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South Carolina is a shall-issue 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.
Based on the Governor’s signing of HB 3094, open carry as well as concealed carry is legal for residents with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors as of August 15, 2021. 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 21 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.
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:
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]
Constitutional Carry?Does South Carolina allow constitutional carry? |
No. South Carolina does not allow constitutional carry. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in South Carolina? |
Yes, based on the Governor's signing of HB 3094, open carry is legal for residents with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) and for non-residents with a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors. However, municipalities 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. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-210(5)] Open carry is prohibited in city-owned buildings (without written permission from the city manager) during protests, festivals and other events that need a city permit in the city of Columbia. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If South Carolina requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
South Carolina is a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in South Carolina to get a concealed carry permit? |
The minimum to carry concealed in South Carolina is 21. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in South Carolina with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
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. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in South Carolina? |
Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit. |
Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray?Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in South Carolina? |
Yes, it is lawful to possess a container not exceeding 50cc of tear gas for self-defense purposes only. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does South Carolina have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. South Carolina does not regulate magazine capacity for handguns. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does South Carolina have ammunition restrictions? |
Yes. The possession and sale of teflon-coated ammunition is prohibited. |
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in South Carolina? |
Yes, as of August 15, 2021, concealed or open carry is allowed with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors. In addition, permit holders may transport their firearm under a seat in a vehicle, or in any open or closed storage compartment within the vehicle's passenger compartment. Without a permit the firearm must be secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in South Carolina? |
Yes, with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors |
Carry in State/National Parks, State/National Forests and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)?Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in South Carolina? |
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 in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in South Carolina? |
Yes, with a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors, unless posted and provided you do not consume any alcohol. |
Carry/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in South Carolina? |
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. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does South Carolina have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles 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. |
Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?Do you have a duty to inform a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in South Carolina? |
Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in South Carolina. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO CCW LICENSE?Is my South Carolina driver’s license linked to my South Carolina CCW license? |
No. |
"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in South Carolina? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
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] |
Preemption?Does South Carolina have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
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. |
Red Flag Law?Does South Carolina have a red flag law? |
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. |
Brandishing?Does South Carolina state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in South Carolina law. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Controlled Substances?Does South Carolina have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm 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] 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. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does South Carolina issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes, to non-residents who own property in the state and military personnel stationed in South Carolina. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does South Carolina allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
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. |
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in South Carolina? |
No. You are not required to obtain a permit before purchasing a handgun in South Carolina. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in South Carolina? |
No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply. It is recommended that you retain any sales receipts to prove ownership of the gun. |
South Carolina Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current South Carolina concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
Yes. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in South Carolina? |
No. There is no waiting period required when buying a handgun in South Carolina. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in South Carolina? |
No. Handgun registration is not required in South Carolina. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in South Carolina? |
You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in South Carolina. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
Yes. A permit is not required for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in the person’s home, real property or fixed place of business. |
South Carolina Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — April 29, 2019
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: South Carolina
USCCA — August 16, 2020
Which states' permits does South Carolina honor?
South Carolina honors resident permits from some states, provided that the state requires an applicant to successfully pass a criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety. The minimum age is 21 years old. Residents must have a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permits (CWP) in order to carry in the state.
Which states honor permits from South Carolina?
Note: Firearms must be carried in accordance with the laws of the state you are visiting. Be sure to check the laws of the other state before traveling there with your firearms.
South Carolina offers resident and non-resident (people who own property in the state and military personnel stationed in South Carolina) permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors South Carolina resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
*PC-18 = permitless carry if at least 18 years old
*PC-21 = permitless carry if at least 21 years old
Permitless carry includes constitutional carry states as well as states where an individual must meet certain qualifications, e.g., no DUIs in the last 10 years, in order to legally carry (Tennessee). Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Check each state’s page for more information and any restrictions that may apply.
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
*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. |
Fees: |
Initial Permit and Renewals are free of charge. |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
90 days |
Application: |
|
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. |
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. |
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. |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to South Carolina and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? 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? |
How to Apply for a South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Complete a firearm training course within 3 years of filing the application, if required. |
Step 2: |
Applicants for new CWPs can choose to submit a paper application by downloading and completing an application form or by using the online IdentoGo registration system. At this time, SLED will continue to process all submitted applications received from the IdentoGo appointments made online and any applications made by mail. To use the online system, applicants begin the application online and set up an appointment at an available IdentoGo site. At the IdentoGo site you can submit your CWP application documentation and have your fingerprints taken and sent to SLED electronically. |
Step 3: |
You will need the following documents:
|
Step 4: |
For paper applications, mail information to: CWP Application, |
Step 5: |
You will be notified if your application has been approved. |
Firearms training requires the applicant to demonstrate a proficiency in both the use of handguns and state laws pertaining to handguns. Applicants for an initial permit after August 15, 2021, must complete an 8-hour handgun education course offered by a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency or a nationally recognized organization that promotes gun safety within the last 3 years. The course must include:
Exemptions – In accordance with South Carolina State law, active duty military and members of the reserve, and National Guard members are exempt from all CWP training. Retired/former military members and retired law enforcement must complete only the legal aspects portion of the CWP training by a certified South Carolina CWP instructor.
Find a USCCA Certified Instructor or Firearms Training Class Near You
How to Renew a South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Renewal applications are mailed out 90 – 120 days before permits expire. If your permit has been expired for more than 18 months then you MUST submit a paper renewal form and copy of your current SCDL, online renewal is not an option. |
Step 2: |
Renewal applicants can choose to submit a paper application or use the online IdentoGo registration system. At this time, SLED will continue to process all submitted applications received from the IdentoGo appointments made online and any applications made by mail. To submit a paper application, download the application form. |
Step 3: |
Complete the application. You will need the following documents:
|
Step 4: |
For paper renewals, send to: SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) |
Step 5: |
You will be notified by mail if your application has been approved. |
Law enforcement officers (LEOs) and Retired LEOs (RLEOs) may choose to carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), often referred to as HR 218. Under 18 U.S. Code §§ 926B & 926C, qualified LEOs and qualified retired LEOs, or those separated from service in good standing, can carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions. For details check out our Federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) page.
Per S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-600, qualified RLEOs may carry under LEOSA with an identification card and proof of annual firearms qualification. The agency or department must provide the qualified retired law enforcement officer with the opportunity to qualify to carry a firearm under the same standards for training and qualification for active law enforcement officers to carry firearms. Out-of-state RLEOs may contact local police/sheriff for annual qualification.
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in South Carolina? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in South Carolina?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
[S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-215(M)]
|
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. |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in South Carolina, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
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?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in South Carolina? |
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CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting 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. |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in South Carolina? |
Yes. It is unlawful for a person willfully to impede or obstruct another person from lawfully hunting, trapping, fishing, or harvesting marine species. |
Date | Details |
---|---|
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 info on permit fees based on HB-3094 in the Permit Information section |
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 information on open carry in the Summary and At A Glance table based on HB-3094 |
2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
2020-07-01 | Added information on wearing a COVID 19 mask while carrying concealed above the Summary |
2020-06-26 | Added link to National Parks to At A Glance table |
2020-06-04 | Added info and statutory links for ammunition restrictions in At A Glance table |
2020-05-06 | Added info on handguns at hotels in At A Glance table |
2020-04-20 | Added info on handguns on private property in At A Glance table |
2020-04-07 | Added info on private gun sales in At A Glance table |
2020-02-25 | Added info on carry in bars to the At A Glance table |
2020-02-20 | Added related blog posts with links |
2020-02-18 | Added info regarding residency changes and resulting impacts on carry permits |
2020-01-31 | Updated the knife laws and added statutory references |
2020-01-13 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
2020-01-13 | Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table |
2019-12-04 | Added info on whether a valid state ccw permit exempts a person from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm to the At A Glance table |
2019-11-21 | Added statutory references and links for can’t carry locations |
2019-11-04 | Added brandishing info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-16 | Added Hunter Harassment info to At A Glance table |
2019-10-01 | Added Chemical Spray/Pepper Spray to the At A Glance table |
2019-09-09 | Added Carry While Hunting info to At A Glance table |
2019-08-13 | Added anchor links to various sections below the Summary |
2019-07-26 | Added minimum age to possess and transport a handgun to At A Glance table |
2019-05-24 | Added stun gun/Taser info to At A Glance table |
2019-05-03 | Added permit renewal and name/address change info |
2019-04-19 | Links checked |
2019-04-09 | Added IdentoGo information to permit application process and permit information links |
2019-04-02 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
2019-02-15 | Added pages for Federal Gun Laws, Traveling with Firearms & Terminology |
2019-02-09 | Added ammunition restrictions to At A Glance table |
2019-02-06 | Added red flag law info to At A Glance table |
2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
2019-01-22 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
Here at the USCCA, it is our mission to provide responsible gun owners with the tools they need to be educated and trained. Our team is constantly working to provide you with the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of self-defense laws available for every state.
If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved. Your feedback matters to us, and we appreciate you helping to make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners!
Permit numbers were obtained from the Crime Prevention Resource Center’s publication entitled, “Concealed Carry Permit Holders Across the United States.” Numbers include resident and non-resident permits for those states that issue both.
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.
If you have any questions regarding USCCA Membership, Delta Defense, handguns laws or the lawful process of carrying concealed, please contact the award-winning Delta Defense Customer Engagement Team.