South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit (CWP) Basics

Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)

On March 7, 2024, Governor signed H. 3594 into law, establishing constitutional carry in South Carolina. The law took effect immediately.

Key Provisions:

• Individuals 18 years old and older who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may legally carry a firearm openly or concealed without training and without a CWP issued by SLED.
• There are no restrictions on firearms inside vehicles — guns can be stored anywhere inside the vehicle, openly or concealed.
• There is no duty to notify law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm (applies to both CWP holders and permitless carriers).
• Possession of a firearm alone is not reasonable suspicion to conduct a stop.
• CWP holders are not required to carry their CWP or disclose their CWP status to law enforcement.

CWP Program (Still Active)

Despite constitutional carry, the CWP program administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) remains in place. The program is authorized under South Carolina Code § 23-31-210.

Benefits of Maintaining a CWP:

• Reciprocity with other states that recognize the South Carolina CWP
• Makes purchasing a firearm from a dealer easier
• Avoidance of additional criminal penalties — A person convicted of committing or attempting to commit a crime involving a concealable weapon (as defined by § 23-31-210(5)) who does not possess a valid CWP may face an additional imprisonment term of up to three years, served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying offense

Eligibility:

• Individuals 18 years of age and older are eligible to apply for a CWP (lowered from 21 under H. 3594)
• Applicants must not be prohibited from possessing a firearm

Application Process:

• Applications can be submitted online through the SLED Applicant System or by mail using the paper CWP Application Form
• New CWP applicants must schedule a fingerprinting session with IdentoGo (by IDEMIA)
• Required documents may include: Driver's License, Property Tax Forms, Military ID, or other documents depending on individual circumstances
• Documents can be uploaded online or mailed as physical copies to SLED

Application Types Available:

• New CWP Application
• Renewal CWP Application
• Replacement CWP

Non-Resident Applications:

• Non-residents may apply and must complete the Non-Resident CWP Tax Form

Contact Information:

• Phone: 803-896-7015
• Email: CWPquestions@sled.sc.gov

Prohibited Locations (Still Apply Under Constitutional Carry)

Firearms remain prohibited in the following locations:

• Schools
• Churches
• Law enforcement facilities (including detention and correctional facilities)
• Locations where medical procedures are performed
• Courthouses
• Public buildings
• Any place clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a firearm

Prohibited Persons — Felon in Possession

Under H. 3594, 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.

Exceptions (not considered disqualifying offenses):

1. Antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or similar business regulation offenses
2. Misdemeanors punishable by five years or less
3. Convictions that have been expunged, set aside, pardoned, or where civil rights have been restored (unless the restoration expressly prohibits firearm possession)

Graduated Penalties for Felon in Possession:

• 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

CWP Statistics (as of December 31, 2025)

Key Statutes:

• S.C. Code § 23-31-210 — CWP program and definitions
• S.C. Code § 10-11-320 — Prohibited locations (public buildings)
• H. 3594 (2024) — Constitutional Carry Act
• Chapter 23, Title 16 — Criminal offenses involving firearms