South Carolina Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Yes. As of March 7th, 2024.

South Carolina is a shall-issue state.

No. "Concealable weapon" means a firearm having a length of less than 12" in length carried openly on one’s person or in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-210(5)]

Yes, it is lawful to possess a container not exceeding 50cc of tear gas for self-defense purposes only.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-470]

Yes. The possession and sale of teflon-coated ammunition is prohibited.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-520]

Yes, as of March 7th, 2024, permitless transport or carrying of a firearm in a vehicle on or about one's person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, in a manner not prohibited by law is allowed.

​[S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20]​

Yes, with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in South Carolina.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 51-3-145(G) and S.C. DNR Public Lands Regulations § 123-203(B)]

An innkeeper may refuse or deny any accommodations, facilities, or privileges of a lodging establishment to a person whom the innkeeper reasonably believes is bringing in property which may be dangerous to other persons including, but not limited to, firearms or explosives. The innkeeper may also eject a person from the lodging establishment premises for that reason. The individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

[S.C. Code Ann. §§ 45-2-30(A)(1)(4) and 45-2-60)]

No. You do not have a duty to inform a police officer as of March 7th, 2024.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-215(K)]

The state has preemption of firearms laws in South Carolina, except municipalities may regulate the careless or negligent discharge of firearms and may temporarily restrict the otherwise lawful open carry of a firearm on public property when a permit is issued for a public protest, rally, fair, parade, festival, or other organized event by posting signs prohibiting concealable weapons. A governing body putting a restriction on open carry needs to give a specific area, duration, and manner for the restriction and provide prior notice of the restriction. The restriction may also not be extended past the start and end of the event, and an event can’t be scheduled for a length of time to abuse this part of the law.

[S.C. Code Ann. §§ 23-31-510 andS.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-520]

No definition of brandishing was found in South Carolina law.However, it is unlawful for a person to present or point at another person a loaded or unloaded firearm. This section must not be construed to abridge the right of self-defense or to apply to theatricals or like performances.

[S.C. Code § 16-23-410]

Yes, to non-residents who own property in the state and military personnel stationed in South Carolina.

Yes. All signs must be posted at each entrance into a building where a concealable weapon permit holder is prohibited from carrying a concealable weapon, whether openly or concealed and must read, 'NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED'.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-235 and, as of 8/16/2021, § 23-31-220]

Yes.

No. Handgun registration is not required in South Carolina.

No. You are not required to obtain a permit before purchasing a handgun in South Carolina.

Yes.

Moving to South Carolina and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply?South Carolina issues permits to residents, non-residents who own property in the state and military personnel posted in South Carolina only. You can apply for your permit once you can provide proof of either residency or that you own property in the state.

Moving from South Carolina and have a South Carolina resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your South Carolina permit remains valid?If a person with a South Carolina concealed weapons permit establishes residency in another state, you must surrender your permit to SLED.

Any change of permanent address must be communicated in writing to SLED within 10 days of the change free of charge. SLED will then issue a new permit with the new address. A permit holder’s failure to notify SLED in accordance with this subsection constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a $25 fine. The original permit remains in force until receipt of the corrected permit identification card by the permit holder, at which time the original permit must be returned to SLED.

You may request a replacement CWP using the online system.  Once you have accessed the SCCWP Duplicate/Renewal link provided by IdentoGo you will have the option to update your information as intended and SLED will be prompted to update your information as requested in our system and then will print your new credential and mail it to you. Once received you must shred/destroy your old credential. If you would like to complete a paper Duplicate/Replacement, you may do so by following the directions stated using the CWP Replacement form.

Initial Permit and Renewals are free of charge.

90 days

Non-residents who own property in the state and military personnel posted in South Carolina may apply for a non-resident permit. The process is the same as for residents.

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? Yes, unless posted and provided you do not consume any alcohol.
• Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes
• Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
• Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes.
• Carry on public transportation? No.
• Carry in the buildings and grounds of places of worship that are leased to a church? As of August 15, 2021, those areas are not considered a school during the hours that the church has the use and enjoyment of the school property. Therefore, a valid permit holder may carry concealed or openly carry in a church during church services or official church activities in churches located on leased premises of an elementary or secondary school (although not during any time students are present for a curricular or extracurricular school-sponsored activity), only upon express permission given by the appropriate church official or governing body. [S.C. Code Ann.16-23-232]

SLED issued the following statement, “There is no South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) law that prohibits a South Carolina CWP holder from wearing a mask to comply with a city or county health ordinance or to help stop the spread of COVID-19 while carrying a concealed weapon in South Carolina.”

Yes, persons who have a CWP pursuant to SC-31-205 may possess a handgun while on any WMA. During a primitive weapons season (archery or muzzleloader), a handgun may not be used to take or attempt to take game.

[SC Hunting and Fishing Reg Guide]

It is legal to own or open carry any kind of knife in South Carolina. It is legal to conceal carry any type of knife, so long as you do not use the knife to commit or aid in the commission of a crime. Knives are not allowed on elementary or secondary school property and counties and municipalities may have blade limits. 

[SC Code Ann. §§ 16-23-460 and 16-23-430]