The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the agency responsible for issuing Concealed Weapons Permits. SLED conducts an extensive...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is the agency responsible for issuing Concealed Weapons Permits. SLED conducts an extensive background examination of all applicants prior to a CWP being issued. Applications are available on the SLED website at sled.sc.gov/cwp.html.
Under South Carolina common law, a person has the right to resist an unlawful arrest, even to the point of using deadly force if necessary to regain freedom. In State v. Bethune, 112 S.C. 100, 99 S.E. 753 (1919), the Court stated that "a person's right to resist an unlawful arrest... may be exercised to the extent of taking the life of another, if it be necessary, in order to regain his freedom."
However, there is no right to resist a lawful arrest. Town of Springdale v. Butler, 299 S.C. 276, 384 S.E.2d 697 (1989).
Under S.C. Code § 16-3-625, a person who resists the lawful efforts of a law enforcement officer to arrest him or another person with the use or threat of use of a deadly weapon against the officer, and the person is in possession or claims to be in possession of a deadly weapon, commits a felony:
This provision does not replace the common law crime of Assault and Battery with Intent to Kill nor does it replace sentencing of eligible offenders under the Youthful Offender Act (YOA).
Under S.C. Code § 16-9-320:
Under S.C. Code § 17-13-10 and common law as summarized in State v. Nall, 304 S.C. 332, 404 S.E.2d 202 (1991):
SLED is located at 4400 Broad River Road (also known as J.P. Strom Boulevard), Columbia, South Carolina. The location is approximately 1 mile from Interstate 26 and can be reached by exiting off Piney Grove Road or St. Andrews Road.
No. Fingerprinting services are not provided at SLED. Contact IdentoGo by MorphoTrust for locations and times, or contact your licensing agency for information concerning fingerprinting.
SLED serves as the central repository for all criminal records in South Carolina. Criminal history record screening costs $25 per search. This can be obtained online at catch.sled.sc.gov or by mailing the request to:
SLED Records Department PO Box 21398 Columbia, SC 29221
Company checks and money orders are accepted through the mail (no cash or personal checks). Credit card payment is only accepted on the website.
This page covers one part of our South Carolina concealed carry guide.
Read the complete South Carolina guideBrowse local instructors offering state-approved training in your area. Book online, complete your training, and get one step closer to your concealed carry permit.