South Carolina Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

No. South Carolina does not allow constitutional carry.

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 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. 

[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)]

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]

Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in South Carolina.

[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.

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.

[S.C. Code Ann. §§ 16-23-20(8) and (13)]

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Any private or public school, college, university, technical college or other post-secondary institution without the express permission of the authorities in charge (except CWP permit holders can leave their firearm properly secured in a locked motor vehicle and is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by anintegral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle); and
• Any publicly owned building or property without permission from persons in charge (except CWP permit holders can leave their firearm properly secured in a vehicle).

[S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420]

• Any elementary or secondary school property (except CWP permit holders can leave their firearm properly secured in a vehicle) [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-430];
• 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 the appropriate church official or governing body [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-232].
• Hospital, doctors office, medical clinic or any building in which medical services are performed (unless given permission by employer); and
• Private places clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a concealable weapon on the premises.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-215(M)]

• Lodging establishments that are posted [S.C. Code Ann. § 45-2-30(A)(4)];
• Residence or dwelling of another person unless given express permission by the owner or authorized person [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-225];
• State Capitol building or grounds. CWP permit holders can leave their firearm locked in a vehicle [S.C. Code Ann. § 10-11-320]; and
• Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law or state law or regulation.

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]