Drivers are responsible for obtaining a motorcycle license replacement in South Carolina in the event that their license is stolen, lost or damaged. Without a legible license, motorists will not be able to operate their motorbikes on state roads.

If caught disobeying the law, drivers will be at risk of losing their driving privileges and may face steep fines. Additionally, it is essential that drivers keep their licenses up-to-date if they undergo a name or address change.

Depending on the reason behind needing a duplicate motorcycle license, there are several important documents that a driver must provide to their local South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV). The process of applying for a replacement license is fairly simple and may be completed online, by mail or in person depending on a motorist’s eligibility. To learn more about replacing your motorcycle license in South Carolina, read the following sections below.

When is a motorcycle license replacement required in South Carolina?

If your license was recently lost, stolen or damaged, you will need to obtain a motorcycle license replacement in South Carolina as soon as possible. This includes any license that has become illegible and cannot be read.

It is illegal to operate a motorcycle on state roads without one. Furthermore, the DMV will issue you a single license if you earned the privilege to operate a motorcycle while holding a standard driver’s license.

Because this single document endorses you for both classifications, you will not be able to operate any motor vehicle on state roads until you obtain a replacement. Failing to abide by the law could result in stiff penalties and fines, negatively affecting your driving record and your auto insurance premiums. If your license is damaged or destroyed, airport security, banks and other businesses will most likely not accept it.

Additionally, you must make sure that the information provided on your motorcycle license remains current. If you recently changed your name or address, you will need to notify the DMV within 10 days. The DMV must have your correct information on file in case they need to contact you on important matters regarding your license and registration.

While it is not mandatory to replace your motorcycle license in South Carolina, it is highly recommended that you do so. In the event you are pulled over by law enforcement or are involved in an accident, having the correct information on your motorcycle license can avoid confusion and help another party appropriately identify you.

Documents Required to Replace a Motorcycle License in South Carolina

In order to obtain a duplicate motorcycle license in South Carolina, you will need to provide important documentation to your local SCDMV. This documentation may vary depending on your reasoning behind obtaining a replacement. If your license is lost, stolen or damaged, you will need to submit the following documents online or in person at your local SCDMV branch:

  • A complete Affidavit for a Lost/Surrendered Driver’s License (SCDMV Form DL-49).
  • An Application for a Beginner’s Permit, Driver’s License, or Identification Card (SCDMV Form DL-49).
  • A $10 duplicate motorcycle license fee.

If you recently changed addresses, you will need to update your SCDMV records before you can order a replacement card. You can submit your request for a duplicate motorcycle license at the same time as changing your address by mail or in person. Simply submit the documents listed above, as well as:

  • An Application for Name and/or Address Change, Date of Birth and/or Social Security Correction, or Special Mailing (Form 4057).

Additionally, you may need to provide additional documents, such as a police report, if this is the second time obtaining a motorcycle license replacement in the past 12 months. Similarly, you will need to provide additional documentation if you have recently undergone a name change. Proper documentation includes:

  • A complete Application for Name and/or Address Change (SCDMV Form 4057).
  • A marriage license or court order issued by your family court.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must submit documentation to prove your lawful status when replacing your motorcycle license. This includes proof of:
  • Identity
  • Birth place and date
  • SC residency
  • Authorization to live, study or work in the U.S.
  • A Social Security card or letter from the Social Security Association stating you are not allowed to work in the U.S.

Note: If you have not yet obtained a REAL ID, you may be interested in one as a motorcycle license replacement. You will need to pay $25 since it is considered renewing your license. You will also be expected to submit a more extensive list of documentation, including proof of identity, proof of Social Security Number and two proofs of your current, physical address.

How to Replace a South Carolina Motorcycle License Online

The easiest and quickest way to apply for a duplicate motorcycle license in South Carolina is online. The online transaction will allow you to purchase a motorcycle license replacement if your license has been lost or stolen or your need an updated license to reflect a change of address.

However, you cannot receive a replacement through the online system if you have purchased a duplicate license online in the past 12 months. To apply online, you must be a U.S. citizen and your license must be valid.

Additionally, you cannot obtain a motorcycle license replacement online when changing your name. This update can only be completed in person at your local SCDMV branch.

If you are interested in a REAL ID as a replacement, you will need to complete the process in person as well unless you are eligible to complete it online. This requires that all of the required documents needed are on file with the SCDMV.

Keep in mind by replacing your motorcycle license with a REAL ID, you are actually renewing your license. The process of applying for a duplicate license online is fairly simple and can be completed in just a few minutes on the SCDMV website. If you are eligible to apply for duplicate motorcycle license online, have the following information ready:

  • Motorcycle license number or customer number.
  • Social Security number.
  • Date of birth.
  • Credit or debit card information to pay the duplicate motorcycle license fee.

How to Replace a South Carolina Motorcycle License by Mail

If you would like to avoid a trip to the SCDMV, replacing your motorcycle license by mail is another convenient option. While it is the slowest process, it is an ideal method if you are currently out of state. Keep in mind that you will only be able to complete the process by mail under certain circumstances.

For example, if you would like your duplicate motorcycle license to reflect your change of address. You can also replace your motorcycle license by mail if it was lost, stolen or damaged. If you would like to purchase a REAL ID, you may be able to obtain a replacement by mail if your local SCDMV has all the required documentation on file.

Simply gather all the appropriate application and documentation listed above and mail everything to:

DMV Alternative Media
P.O. Box 1498
Blythewood, SC 29016

Note: When sending your duplicate motorcycle license fee, be sure to make your check or money order payable to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

How to Replace a South Carolina Motorcycle License in Person

Whether your license was lost or you need a new license that reflects your new address, you can apply for a duplicate motorcycle license in South Carolina with proper assistance at your local SCDMV. This option is ideal if you would like to obtain an immediate replacement. In some cases, you may be required to complete the process in person.

For example, if you have already obtained a motorcycle license replacement in the past 12 months or are ineligible to apply online or by mail because you are a non-U.S. citizen. To make the process of applying in person quicker, come prepared with your Application for a Beginner’s Permit, Driver’s License or Identification Card completed. Additionally, have any necessary documentation to make an address, name change or switch to a REAL ID at hand. While you can visit any SCDMV branch, you can find one near you online.

Note: If your license is currently suspended or has outstanding reinstatement requirements, you will not be able to obtain a duplicate motorcycle license through any method of transaction until all requirements are fulfilled and your situation has been dealt with.

Out-of-State Motorcycle Replacement in South Carolina

If you are currently out-of-state, you may replace your motorcycle license online or by mail by following the appropriate steps, as mentioned above. You will need to download and submit the same documentation needed to complete the process in person. If you need your SC duplicate motorcycle license sent to an address out of state, make sure to provide the correct address under “Special Mailing Address” on your application.

How to Report a Lost Motorcycle License in South Carolina

To report your stolen or lost motorcycle license to the SCDMV, make sure to submit the Affidavit for Lost/Surrendered Driver’s License along with your duplicate license application. You will need to provide your name, address and driver’s license card number in addition to completing and signing Section A of the form. Additionally, it is pertinent that you report the incident to law enforcement.

A stolen or lost motorcycle license is a serious issue, especially if it gets in the wrong hands and you become a victim of identity theft. Unless there is suspicion of fraudulent use of your license, the SCDMV typically does not take legal action if your license was lost or stolen. You can prevent identity theft altogether by taking the appropriate measures before it is too late.

South Carolina Motorcycle License Replacement Fees

How much does it cost to replace a motorcycle license in South Carolina? The cost of a replacement is $10, no matter how many times you apply for a new license. If you are applying for a REAL ID in replacement of your non-REAL ID motorcycle license, you will need to pay $25.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 4 2020.