South Dakota law designates specific locations where firearms possession is restricted or prohibited. South Dakota adopted constitutional (permitless)...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
South Dakota law designates specific locations where firearms possession is restricted or prohibited. South Dakota adopted constitutional (permitless) carry in 2019 for individuals 18 and older, and also issues regular, enhanced, and gold card concealed pistol permits under SDCL Chapter 23-7. The enhanced permit provides additional carry privileges in certain restricted locations.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently - always verify current statutes at sdlegislature.gov.
Statute: SDCL Section 13-32-7
Prohibition: It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to intentionally carry, possess, store, keep, leave, place, or put into the possession of another person any dangerous weapon, firearm, or air gun on or in any public elementary or secondary school premises, vehicle, or building, or on or in any premises, vehicle, or building used or leased for public elementary or secondary school functions.
Exceptions:
Recent Amendment: SL 2025, ch 83, Section 1 (effective 2025)
Statutes: SDCL Section 22-14-22 through 22-14-28
Definition (Section 22-14-22): "County courthouse" means any building occupied for the public sessions of a circuit court, with its various offices, including any building appended to or used as a supplementary structure to a county courthouse.
Prohibition (Section 22-14-23): It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly possess or cause to be present any firearm or other dangerous weapon in any county courthouse.
Important - Concealed pistol permit is NOT a defense (Section 22-14-27): A defendant may not claim as a defense that they held a permit to carry a concealed pistol.
Exceptions (Section 22-14-24):
County Commission Waiver (Section 22-14-28): A county commission may, by majority of members-elect, waive the courthouse prohibition entirely. This waiver supersedes the county employee exception.
Notice (Section 22-14-26): Prohibition must be posted conspicuously at each public entrance.
Statutes: SDCL Section 22-14-22 through 22-14-28
Definition (Section 22-14-22): "State capitol" includes any building appended to or used as a supplementary structure to the state capitol.
Prohibition (Section 22-14-23): Same as courthouses - Class 1 misdemeanor to possess firearms or dangerous weapons in the state capitol.
Exceptions (Section 22-14-24):
Statutes: SDCL Section 13-39A-43 and 13-39A-44 - NEW, enacted 2025 (SL 2025, ch 86)
General Rule (Section 13-39A-43): Neither the Board of Technical Education nor any institution under its control may restrict or limit the lawful carrying, possession, storage, or transportation of:
Limited Exceptions (Section 13-39A-44): Institutions may restrict carry only in:
Storage Requirement: When not carrying, individuals must store items in a locked case or safe.
Applies to: Lake Area Technical College, Mitchell Technical College, Southeast Technical College, Western Dakota Technical College.
Statutes: SDCL Section 13-53-56 and 13-53-57 - NEW, enacted 2025 (SL 2025, ch 86)
The same framework as technical colleges applies to Board of Regents institutions (state universities). Enhanced permit holders may carry concealed pistols on campus with the same limited exceptions for hazardous areas, clean rooms, security clearance zones, and special events with armed security/metal detectors.
Rule: ARSD 41:03:01:16
General Rule: Uncased firearms are generally prohibited in the state park system.
Concealed Carry Exception: "A person who is allowed to legally carry a concealed pistol may carry a concealed pistol at any time." This applies to both permit holders and those carrying under constitutional carry.
Additional exceptions exist for licensed hunters during established seasons in designated areas.
GFP Regulations confirm: "A person who is legally allowed to carry a concealed pistol may carry a concealed pistol at any time" in state parks.
Specific year-round prohibitions on uncased firearms (not concealed pistols) apply in:
Recent Change (2025): Governor Noem signed legislation in March 2025 allowing concealed handguns in bars and establishments that serve alcohol. Prior to this legislation, these establishments were restricted. Enhanced permit holders may now carry in these locations.
South Dakota state permits do not override federal prohibitions. Firearms remain prohibited under federal law in:
South Dakota law respects private property rights. Property owners and businesses may prohibit firearms on their premises. While there is no specific state statute criminalizing carry on posted private property (unlike some states), a person asked to leave who refuses may be subject to trespass charges.
Statute: SDCL Section 34-20G-28.1
Medical cannabis dispensaries are required to provide notice regarding federal firearms law. Under federal law (18 U.S.C. Section 922(g)(3)), it is unlawful for any person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance to possess firearms. Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law regardless of state medical cannabis programs. This creates a conflict where medical cannabis cardholders may be federally prohibited from possessing firearms.
| Location | Prohibited? | Key Exception for Permit Holders |
|---|---|---|
| Public elementary/secondary schools | Yes (Class 1 misdemeanor) | Enhanced permit + written permission from principal; any permit holder in vehicle |
| County courthouses | Yes (Class 1 misdemeanor) | County commission may waive entirely; no permit defense otherwise |
| State capitol | Yes (Class 1 misdemeanor) | Enhanced permit + 24hr notification to Highway Patrol (except Supreme Court chamber) |
| Technical colleges | Generally open (2025 law) | Enhanced/reciprocal permit holders may carry; limited hazmat/security exceptions |
| Public universities | Generally open (2025 law) | Same as technical colleges |
| State parks | Uncased firearms restricted | Concealed carry allowed at any time |
| Bars/alcohol establishments | Generally open (2025 law) | Enhanced permit holders may carry |
| Federal property | Yes (federal law) | No state permit overrides federal law |
| Private property (posted) | Owner's discretion | Must comply with owner's wishes |
This page covers one part of our South Dakota concealed carry guide.
Read the complete South Dakota 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.