South Carolina - Constitutional Carry State
Understanding concealed carry laws South Carolina is essential for anyone who wants to exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly. As of March 7th, 2024, South Carolina is both a shall-issue and permitless carry state, meaning that lawful gun owners can choose to carry openly or concealed without a permit once they turn 18 (unless prohibited by law). Still, many opt for a state-issued Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) to expand reciprocity options and ensure thorough concealed carry training. In this guide, we’ll walk through all the important details—covering everything from off-limit areas and Castle Doctrine to local reciprocity and CCW requirements by state—so you can stay safe, legal, and well-informed.
Table of Contents
South Carolina: Shall-Issue & Permitless Carry
One of the biggest changes to concealed carry laws South Carolina is the adoption of permitless carry. This empowers individuals 18 years of age or older, who are not otherwise prohibited by law, to carry both openly and concealed. However, South Carolina remains a shall-issue state for those wishing to obtain an official Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
- No Permit Needed: Handguns can be bought from private individuals without a background check or firearms registration.
- Minimum Age: As of March 7th, 2024, permitless carry is allowed for anyone 18 years or older who is legally permitted to own a firearm.
- Concealable Weapon Definition: A concealable firearm is one less than 12 inches in length, whether hidden by clothing or carried openly.
Concealed Weapons Permits (CWPs)
South Carolina issues CWPs to residents, non-residents who own property in the state, and military personnel stationed there. Getting a CWP involves:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
- Background Check: All applicants undergo a criminal background check.
- Concealed Carry Training: An eight-hour firearms training course, approved by the state, is mandatory unless you qualify for an exemption (e.g., active-duty military).
- Vision Requirement: You must have at least 20/40 vision, corrected or uncorrected.
- Application Process: You can apply using a paper application or through SLED’s online system (via IdentoGo). Fingerprints are taken and sent electronically to speed up processing.
- Fees: Initial permits and renewals are issued at no charge. (Lost or replacement cards carry a nominal fee.)
Off-Limits Locations for Concealed Carry
While concealed carry laws South Carolina are designed to expand lawful carry rights, some places remain off-limits—even with a permit:
- Schools and Universities: Firearms are not allowed inside without express permission from authorities. However, CWP holders may leave their firearms secured in the vehicle.
- Government Buildings: Publicly owned buildings (county offices, courthouses, etc.) typically prohibit concealed or open carry without prior approval.
- Polling Places: Firearms are prohibited on election days at voting stations.
- Religious Sanctuaries: Churches may allow concealed or open carry only with explicit permission from the responsible official or body.
- Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics are generally off-limits unless an employer grants special permission.
- Locations with Proper Signage: Any property clearly posted with “No Concealable Weapons Allowed” signs restrict both open and concealed carry.
Other Key Aspects of South Carolina Gun Laws
Self-Defense: Castle Doctrine & Stand Your Ground
South Carolina is a Castle Doctrine state. Lawful citizens have no duty to retreat when attacked in a place they have the right to be. If an unlawful or forcible entry occurs into your dwelling, residence, or vehicle, it’s presumed you have a reasonable fear of imminent danger. This upholds the right to stand your ground and use force, including deadly force, if necessary to prevent death or serious injury. For more resources on self-defense and firearms law, you can visit out online resource guide for more.
Open Carry Permissions
On top of legalized permitless concealed carry, open carry is also legal for anyone at least 18 years old (and not otherwise prohibited) as of March 7th, 2024. However, municipalities can temporarily restrict open carry on public property for permitted events like fairs or protests by posting signage.
Brandishing & Duty to Inform
- Brandishing: There’s no specific definition in South Carolina law, but it’s illegal to point a loaded or unloaded firearm at another person (except for self-defense or theatrical performances).
- Duty to Inform: As of March 7th, 2024, you are not required to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying unless asked.
Private Sales & Background Checks
No permit or background check is required for private handgun sales in the state. Even so, federal and state purchase prohibitions still apply. It’s often recommended to keep records of any private sale to confirm ownership.
Employer Policies
Employers can post signage forbidding weapons on their premises or in company-owned vehicles. If a business chooses to disallow firearms, employees must respect that posted policy.
Teflon-Coated Ammo & Other Restrictions
The possession or sale of teflon-coated (at one time thought to be armor-piercing) ammunition is prohibited. Meanwhile, items like stun guns and chemical sprays are allowed without a permit for self-defense. There is no magazine capacity restriction on handguns.
Reciprocity & CCW Requirements by State
South Carolina honors resident permits from states that recognize South Carolina’s CWP, as long as those states require a criminal background check and firearm safety course. For many law-abiding gun owners, reciprocity is a big draw to securing an official permit—particularly if you travel. Always check updated CCW requirements by state before crossing state lines with a firearm, as regulations can vary widely.
Concealed Carry Training Requirements
Although South Carolina is a permitless carry state, proper concealed carry training helps citizens understand safe firearm handling, state laws, and situational awareness. SLED mandates an 8-hour training course for anyone applying for a CWP unless you’re active or retired military and meet special exemptions. Beginning March 7th, 2024, SLED will also offer free training sessions twice per month to anyone interested.
Training Must Include:
- Safe handling and basic operations of a handgun
- Detailed legal statutes regarding use of force and deadly force
- Proper holster use
- How to prevent someone from taking your firearm
- De-escalation skills
- A live-fire exercise requiring at least 25 rounds under the instructor’s supervision
Renewal Process
CWPs remain valid for 5 years. You will receive notice 90 to 120 days before your permit expires. Renewals can be done online or by mail, but if your permit has been expired more than 18 months, you must file a paper application with a copy of your current driver’s license or ID.
Practical Carry Tips
- Keep Your Permit Handy: If you obtain a CWP, keep it on you alongside a valid photo ID.
- Respect No-Carry Zones: Being mindful of posted signs and restricted places helps avoid legal trouble.
- Stay Informed: Laws can change. Sign up for alerts from SLED or reputable firearms rights groups.
- Maintain Situational Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid unsafe or unlawful scenarios.
Policing the Brass - Conclusion
By embracing concealed carry laws South Carolina, law-abiding gun owners have more freedom to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property. From the Castle Doctrine to no-permit private sales, the Palmetto State has a rich tradition of respecting the Second Amendment. However, with such responsibility comes the need for concealed carry training and a thorough understanding of CCW requirements by state—especially for those who want to travel confidently with a firearm. Whether you choose to carry with or without a permit, always prioritize safety, remain alert to changing regulations, and respect the rights of private property owners.
For a downloadable guide to South Carolina’s firearms laws, visit HandgunLaw.us for their free PDF guide.
Concealed Carry Laws South Carolina: Q&A Section
Carry Basics Questions
| CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY? | Yes, it is legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in South Carolina. You may possess a container not exceeding 50cc of tear gas for self-defense purposes only. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-470] |
| GUN PERMIT LICENSURE? | If South Carolina requires a permit to carry a concealed firearm, the permits are issued on a shall-issue basis by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). |
| OPEN CARRY PERMITTED? | Yes. As of March 7th, 2024, open carry is legal without a permit for anyone 18 years of age or older who is not prohibited by law. However, municipalities may temporarily restrict open carry of a firearm on public property when a permit is issued for events such as protests or festivals. |
| TASERS OR STUN GUNS? | Yes. Stun guns and Tasers are legal to purchase and possess in South Carolina without a permit. |
| WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? | No. Under South Carolina law, a “concealable weapon” is defined as a firearm having a length of less than 12″ in length. This means you cannot concealed carry weapons other than handguns with a South Carolina permit or under permitless carry. |
| AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? | Yes. The possession and sale of teflon-coated ammunition is prohibited in South Carolina. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-520] |
| MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? | No. South Carolina does not have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns. |
| MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY? | The minimum age in South Carolina to get a concealed carry permit is 18. |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY? | Yes. South Carolina allows constitutional (permitless) carry as of March 7th, 2024, for anyone 18 years or older not prohibited by law. |
Carry Location Questions
| CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? | Yes. You can carry a concealed firearm in restaurants that serve alcohol in South Carolina, provided it is not posted and you do not consume alcohol while carrying. [S.C. Code Ann. §16-23-465] |
| CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)? | Yes. You may carry a concealed firearm in South Carolina’s state/national parks, state/national forests, and WMAs if you have a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit or a license/permit from a state that South Carolina honors. [S.C. Code Ann. § 51-3-145(G), S.C. DNR Public Lands Regulations § 123-203(B)] |
| CARRY IN VEHICLE? | 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—is allowed in South Carolina for those not prohibited by law. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20] |
| CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? | Yes, you can carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in South Carolina unless the hotel has policies or postings prohibiting weapons. An innkeeper may refuse a guest if they believe that the firearm is dangerous to others. You should always check the hotel’s policy beforehand. [S.C. Code Ann. §§ 45-2-30(A)(1)(4) and 45-2-60] |
| CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? | Yes. As of March 7th, 2024, you may carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in South Carolina without a permit. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420(f)] |
| STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? | Public or private employers may post signage prohibiting concealed and/or openly carried firearms on their premises, including employee parking lots. They may also prohibit firearms in company-owned vehicles or equipment. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-220] |
Key State Laws
| PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? | South Carolina does not allow full public access to the concealed carry registry. The information is made available for law enforcement, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) publishes an annual report regarding permit revocations, but there is no general public database. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-215] |
| DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING? | No. As of March 7th, 2024, you do not have a legal duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed firearm, unless specifically asked. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-215(K)] |
| RED FLAG LAW? | No. South Carolina does not have a red flag law (extreme risk protection order). However, the City of Columbia passed an ERPO ordinance in September 2019. [Columbia Ord. No. 2019-056] |
| “NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED? | Yes. Violating a posted sign that meets state requirements (reading “NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED” at each entrance) is considered a crime in South Carolina. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-235] |
| TRIBAL LAND | Firearm policies on tribal land in South Carolina can vary. Tribal lands are sovereign, and you must comply with any rules or restrictions set by the governing tribal authority. |
| CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE? | No. You are not allowed to carry a concealed firearm while consuming or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-400, § 16-23-465] |
| NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? | Yes. South Carolina issues concealed carry permits to non-residents who own property in the state and military personnel stationed in South Carolina. |
| BRANDISHING? | South Carolina law does not define “brandishing” by that term. However, it is unlawful to present or point a firearm at another person unless it is in self-defense, or in a theatrical performance. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-410] |
| DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT? | No. Your South Carolina driver’s license is not linked to your South Carolina CWP. |
| PREEMPTION? | Yes. South Carolina has preemption of firearms laws, meaning state law generally supersedes local regulations. Municipalities, however, may temporarily restrict open carry during certain permitted events or regulate negligent discharge. [S.C. Code Ann. §§ 23-31-510 and 23-31-520] |
Handgun Purchase & Possession Questions
| WAITING PERIOD? | No. There is no waiting period required after purchasing a handgun in South Carolina. |
| PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? | Yes. Having a current South Carolina concealed carry permit exempts you from needing a background check when purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer. |
| PURCHASE PERMITS? | No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun in South Carolina. |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? | No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement in South Carolina, although federal law still applies. It is recommended you retain any receipts to prove ownership. |
| MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? | You must be at least 18 years old to possess or transport a handgun in South Carolina. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-30] |
| POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? | Yes. You can possess or carry a handgun in your home, on your property, or in your business without a permit in South Carolina. |
| HANDGUN REGISTRATION? | No. Handguns are not required to be registered in South Carolina. |
Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
| WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES DOES THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA HONOR? | South Carolina honors resident permits from states that recognize South Carolina permits and require an applicant to pass a criminal background check plus a firearm training course. Per the provided information, South Carolina honors permits from these jurisdictions (with a minimum age of 18 unless noted otherwise): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, New York City, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. |
| WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA? | The following states honor permits from South Carolina: Alabama (permitless carry, at least 19 years old), Arkansas (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), Idaho (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), Indiana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), Montana (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), Nevada, New Hampshire (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), South Dakota (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), Vermont (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), Virginia, Wisconsin. |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA? | These states honor South Carolina permits but have age or residency restrictions (and in some cases require you to be a South Carolina resident only): Alaska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Arizona (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Florida (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Georgia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Iowa (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Kansas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Kentucky (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Louisiana (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Maine (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Michigan (resident permits only, 21+), Mississippi (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Missouri (permitless carry, at least 19 years old; 18 for military), Nebraska (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Ohio (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Oklahoma (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Tennessee (permitless carry, at least 18 years old), Texas (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Utah (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), West Virginia (permitless carry, at least 21 years old), Wyoming (permitless carry, at least 21 years old). |
| WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES? | The following are listed as permitless carry states (with specified minimum ages): Alabama (19+), Alaska (21+), Arizona (21+), Arkansas (18+), Florida (21+), Georgia (21+), Idaho (18+), Indiana (18+), Iowa (21+), Kansas (21+), Kentucky (21+), Louisiana (21+), Maine (21+), Mississippi (21+), Missouri (19+; 18 for military), Montana (18+), Nebraska (21+), New Hampshire (18+), North Dakota (18+), Ohio (21+), Oklahoma (21+), South Dakota (18+), Tennessee (18+), Texas (21+), Utah (21+), Vermont (18+), West Virginia (21+), Wyoming (21+). |
Concealed Carry License Information Questions
| WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN? | If your South Carolina CWP is lost or stolen, you may request a replacement using the SCCWP Duplicate/Renewal link on IdentoGo or by submitting a paper Duplicate/Replacement form. There is a $5 fee for processing. |
| HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR? | South Carolina concealed carry permits are valid for 5 years. |
| LINK TO APPLICATION | You can find the paper application and the online application portal (IdentoGo) via the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) website.
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| ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED? | Yes. Non-residents who own property in the state and military personnel stationed in South Carolina can apply for a South Carolina concealed carry permit. |
| WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND WANT OR HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | If you move to South Carolina, you can apply for a permit after proving residency or property ownership. If you move out of South Carolina, you must surrender your permit to SLED once you establish residency elsewhere. |
| WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? | Initial permits and renewals are free of charge in South Carolina. A $5 fee applies if you request a replacement permit. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME? | The typical processing time for a South Carolina concealed carry permit is 90 days. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES? | You must notify SLED in writing within 10 days of changing your permanent address. SLED will issue a new permit free of charge. Failure to notify SLED can result in a $25 fine. |
| WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? |
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| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? |
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| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE? | Applicants must complete an eight-hour handgun education course from a state-approved source, covering:
Exemptions exist for active duty military, retired/former military, and retired law enforcement (with partial training). |
| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS? |
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| WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | In South Carolina, you can generally carry concealed (or openly) at:
Public transportation remains off-limits. |
| WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? | Off-limits areas include:
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| IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? | Yes. It is unlawful to willfully impede or obstruct another person from lawfully hunting, trapping, fishing, or harvesting marine species. [S.C. Code Ann. § 50-1-137] |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING? | Yes. You can carry a concealed firearm while shotgun/rifle hunting in South Carolina, provided you are otherwise lawfully permitted to carry. [S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20] |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? | Yes. A person with a South Carolina CWP may possess a handgun while bow hunting on any Wildlife Management Area. However, you generally cannot use the handgun to take game during a bow-only season. |
| WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS? | It is legal to own or open carry any kind of knife in South Carolina. You can concealed carry any type of knife, provided you do not use it to commit a crime. Knives are not allowed on elementary or secondary school property. Local jurisdictions may have blade limit ordinances. [S.C. Code Ann. §§ 16-23-460, 16-23-430] |
| CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK AND CARRY CONCEALED? | Yes. SLED has stated there is no law preventing a South Carolina CWP holder from wearing a mask to comply with any health ordinance while carrying concealed. |
| ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEO’S (LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) OR RETIRED LEO’S? | Qualified active and retired LEOs may carry under LEOSA (HR 218). Retired officers must meet annual firearms qualification. Out-of-state RLEOs may contact local law enforcement for qualification procedures. [S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-600] |
Legal Note
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
