surrendered Driver’s License (SCDMV Form DL-49). Complete and sign the forms.
2. Gather proof of passing the required medical exams, such as an CDL medical card, medical exam report or similar documentation.
3. Prepare one acceptable form of identification from the previously mentioned list. Drivers who are non-U.S. citizens may be asked to bring additional identification and residency information.
4. Bring the completed application and supporting materials to a nearby SC DMV branch for submission.
5. Submit your complete application packet and wait to receive your replacement commercial license in the mail.

CDL Replacement Fees in South Carolina

In South Carolina, CDL replacement fees are the same as duplicate fees for non-commercial licenses. The SC DMV expects all drivers requesting a duplicate license to pay a $10 fee with every replacement request. At some locations and with some payment methods, additional fees may apply.

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