The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates beyond 4th-generation (4G) communication system such as a long term evolution (LTE).A method for transmitting a discovery message in a communication system is provided. The method includes detecting a need for transmitting a discovery message in a serving cell in which a direct discovery process is unsupportable; detecting a cell other than the serving cell; and transmitting the discovery message based on system information if the system information is broadcasted in the cell.