South Carolina's concealed weapon permit reciprocity is governed by S.C. Code § 23-31-215(N), part of the "Law Abiding Citizens Self-Defense Act of...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
South Carolina's concealed weapon permit reciprocity is governed by S.C. Code § 23-31-215(N), part of the "Law Abiding Citizens Self-Defense Act of 1996" (S.C. Code § 23-31-205).
Valid out-of-state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a resident of a reciprocal state must be honored by South Carolina, provided that the reciprocal state requires an applicant to:
Both conditions must be met for a state's permits to be recognized under the general reciprocity provision.
A resident of a reciprocal state carrying a concealable weapon in South Carolina is subject to and must abide by the laws of South Carolina regarding concealable weapons.
SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) is required to maintain and publish a list of those states with which South Carolina has reciprocity.
Notwithstanding the general reciprocity requirements of item (1), South Carolina automatically recognizes concealed weapon permits issued by Georgia and North Carolina. This provision was added by 2016 Act No. 223 (H.3799), effective June 3, 2016.
The reciprocity provisions shall not be construed to authorize the holder of any out-of-state permit or license to carry, in South Carolina, any firearm or weapon other than a handgun.
A "concealable weapon" means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that may be carried openly on one's person or in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.
(Note: The definition was amended by 2021 Act No. 66 ("Open Carry With Training Act") to include open carry.)
A "qualified nonresident" is defined as an individual who owns real property in South Carolina, but who resides in another state. Qualified nonresidents may apply for a South Carolina concealed weapon permit.
SLED must issue a permit to carry a concealable weapon to a resident or qualified nonresident who is at least eighteen years of age and who is not prohibited by state law from possessing the weapon, upon submission of the required application materials.
Qualified nonresident applicants must present:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard applicant | $50.00 |
| Active Military | $50.00 |
| Active Law Enforcement | $50.00 |
| Retired Law Enforcement | $0.00 |
| Disabled Veteran | $0.00 |
| Retired/Former Military | $50.00 |
| Renewal | $50.00 (waived for disabled veterans and retired law enforcement) |
The South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024 (2024 Act No. 111, H.3594), effective March 7, 2024, provides that a concealed weapon permit is not required for a person "carrying a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law" — see § 23-31-215(O)(1)(b). However, the permit system remains in place, and reciprocity provisions continue to apply to out-of-state visitors who wish to carry under the authority of their home state permits.
Per § 23-31-215(O)(2): "The availability of a permit to carry a concealable weapon under this section must not be construed to prohibit the permitless transport or carrying of a firearm in a vehicle or on or about one's person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, in a manner not prohibited by law."
Per § 23-31-215(M), a permit (whether South Carolina or reciprocal out-of-state) does not authorize a permit holder to carry a concealable weapon into any place listed in Section 16-23-20(A) except as permitted by law.
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.