South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Guide

South Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) Renewal Process

Statutory Authority

The renewal process for South Carolina concealed weapon permits is governed by S.C. Code § 23-31-215, subsections (P), (Q), (S), and (U).

Renewal Validity

Upon renewal, a CWP issued pursuant to this article is valid for five (5) years (§ 23-31-215(P)).

Renewal Requirements

SLED shall renew a currently valid permit upon:

1. Payment of a $50 renewal fee — This fee must be waived for:

   • Disabled veterans
   • Retired law enforcement officers (§ 23-31-215(P)(1))

2. Completion of the renewal application (§ 23-31-215(P)(2))

3. Picture identification or facsimile copy thereof (§ 23-31-215(P)(3))

Background Check Requirement

Upon submission of the renewal items, SLED must conduct or facilitate a state and federal background check of the applicant. If the background check is favorable, SLED must renew the permit. (§ 23-31-215(Q))

What Is NOT Required for Renewal

• Fingerprint cards are NOT required for renewal
• Training date, instructor certification number, or student number are NOT needed for renewal
• Instructor signature or date is NOT needed for renewal
• No new proof of training is required

Expiration Notification

At least 30 days before a permit expires, SLED shall notify the permit holder by mail or online (if the permit holder has opted for online communication under subsection (H)) at the permit holder's address of record that the permit is set to expire, along with notification of the opportunity to renew. (§ 23-31-215(S))

Expired Permit Grace Period

A CWP holder whose permit has been expired for no more than one year may not be charged with a violation of Section 16-23-20 but must be fined not more than $100. (§ 23-31-215(U))

How to Renew

Option 1: Online Renewal

• Visit the SLED Applicant System at https://applicants.sled.sc.gov
• Have copies of all required documents ready to upload before beginning
• Alternatively, you may skip the upload step and mail physical copies to SLED
• Documents may include a scanned copy of your driver's license, property tax forms, military ID, etc.

Option 2: Renewal by Mail

1. Download the CWP paper application from SLED's website

2. Enter "Renewal" in the Applicant Type space

3. Write your CWP number in the space provided

4. Complete all personal information fields (name, residential address, mailing address, SSN, driver's license number, DOB, physical description, contact information)

5. Check the appropriate boxes indicating SC residence status and federal applicable questions

6. Sign and date the application

7. Include a copy of your current South Carolina driver's license (address must match the application)

8. If applicable, provide documentation of Disabled Veteran or Retired Law Enforcement status

9. Mail to:

   SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
   Attention CWP Renewal
   PO Box 21398
   Columbia, SC 29221

Contact Information

For questions regarding the renewal process, contact the SLED Regulatory Department at 803-896-7015.

Note on Constitutional Carry

Effective March 7, 2024, the South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024 (2024 Act No. 111, H.3594) allows permitless carry of a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law (§ 23-31-215(O)). However, the CWP remains available and may be beneficial for reciprocity with other states and other legal purposes. SLED provides Constitutional Carry guidance on their website.