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’ve provided a comprehensive overview of South Carolina gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Palmetto State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in South Carolina?
South Carolina is a constitutional carry state. Open and concealed carry are legal for residents and non-residents 18 years or older.
South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit
A firearms training course that has been approved by the state is required to obtain a WCL. The minimum age to secure one is 18 years old. 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.
Initial South Carolina CWPs and renewals are free of charge.
Find South Carolina permit classes
Stand Your Ground
South Carolina has a “Stand Your Ground statute. A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in a place where he or she has a right to be has no duty to retreat. He or she has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force. This applies only if he or she reasonably believes deadly force is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself, or another person, as well as to prevent the commission of a violent crime. This protection applies in a person’s home, business, vehicle and in public (such as on a sidewalk or at the mall).
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
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. However, when purchasing a firearm from a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer, the dealer must perform a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). NICS checks can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. If a determination is not obtained within three business days, then the dealer may legally complete the transfer.
There are no magazine capacity restrictions in South Carolina. The possession and sale of Teflon-coated ammunition is prohibited.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
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 in South Carolina?
Understanding where you can and cannot carry a firearm is crucial for staying compliant with South Carolina’s gun laws. The state has specific locations where carrying a concealed handgun is allowed and places where it is strictly prohibited, even for permit holders. Familiarize yourself with these regulations to ensure you are always carrying legally and responsibly.
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
Can You Carry a Gun in Your Car in South Carolina?
As South Carolina is a constitutional carry state, anyone who is legally eligible to carry a firearm may transport a loaded firearm in his or her vehicle.
Ready to Learn More About South Carolina Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. The USCCA’s Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map has been designed to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about South Carolina’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the South Carolina gun laws page now…
The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. Members and the concealed carry community and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing and, as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
