South Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Yes, as of July 1, 2019.

Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry.

No. South Dakota does not have ammunition restrictions.

South Dakota is a shall-issue state.

STUN GUNS and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess without a permit.

PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. South Dakota imposes no restrictions on size or concentration. Prohibited in schools, government buildings, and other restricted areas.

TEAR GAS - Legal for self-defense but subject to general misuse laws.

BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. No specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.

BLUDGEONS AND BATONS - Expandable batons are legal to own and carry in South Dakota. Batons are not classified as "dangerous weapons," so they can be carried openly or concealed without a permit.

Items such as billy clubs, slapjacks, and nightsticks are also legal unless used with criminal intent.

BRASS KNUCKLES - Legal under South Dakota law. There are no explicit bans on possession, sale, or use.

South Dakota statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

Not addressed in South Dakota state law.

Yes. Concealed carry is allowed in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in South Dakota. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in South Dakota.

[S.D. Codified Laws § 1-26-6.10] 

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe - There is nothing in statute. Please call tribal authorities before carrying.
Oglala Sioux Tribe - NO
Rosebud Sioux Tribe - NO
Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe - Only with permits recognized by the SWO. It does not state what those are, so it is recommended to contact tribal authorities before carrying a firearm.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe of North and South Dakota - Only with specific governmental approval. The statute did not state what that was, so it is best to contact tribal authorities before carrying a firearm.
Yankton Sioux Tribe - Only with a tribal permit

No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in South Dakota.

[S.D. Codified Laws § 22-14-9.1]

Yes, for members of the military and their spouses stationed in South Dakota.

No. Your South Dakota driver’s license is not linked to your South Dakota concealed pistol permit. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry permit holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.

No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in South Dakota.

Not addressed in state statutes.

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.

Yes, for SD Regular Concealed Pistol Permits issued on or after July 1, 2018, as well as Gold Card and Enhanced Permits issued on or after January 1, 2017.

The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in South Dakota is 18.

[S.D. Codified Laws § 23-7-46]

Yes. Permitless carry is allowed for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in South Dakota. 

[S.D. Codified Laws § 23-7-7]

No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in South Dakota.

On March 18, 2022, Gov. Noem signed SB 212 into law, which removes concealed carry permit fees. 

Three types of permits are available:

• Regular – requires a clean SD criminal record for 5 years;
• Gold Card – requires fingerprinting and a federal background check; recognized for concealed carry within South Dakota and 32 other states; satisfies the purchase exemption from the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act; and
• Enhanced – requires fingerprinting, a federal background check and a firearms safety course; recognized in 37 other states; satisfies the purchase exemption from the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act. Carry is allowed in county courthouses and the State Capitol building following 24-hour prior notification to the superintendent of the Highway Patrol.

A Guide To Understanding Concealed CarryPistol Permits

Permits granted to members of the military and their spouses stationed in South Dakota. The process is the same as for residents.

5 years

Write a letter to the office of the secretary of state with name, DOB, address and $2 (cash, check or money order). Send to:

Secretary of StateAttn: Permits 500 E. Capitol Ave.Pierre, SD 57501

• Carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol? You can concealed carry in the restaurant area of an eatery that serves alcohol, unless posted. However, concealed carry is not allowed in bars or the bar areas of restaurants.
• Carry in my vehicle without a permit/license? Yes.
• Carry in my place of business? Yes. A permit is not required to carry a handgun, whether concealed or openly, in a person's home, land they own or rent, or place of business.
• Carry in roadside rest areas? Yes.
• Carry in state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs? Yes. 
• Carry in places of worship? There is no state statute prohibiting concealed carry in places of worship. However, since places of worship are private property, they may post signs prohibiting firearms.
• Carry in the State Capitol building? As of July 1, 2019 enhanced CPP holders will be able to, following  24-hour prior notification to the superintendent of the Highway Patrol.

Yes. No firearm restrictions in place for any hunting season prohibit a licensee or person possessing a valid concealed pistol permit from carrying a pistolwhile hunting.

[SD Game, Fish and Parks 2018 Big Game Regulations]

All types of knives are legal in South Dakota and they may be carried openly or concealed, except that they may not be carried concealed by someone with intent to commit a felony. The possession of a "dangerous weapon," which can include a knife, on school grounds, county courthouses and the state capitol is prohibited. Municipalities may have additional restrictions.

[S.D. Codified Laws §§ 22-1-2, 22-14-8, 22-14-23 and 13-32-7]

Yes. No person may intentionally interfere with any person or group of persons lawfully engaged in the process of taking or attempting to take any game or fish. 

[S.D. Cod. Laws § 41-1-8]