South Carolina operates under a constitutional carry framework (also referred to as "permitless carry") following the passage of H. 3594, while also...
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Concealed Carry Laws
South Carolina Concealed Carry Laws
Overview
South Carolina operates under a constitutional carry framework (also referred to as "permitless carry") following the passage of H. 3594, while also maintaining a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) program administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Law-abiding gun owners may carry their weapons without a permit, but the state encourages obtaining a CWP and provides enhanced legal protections for permit holders.
Constitutional Carry (H. 3594)
South Carolina enacted constitutional carry legislation (H. 3594), which allows law-abiding gun owners to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Key provisions include:
Permitless carry is available to law-abiding gun owners
Enhanced penalties exist for persons who commit crimes involving a concealable weapon, as defined by Section 23-31-210(5), without a valid CWP — up to three years imprisonment, served consecutively to any sentence for the underlying offense. This applies to offenses listed in Chapter 23, Title 16, or violations of Section 10-11-320.
The enhanced penalty does not apply to persons holding a valid CWP at the time the crime was committed
The enhanced penalty must be alleged as a separate count in the indictment
SLED is required to develop informational documents for federally licensed firearms retailers to distribute to gun purchasers, informing them of the CWP process and the additional penalties for committing crimes without a CWP
SLED must conduct a regular statewide marketing campaign to inform South Carolinians about the CWP process and the consequences of committing crimes without a permit
Felon in Possession Provisions
It is unlawful for a person convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment to possess a firearm or ammunition in South Carolina. Graduated penalties apply:
First offense: Imprisonment not more than 5 years
Second offense: Mandatory minimum of 5 years, up to 20 years
Third or subsequent offense: Mandatory minimum of 10 years, up to 30 years
Exceptions to the "crime punishable by more than one year" definition include:
Antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, and similar business regulation offenses
Misdemeanors punishable by 5 years or less
Convictions that have been expunged, set aside, pardoned, or where civil rights have been restored (unless the restoration expressly prohibits firearm possession)
Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) Program
The CWP program is administered by SLED under South Carolina Code § 23-31-210 et seq.
Eligibility Requirements
An applicant must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have completed an approved basic or advanced handgun training course within three years of application (or meet an exemption)
Reside in South Carolina, or if a resident of another state, submit proof of property ownership in South Carolina
Not have been convicted of a violent crime that is a felony
Have actual or corrected vision of 20/40
Not have been adjudged unfit to carry or possess a firearm by order of a circuit judge or county court judge of South Carolina
Meet federal law requirements (not be a federally prohibited person)
Permit Details
Detail
Information
Issuing Authority
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Validity Period
5 years
Initial Permit Fee
Free of charge
Renewal Fee
Free of charge
Replacement Fee
$5
Processing Time
Up to 90 days
Minimum Age
18 years old
Non-Resident Permits
South Carolina issues CWPs to:
Non-residents who own property in the state
Military personnel posted in South Carolina
The application process is the same as for residents.
Application Process
Applications may be submitted:
Online through the IdentoGo portal
Paper application available through SLED's website
Fingerprinting is required as part of the application process
Address Changes
Any change of permanent address must be communicated in writing to SLED within 10 days of the change (free of charge)
SLED will issue a new permit with the new address
Failure to notify SLED constitutes a misdemeanor punishable by a $25 fine
The original permit remains valid until receipt of the corrected permit, at which time the original must be returned to SLED
Residency Changes
Moving to South Carolina: You can apply once you can provide proof of residency or property ownership in the state
Moving from South Carolina: If you establish residency in another state, you must surrender your permit to SLED
Retired Law Enforcement Officers
Per S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-600, qualified retired law enforcement officers (RLEOs) may carry concealed weapons under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), 18 U.S.C. §§ 926B & 926C, with:
A photographic identification card complying with 18 U.S.C. § 926C
Proof of annual firearms qualification (within one year) meeting the same standards as active law enforcement officers
The firearms certification may be reflected on the identification card or in a separate document
The employing agency or department must provide the opportunity to qualify but may require the RLEO to pay actual training expenses.
Pending Legislation Regarding RLEOs
H. 3159 (126th Session, 2025-2026): Introduced January 14, 2025, currently in the House Judiciary Committee. Would remove restrictions on RLEOs carrying concealed weapons onto certain premises and require SLED to issue CWPs at no charge to qualified RLEOs who do not already possess a valid SC CWP.
Concealed Carry While Hunting
Shotgun/rifle hunting: Concealed carry is permitted (S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20)
Bow hunting: CWP holders may possess a handgun on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), but a handgun may not be used to take or attempt to take game during primitive weapons seasons (archery or muzzleloader)
Knife Laws
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, provided it is not used to commit or aid in the commission of a crime
Knives are prohibited on elementary or secondary school property (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 16-23-430, 16-23-460)
Counties and municipalities may impose blade length limits
COVID-19 Mask and Concealed Carry
SLED has stated: "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."
Key Statutes
S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-210 et seq. — Concealed Weapons Permit program and definitions
S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-220 — Restrictions on carrying concealed weapons (prohibited locations)
S.C. Code Ann. § 23-31-600 — Retired law enforcement officers concealed carry provisions
S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20 — Unlawful carrying of handgun (exemptions)
S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-430 — Carrying weapons on school property
S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-460 — Carrying concealed weapons; forfeiture
Section 10-11-320 — Referenced in enhanced penalty provisions
Reciprocity
South Carolina honors concealed carry permits from 25 states, and 35 states recognize South Carolina's CWP. For current reciprocity information, contact SLED or visit their website at sled.sc.gov/cwp.
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