South Carolina is a shall issue state, but does not allow for open carry. Applicants for a South Carolina concealed weapons permit (CWP), should submit their paperwork to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Department (SLED). In order to obtain a South Carolina concealed carry permit, applicants must be 21 years old for either a resident or nonresident license. However, a nonresident permit applicant must own property within the state to be eligible. Furthermore, both resident and qualified nonresident applicants will be charged $50 for an initial license. Additionally, applicants must prove competency with a firearm, including a live fire exercise. Upon issuance, a South Carolina CWP is valid for 5 years. South Carolina will only accept resident licenses from other issuing authorities. However, those with a South Carolina concealed carry permit can carry in 34 other states.

This information was last updated in February 2019.

Reciprocity Map for South Carolina

Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a South Carolina concealed carry permit or those states that South Carolina will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.

States That Honor South Carolina Concealed Carry
  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  3. Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  4. Arkansas
  5. Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
  6. Georgia
  7. Idaho
  8. Indiana
  9. Iowa
  10. Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  11. Kentucky
  12. Louisiana
  13. Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does NOT honor state issued concealed carry permit.
  14. Michigan
  15. Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  16. Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  17. Montana
  18. Nebraska
  19. Nevada
  20. New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does NOT honor state issued concealed carry permit.
  21. New Mexico
  22. North Carolina
  23. North Dakota
  24. Ohio
  25. Oklahoma
  26. South Dakota
  27. Tennessee
  28. Texas
  29. Utah
  30. Vermont
  31. Virginia
  32. West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
  33. Wisconsin
  34. Wyoming
 
South Carolina Will Honor The Following States
  1. Alaska – Resident Permit ONLY
  2. Arizona – Resident Permit ONLY
  3. Arkansas – Resident Permit ONLY
  4. Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
  5. Georgia – Resident Permit ONLY
  6. Idaho – Resident Enhanced Permit ONLY
  7. Kansas – Resident Permit ONLY
  8. Kentucky – Resident Permit ONLY
  9. Louisiana – Resident Permit ONLY
  10. Michigan – Resident Permit ONLY
  11. Minnesota – Resident Permit ONLY
  12. Mississippi – Resident Enhanced Permit ONLY
  13. Missouri – Resident Permit ONLY
  14. New Hampshire – Resident Permit ONLY
  15. North Carolina – Resident Permit ONLY
  16. North Dakota – Resident Class I Permit ONLY
  17. Ohio – Resident Permit ONLY
  18. Oklahoma – Resident Permit ONLY
  19. South Carolina
  20. South Dakota – Resident Enhanced/Gold Permit ONLY
  21. Tennessee – Resident Permit ONLY
  22. Texas – Resident Permit ONLY
  23. Virginia – Resident Permit ONLY
  24. West Virginia – Resident Permit ONLY
  25. Wyoming – Resident Permit ONLY
 

How To Apply for a South Carolina Concealed Carry License

Can I get a concealed carry permit in South Carolina?

South Carolina is a shall issue state. If the person gives no cause to be denied a South Carolina concealed weapons permit, and is in good standing with the state, the SLED shall issue such permit.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in SC?

Applicants for a South Carolina concealed weapons permit must be at least 21 years old.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

Who issues a concealed carry permit in South Carolina?

Residents and nonresidents alike should apply with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to obtain a concealed weapons permit.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

How long is a South Carolina concealed carry permit good for?

South Carolina concealed carry permits are valid for 5 years.

a permit issued pursuant to this article is valid for five years

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

Does SC issue concealed permits to non-residents?

South Carolina does issue nonresident permits, to “qualified nonresidents.” A qualified nonresident must meet the age requirement, as well as own property within the state while residing in another. Nonresidents must submit the same paperwork and pay the same fees, except that they must also provide proof of ownership of property within the state.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-210

How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?

Applications for a CWP must be processed within 90 days. of receipt of a completed application Furthermore, any applicant denied a South Carolina concealed carry permit must be notified in writing within this time frame.

[…] shall issue a written statement to an unqualified applicant specifying its reasons for denying the application within ninety days from the date the application was received […]

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

How much does a concealed carry permit cost?

Applicants for a SC concealed carry permit must pay a fee of $50 to SLED. However, disabled veterans and retired law enforcement officers are exempted from paying this fee.

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

What are the accepted forms of competency training?

South Carolina does require proof of training as a component of the application for a concealed weapons permit. This training component must constitute instruction on safely handling and storing firearms.

Furthermore, for training to qualify, the applicant must complete a live fire exercise. Therefore, an online only course is not acceptable to prove competency.

Additionally, certain military training may be substituted for this education component. Finally, while not related to firearm training, it is worth noting that an applicant must have  20/40 vision to be eligible for a SC CWP.

[…] successfully has completed a basic or advanced handgun education course offered by a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency or a nationally recognized organization that promotes gun safety

proof of actual or corrected vision rated at 20/40 within six months of the date of application or, in the case of a person licensed to operate a motor vehicle in this State, presentation of a valid driver’s license;

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-210

Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in South Carolina

Is South Carolina an Open Carry State?

South Carolina is not an open carry state. No provision is made, stating that it is legal to carry a weapon openly, only that the holder of a South Carolina concealed carry permit may cary a weapon on their person concealed.

It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, except as follows […] concealed on or about his person, and he has a valid concealed weapons permit […]

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-23-20

Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?

Vehicle concealed carry is not permitted, unless the handgun has been stored in a locked compartment. No distinction is made that excepts those with a concealed carry permit. These rules apply to motorcycles as well, and a handgun must be kept in a saddlebag or similar container to be legally carried.

It is unlawful for anyone to carry about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, except as follows […] a person in a vehicle if the handgun is […] 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 of the vehicle;

Relevant Code(s):

Section 16-23-20

Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?

Those with a valid concealed weapons permit (CWP) may carry within state parks. However, those without must leave within weapons within their car and are subject to the rules regarding carrying a firearm within a vehicle.

Relevant Code(s):

South Carolina DNR Rules

South Carolina Department of Parks

Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?

Those with a valid South Carolina concealed carry permit can carry a handgun into an establishment that serves liquor, beer, or wine for consumption on the premises. Therefore, it is legal to carry into restaurants if you have a concealed permit.

However, any person choosing to carry into a restaurant should abide by any posted signage. Restaurants and other establishments that serve alcohol can prohibit the carrying of firearms at their discretion on their property.

“[…] the person shall not consume alcoholic liquor, beer, or wine while carrying the concealable weapon on the business’ premises”

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?

Unless given explicit permission from the governing body or church official, it is illegal to carry into a church. Even those with a concealed carry permit issued by the state are not permitted to carry into places of worship without the consent of the property owner.

A permit issued pursuant to this section does not authorize a permit holder to carry a concealable weapon into a […] church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given by the appropriate church official or governing body

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?

Those with a valid SC concealed carry permit, are authorized to carry a concealed weapon into a bank. Although nothing in state code expressly forbids carrying into a bank, any posted signage must be respected. If a bank or other financial institution posts signage forbidding weapons, it must be obeyed.

“[…] place clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a concealable weapon on the premises […] Except that a property owner or an agent acting on his behalf, by express written consent, may allow individuals of his choosing to enter onto property regardless of any posted sign to the contrary.”

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?

It is illegal to carry into a hospital or other medical facility. If the holder of a South Carolina concealed weapons permit has the express permission of the facility, they may carry into the establishment. Otherwise, state code expressly forbids carrying into a hospitals or doctors offices.

A permit issued pursuant to this section does not authorize a permit holder to carry a concealable weapon into a […] hospital, medical clinic, doctor’s office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the employer

Relevant Code(s):

Section 23-31-215

The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.