Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws where you carry is just one important task you must undertake as an armed American. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Palmetto State below.

Getting a Concealed Carry Permit in South Carolina

Open carry is illegal in South Carolina. Concealed carry is legal for residents of the state with a Weapons Carry License (WCL) and non-residents with a license/permit issued by a state that South Carolina honors. A non-resident can only obtain a WCL if he or she owns property in the state or is a member of the military stationed there. South Carolina currently shares reciprocity with 25 states. A firearms training course that has been approved by the state is required to obtain a WCL. The minimum age to secure one is 21 years old.

Permits are not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in South Carolina. No background check is required when purchasing a handgun from a private individual. There is no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases. There are no magazine capacity restrictions in South Carolina. The possession and sale of Teflon-coated ammunition is prohibited.

Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. Containers of pepper spray not exceeding 50cc of tear gas are legal for self-defense purposes only.

Where Can One Carry Concealed?

Carry is allowed in a vehicle for anyone with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors. Without a CWP, the firearm must be secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console or closed trunk. There is a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm upon contact.

Locations where a concealed handgun may be carried include:

  • Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted and provided you do not consume any alcohol)
  • State/national parks
  • State/national forests
  • Wildlife Management Areas
  • Roadside rest areas

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for permit holders, include:

Any elementary or secondary school property, private or public school, college, university, technical college or other post-secondary institution without the express permission of the authorities in charge (CWP permit holders can leave their firearm properly secured in a vehicle)

  • Any publicly owned building or property without permission from persons in charge (CWP permit holders can leave their firearm properly secured in a vehicle)
  • School or college athletic event not related to firearms
  • Day care or preschool facility
  • Office of, or the business meeting of, the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality or special purpose district
  • Law enforcement office or facility
  • Detention or correctional facility
  • Courthouse or courtroom
  • Polling place on election days
  • Church or other established religious sanctuary (unless express permission is given by the appropriate church official or governing body)
  • Hospital, doctor’s office, medical clinic or any building in which medical services are performed (unless given permission by the employer)
  • Private places clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a concealable weapon on the premises
  • Residence or dwelling of another person (unless given express permission by the owner or authorized person)
  • State Capitol building or grounds (CWP permit holders can leave their firearm locked in a vehicle)
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation

Visit the USCCA South Carolina gun laws page now…