South Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws
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Summary of South Dakota Gun Laws
South Dakota is currently a shall-issue, permitless carry state. Permits are processed at the county level by the sheriff’s office. No permits, firearms registration or background checks are required to buy a handgun from a private individual.
Open carry is legal in South Dakota without a permit. The minimum age is 18 years old. Based upon an unofficial 2004 Attorney General Opinion, without a permit, handguns in a vehicle must be in plain sight. Some areas are off-limits, including elementary and secondary schools and school buses.
South Dakota is now a permitless carry state, so anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm, may concealed carry a firearm without a concealed carry permit. For reciprocity purposes, the state issues Concealed Pistol Permits (CPP) to residents as well as members of the military and their spouses stationed in South Dakota. There are three permits available: Regular, Gold Card and Enhanced. The regular permit allows holders to carry concealed and is recognized in a number of other states. The gold card permit, in addition to the benefits of a regular permit, proves passage of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) when purchasing a firearm, resulting in no required waiting period. The enhanced permit requires a firearms training course, provides the purchase background check exemption and is recognized in seven more states than the regular license. In terms of reciprocity, South Dakota recognizes permits issued by all States.
Self-Defense
South Dakota is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. There is no duty to retreat as long as the force used is justified, and the law applies as long as the person is in a place where he or she has the right to be.
Force–Defense of property other than a dwelling
A person is justified in using force, other than deadly force, against another if and to the extent the person reasonably believes that using force is necessary to prevent or terminate another’s trespass on, or criminal interference with real property other than a dwelling. There is no duty to retreat.
Deadly force–Defense of property other than a dwelling
A person is justified in using deadly force only if the person reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. There is no duty to retreat and the person has the right to stand his or her ground, if the person is in a place where the person has a right to be.
Defense of dwelling or residence–Force–Deadly force
A person who is in a dwelling, residence or occupied vehicle in which the person has a right to be, has no duty to retreat, has the right to stand his or her ground, and has the right to use:
- Force if the person reasonably believes that using force is necessary to defend himself, herself, or another against the imminent use of unlawful force; and
- Deadly force, if the person reasonably believes that using deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself, herself, or another, or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
A person is presumed to have held a reasonable fear of imminent peril of death or great bodily harm, to himself, herself, or another, when using or threatening to use defensive force that is intended or likely to cause death or great bodily harm if the person against whom the defensive force was used, had unlawfully entered or was in the process of unlawfully entering a dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle.
Deadly force–Defense of person
A person is justified in using deadly force if the person reasonably believes that using deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself, herself, or another, or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. There is no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground.
Immunity
A person who uses or threatens to use force, as permitted in this statute, is justified and is immune from criminal prosecution and from civil liability for the use or threatened use of such force brought by the person against whom force was used or threatened.
[S.D. Codified Laws § 22-18-4]
South Dakota Gun Laws at a Glance
Carry Basics
Permitless Carry?Does South Dakota allow permitless carry? |
Yes, as of July 1, 2019. |
Open Carry Permitted?Is open carry permitted in South Dakota? |
Yes, without a permit. Any person who is at least 18 years old and legally entitled to possess a firearm can open carry. |
Gun Permit Licensure?If South Dakota requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, how are those permits issued? |
South Dakota is a shall-issue state. |
Minimum Age for Concealed Carry?What is the minimum age in South Dakota to get a concealed carry permit? |
The minimum age to concealed carry in South Dakota is 18. |
Weapons Other Than Handguns Allowed?Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in South Dakota with a concealed carry permit (or under permitless carry if applicable)? |
No. The concealed carry permit in South Dakota does not allow you to carry weapons other than handguns. |
Tasers or Stun Guns?Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in South Dakota? |
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 Dakota? |
Yes. There is no statute prohibiting the purchase or use of pepper spray in South Dakota. |
MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS?Does South Dakota have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns? |
No. There are no magazine capacity restrictions in South Dakota. |
AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS?Does South Dakota have ammunition restrictions? |
No. South Dakota does not have ammunition restrictions. |
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Carry Locations
Carry in Vehicle?Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in South Dakota? |
Yes, anyone at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm, can carry a handgun in a vehicle without a permit. |
Carry at Roadside Rest Areas?Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in South Dakota? |
Yes. Concealed carry is allowed at roadside rest areas in South Dakota. |
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 Dakota? |
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. |
Carry in Bars/Restaurants That Serve Alcohol?Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in South Dakota? |
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/Possess at a hotel?Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in South Dakota? |
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. |
Store in a Vehicle in an Employee Parking Lot?Does South Dakota have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot? |
Not addressed in South Dakota state law. |
Key State Laws
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 Dakota? |
No. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in South Dakota. |
DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry Permit?Is my South Dakota driver’s license linked to my South Dakota carry permit? |
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 Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in South Dakota? If yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense. |
No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in South Dakota. |
Preemption?Does South Dakota have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e. Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)? |
Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in South Dakota. If a county, township or municipality attempts to pass or enforce an ordinance in violation of state preemption law, the attorney general will bring an action in the name of the state for injunctive relief against the municipality. In addition, a court shall grant any person charged with a violation of an ordinance prohibited under this section reasonable costs, expenses and attorney's fees. [S.D. Codified Laws § 7-18A-36] |
Red Flag Law?Does South Dakota have a red flag law? |
No. South Dakota does not have a red flag law. |
Brandishing?Does South Dakota state law define brandishing? |
No definition of brandishing was found in South Dakota law. |
Carry While Using Alcohol or Drugs?Does South Dakota have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or drugs? |
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. |
NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?Does South Dakota issue concealed carry permits to non-residents? |
Yes, for members of the military and their spouses stationed in South Dakota. |
PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?Does South Dakota allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law? |
No. South Dakota does not allow the public to access concealed carry registry information. |
Handgun Purchase & Possession
Purchase Permits?Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in South Dakota? |
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in South Dakota. |
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales?Are background checks required for private gun sales in South Dakota? |
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 Dakota Permit Exempts from Background Check?Does my current South Dakota concealed carry permit exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase a firearm? |
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. |
Waiting Period?Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in South Dakota? |
No. There is not a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in South Dakota. |
Handgun Registration?Do handguns need to be registered in South Dakota? |
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in South Dakota. |
Minimum Age to Possess and Transport?What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in South Dakota? |
The minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in South Dakota is 18. |
Possess a handgun on my private property without a permit?Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home without a permit? |
Yes. Permitless carry is allowed for anyone legally entitled to carry a firearm in South Dakota. |
Related Blog Posts
South Dakota Gun Laws: What You Need to Know
USCCA — January 19, 2020
Basic Concealed Carry Laws: South Dakota
USCCA — April 11, 2021
Have Questions? Contact Our Award-Winning, Wisconsin-Based Member Services Team 24/7 at 800-674-9779
State Constitutional Provision
South Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
Which states' permits does South Dakota honor?
Since South Dakota has permitless carry, any person who is at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm may conceal carry a firearm without a permit.
Other States' Reciprocity With South Dakota
Which states honor permits from South Dakota?
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.
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity with South Dakota
South Dakota offers resident and non-resident (members of the military and their spouses stationed in South Dakota) permits. If indicated with “Resident only” below, that state only honors South Dakota resident permits (and not those issued to non-residents).
Permitless Carry States
*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.
South Dakota Concealed Carry Permit Information
Requirements: |
An applicant must:
|
Fees: |
Regular $10; Gold Card $70; Enhanced $100 Additional fingerprinting fee of $43.25 for Gold Card and Enhanced permits Renewals - Regular $10; Gold Card $70; Enhanced $50 |
Valid For: |
5 years |
Processing Time: |
Regular - 5 days for a temporary permit. Because of the fingerprint background investigation for the enhanced and gold permits, the issuance of these temporary permits may take longer. Official permits are issued in 30 days. |
Application: |
|
Regular/Gold/Enhanced Concealed Pistol Permits |
Three types of permits are available:
|
Non-Resident Concealed Carry Permits: |
Permits granted to members of the military and their spouses stationed in South Dakota. The process is the same as for residents. |
Name/Address Changes: |
Write a letter to the office of the secretary of state with name, DOB, old address, new address, (or former name, new name) permit number and $2 (cash, check or money order). Send to: Secretary of State |
Lost/Stolen Permits: |
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 State |
Residency Changes: |
Moving to South Dakota and interested in applying for a resident permit? How soon can you apply? Moving from South Dakota and have a South Dakota resident permit? Does that permit transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your South Dakota permit remains valid? |
South Dakota Concealed Carry Permit Application Process
How to Apply for a South Dakota Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
Determine which permit you want; there are three available: Regular, Gold Card and Enhanced. |
Step 2: |
Complete a training course within 12 months preceding your application if you want an Enhanced Permit. |
Step 3: |
You must complete a temporary application in person at your local sheriff's office. Your fingerprints will be taken for Gold Card or Enhanced Permits. A separate payment is required for the cost of processing the fingerprint background check. |
Step 4: |
The sheriff will issue a temporary permit within 5 days. Because of the fingerprint background investigation required for an enhanced permit, the issuance of the enhanced temporary permit may take longer. |
Step 5: |
Within 7 days after the temporary permit has been issued, the sheriff will send a copy of the application to the secretary of state who issues the official permit. The official permit will be issued within 30 days. |
Firearms Training Requirements in South Dakota
Training is required in order to obtain an Enhanced Permit. A qualifying handgun course must include instruction in each of the following:
- South Dakota law relating to firearms and the use of force;
- The basic concepts of the safe and responsible use of handguns;
- Self-defense principles; and
- Live-fire training including the firing of at least 98 rounds of ammunition by the student.
South Dakota Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process
How to Renew a South Dakota Concealed Carry Permit
Step 1: |
The holder of the enhanced permit may renew the permit through the sheriff of the county where the holder resides for a period beginning 180 days before the permit expires and ending 30 days after expiration of the permit. The holder must do the following:
If the holder of the enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol does not renew the permit within 30 days of expiration of the permit, the holder must reapply for an enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol. The holder of a gold card permit may renew the permit for a period beginning 90 days before the permit expires (as of July 1, 2021, it will be 180 days) and ending 30 days after expiration of the permit. The holder must pay the renewal fee and pass a criminal background check and a National Instant Criminal Background Check. The holder of a regular permit may renew beginning 90 days prior to expiration. There is a 30-day grace period to renew the permit. During the 30-day grace period for all permits, the permit holder may continue to carry a concealed pistol; however, law enforcement may issue a warning ticket in such situations to provide notification to the permit holder of the expired status. This grace period does not apply to any permit holder who commits a crime that would make it unlawful for the permit holder to possess a gun, or a permit holder who attempted to renew the holder's permit, but was denied. Additional firearm training is required if a permit has expired for more than 30 days. |
Step 2: |
A renewed Permit to Carry a Concealed Pistol may be obtained from the sheriff of the county which the applicant is a resident. |
Law Enforcement Officers (LEO)/Retired LEOs
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 South Dakota Admin Rule § 2:01:06:17.01, RLEOs must qualify with the officer’s duty handgun every calendar year by completing a certified shooting course that is administered by a firearms instructor who has been approved by the Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training Commission or the executive secretary. A law enforcement officer may not qualify or requalify on a noncertified course. Applicants must obtain a passing score of at least 75 percent.
South Dakota Location Restrictions
Where Can I Carry a Concealed Firearm in South Dakota? |
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Where Can't I Carry a Concealed Firearm in South Dakota?Places off-limits even with a permit/license |
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FAQ: South Dakota Concealed Carry Questions
What Are the Knife Laws in South Dakota? |
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] |
WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?I can legally carry a concealed firearm in South Dakota, but can I wear a COVID 19 protective mask while carrying concealed? |
There is no known statute in South Dakota making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. |
CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while shotgun/rifle hunting in South Dakota? |
Yes. |
CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?Can you concealed carry while bow hunting in South Dakota? |
Yes. No firearm restrictions in place for any hunting season prohibit a licensee or person possessing a valid concealed pistol permit from carrying a pistol |
HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?Is there a Hunter Harassment Law in South Dakota? |
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. |
Related Information & Links for South Dakota Gun Laws
South Dakota Gun Laws Updates:
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2021-05-19 | Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table |
| 2021-03-26 | Updated info on gold card renewal timeframe in Permit Renewal section |
| 2021-03-26 | Updated info regarding permit fees in Permit Info section |
| 2021-03-22 | Updated info on SD permits exempting from background checks in At A Glance table |
| 2021-02-26 | Updated info on enhanced carry renewal in Permit Renewal section |
| 2020-09-03 | Added information on Self Defense in the Summary |
| 2020-06-30 | 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 |
| 2020-05-06 | 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 |
| 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 |
| 2019-07-01 | Updated General and At A Glance table with permitless carry info |
| 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 |
| 2019-04-02 | Added info on state implementation of Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) |
| 2019-03-20 | Updated the Genl, Permit and Where Can I Carry sections with State Capitol carry info |
| 2019-03-18 | Added HB 1056 preemption info to At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-22 | Added info to vehicle carry in At A Glance table |
| 2019-02-22 | Added USCCA Press Release regarding passage of permitless carry |
| 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 |
| 2019-01-25 | Added church carry info to location restrictions section |
| 2019-01-24 | Added info about alcohol or prescription medication in At A Glance table |
| 2019-01-10 | Mag limit added to At A Glance table |
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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.
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