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]

PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?

South Carolina makes the information available for law enforcement. In addition, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) must publish a report annually during the first quarter which includes detailed information regarding individuals who have had their permit revoked and the reason for the revocation.

"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?

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]

Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?

Not while consuming or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. [S.C Code Ann. § 23-31-400] [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-465] As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

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. South Carolina does not have a red flag law. Although the state has preemption, the City of Columbia passed an ERPO ordinance in September 2019. [Columbia Ord. No. 2019-056]

Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?

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)]

HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?

Yes. It is unlawful for a person willfully to impede or obstruct another person from lawfully hunting, trapping, fishing, or harvesting marine species. [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-137]

WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?

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.”

CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?

Yes. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20]

CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?

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]

WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN SOUTH CAROLINA?

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]

STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT?

A public or private employer may post signage prohibiting concealed and/or openly carried firearms on the premises of the business or work place. They may also prohibit firearms while using any machinery, vehicle, or equipment owned or operated by the business. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-220]

CARRY IN BARS/RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL?

Yes [S.C. Code Ann. §16-23-465]

CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)?

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)]

CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS?

Yes, as of March 7th, 2024, you may carry at roadside rest areas without a permit. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420(f)]

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]

CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL?

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)]

South Carolina gun laws & concealed carry reciprocity map

Q: NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?

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

South Carolina is a shall-issue, permitless carry state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.

As of March 7th, 2024, open carry as well as concealed carry is legal without a permit to anyone 18 years of age or older that is not prohibited by law. A “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. Areas that are off-limits to concealed carry are also off-limits to open carry. In addition, private properties posted with signs stating ‘No Concealable Weapons Allowed’ prohibit both open and concealed carry.

CWPs are issued to residents, non-residents who own property in the state and military personnel stationed in South Carolina. Concealed carry permits require an 8-hour firearms training course that has been approved by the state. The minimum age to obtain a CWP is now 18 years old. In terms of reciprocity, South Carolina honors resident permits from states that recognize South Carolina permits, provided that the reciprocal state requires an applicant to successfully pass a criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety. Some areas are off-limits, including schools and courthouses.

Where can I carry with my South Carolina permit?

Yes

Yes, Constitutional Carry

Yes, Other Restrictions

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South Carolina Concealed Carry License Information

Residency Changes:

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.

Fees:

Initial Permit and Renewals are free of charge.

Lost/Stolen Permits:

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, pay the $5 fee required to process the transaction, 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. If you would like to complete a paper Duplicate/Replacement, you may do so by following the directions stated using the CWP Replacement form.

Valid For:

5 years

Requirements:

An applicant must:

Be at least 18 years old;
Have completed an approved firearms training class must have completed a basic or advanced handgun training course within three years of application or meet an exemption;
Reside in South Carolina, or if a resident of another state, submit proof you own property in South Carolina;
Not have been convicted of a violent crime that is a felony;
Have actual or corrected vision of 20/40;
Not, by order of a circuit judge or county court judge of South Carolina, been adjudged unfit to carry or possess a firearm; and
Meet federal law requirements.

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of South Carolina.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits:

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.

Processing Time:

90 days

Name/Address Changes:

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.

Application:

Paper application Guide for completing a new or renewal CWP paper application IdentoGo online application portal

How do I get a concealed carry permit in South Carolina?

South Carolina has its own step-by-step application process. For the full walkthrough, see our complete guide on how to get a concealed carry permit in South Carolina.

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South Carolina Self-Defense Laws

Self-Defense

South Carolina is a Castle Doctrine state. 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 and has the right to stand his or her ground.

A person is presumed to have a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or another person when using deadly force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily injury to another person if the person:

Against whom the deadly force is used is in the process of unlawfully and forcefully entering, has unlawfully and forcibly entered a dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle, or if he removes or is attempting to remove another person against his will from the dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle; and
Who uses deadly force knows or has reason to believe that an unlawful and forcible entry or unlawful and forcible act is occurring or has occurred.

A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in another place where he or she has a right to be, including but not limited to his place of business, has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily injury to himself or herself or another person or to prevent the commission of a violent crime.

“Dwelling” means a building or conveyance of any kind, including an attached porch, whether the building or conveyance is temporary or permanent, mobile or immobile, which has a roof over it, including a tent, and is designed to be occupied by people lodging there at night.

“Residence” means a dwelling in which a person resides either temporarily or permanently or is visiting as an invited guest.

“Vehicle” means a conveyance of any kind, whether or not motorized, which is designed to transport people or property.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-440]

South Carolina Gun Law Updates

DateDetails

2025-04-08

Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.

2024-03-07

Added Constitutional Carry changes to multiple sections including Summary, Carry Basics, Carry Locations, and Location Restrictions.

2021-09-20

Added information on open carry in Columbia in At A Glance table

2021-08-16

Updated info on page based on HB-3094 going into effect

2021-05-19

Updated info on training requirements based on HB-3094 in Required Training section

2021-05-19

Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table

2021-05-18

Updated information on church carry on school premises based on HB-3094 in locations section

2021-05-18

Updated information on preemption to At A Glance table based on HB-3094

2021-05-18

Updated info on permit fees based on HB-3094 in the Permit Information section

2021-05-18

Updated information on open carry in the Summary and At A Glance table based on HB-3094

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Yes, Selected State:	South Carolina
Yes, Constitutional Carry:	Kansas, North Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, South Dakota, Missouri, Maine, Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia, Alabama, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Arizona, West Virginia, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alaska, New Hampshire, Montana, Vermont, Nebraska
Yes, Allowed to Carry:	North Carolina, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Virginia, Nevada, Minnesota
Yes, With Restrictions:	Michigan
No, Carry Not Allowed	Oregon, Maryland, Washington, Hawaii, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Illinois, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, California, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York City

South Carolina gun laws & concealed carry reciprocity map

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Important Concealed Carry Information

South Carolina Concealed Carry License Information

How do I get a concealed carry permit in South Carolina?

Concealed Carry Locations FAQ

South Carolina Self-Defense Laws