South Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity: States That Honor It

Reciprocity

Overview

South Dakota has a two-tiered approach to out-of-state concealed carry permits: formal reciprocity agreements with specific states and universal recognition of all valid U.S. concealed carry permits.

Universal Recognition of Other States' Permits

South Dakota recognizes valid concealed pistol permits from all other U.S. states for individuals who may lawfully possess a concealed pistol. This means any person visiting South Dakota with a valid concealed carry permit from their home state may carry concealed in South Dakota, regardless of whether a formal reciprocity agreement exists.

"South Dakota recognizes valid concealed pistol permits from all other U.S. states for individuals who may lawfully possess a concealed pistol."

• South Dakota Secretary of State, Concealed Pistol Permits FAQ

Reciprocity vs. Recognition

South Dakota law distinguishes between these two concepts:

• Recognition: When a state (such as South Dakota) honors valid permits issued by other states without requiring a formal written agreement.
• Reciprocity: When two states have entered into a written agreement to mutually recognize each other's concealed carry permits.

Statutory Authority

Under SDCL Section 23-7-7.3, the South Dakota Attorney General compares South Dakota's permit issuance statutes with those of other states seeking reciprocity to determine whether the other state's laws meet or exceed South Dakota's requirements. The Secretary of State may then enter into reciprocity agreements after the Attorney General certifies that the other state's standards are sufficient.

"The attorney general shall compare South Dakota permit issuance statutes with the permit issuance statutes in states with which reciprocity is sought or requested in order to determine whether the laws of the other state meet or exceed the requirements of this chapter for the issuance of a permit. The secretary of state may enter into reciprocity agreements with other states after the attorney general has notified the secretary of state that the other states' laws meet or exceed the provisions of this chapter."

• SDCL Section 23-7-7.3

States with Formal Reciprocity Agreements

South Dakota has established reciprocity with the following 26 states. Permit holders from these states are recognized in South Dakota, and South Dakota permit holders are recognized in these states:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska*
3. Arizona
4. Arkansas
5. Colorado*
6. Florida (including non-resident permits)*
7. Georgia*
8. Idaho
9. Indiana
10. Kentucky*
11. Louisiana
12. Maine
13. Michigan*
14. Mississippi
15. Missouri
16. Montana
17. North Carolina*
18. North Dakota (including non-resident permits)
19. Oklahoma
20. Pennsylvania
21. Tennessee (including non-resident permits)*
22. Texas
23. Utah (including non-resident permits)*
24. Virginia*
25. West Virginia*
26. Wyoming*

*These states only recognize South Dakota permits issued to persons who are 21 years of age or older.

Source: South Dakota Secretary of State, Services for Individuals FAQ

South Dakota Permit Types Recognized Under Reciprocity

South Dakota issues three types of concealed carry permits, all of which are covered under reciprocity agreements:

The Pennsylvania-South Dakota reciprocity agreement, for example, explicitly covers all three permit types.

Non-Resident Permits

South Dakota does not issue non-resident permits. Only South Dakota residents may apply for a South Dakota concealed carry permit.

"No, but South Dakota recognizes valid concealed pistol permits from all other U.S. states for individuals who may lawfully possess a concealed pistol."

• South Dakota Secretary of State, Concealed Pistol Permits FAQ

Transferability of Out-of-State Permits

Pistol permits from other states are not transferable to South Dakota permits. Individuals who move to South Dakota must apply for a new South Dakota permit at the county sheriff's office in their county of residence.

"Pistol permits from other states are not transferable for South Dakota permits. You must apply at the county sheriff's office in your South Dakota county of residence to obtain a South Dakota concealed carry permit."

• South Dakota Secretary of State, Concealed Pistol Permits FAQ

States That Recognize South Dakota Permits (Beyond Reciprocity)

In addition to the 26 states with formal reciprocity agreements, several other states recognize South Dakota permits through their own unilateral recognition statutes or constitutional/permitless carry laws. South Dakota permit holders should verify current recognition status with the destination state's authorities before traveling.

Notable examples from the source material:

• Montana recognizes South Dakota concealed weapon permits under Montana Code Annotated Section 45-8-329, provided the permit holder has photo identification and the permit is in their immediate possession.
• Pennsylvania recognizes all valid SD Licenses (Regular, Enhanced, and Gold Card) through a written reciprocity agreement, for SD residents who are 21 years of age or older.

Key Requirements for Carrying Under Reciprocity

• Compliance with local laws: Permit holders carrying under a reciprocity agreement must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the state in which they are carrying. A South Dakota permit does not exempt the holder from another state's specific restrictions.
• Age restrictions: Several reciprocity partner states only recognize South Dakota permits issued to individuals who are 21 years of age or older (marked with * in the list above).
• Verify before travel: Concealed weapons permit holders are responsible for checking with the proper authorities prior to carrying concealed weapons in another state. Laws change frequently.

Reciprocity Agreement Terms

Based on the Pennsylvania-South Dakota reciprocity agreement (representative of SD's standard agreement format), key terms include:

• Agreements apply only to the carrying of concealed firearms, not to any other types of weapons
• Both states will promptly inform each other of any changes in their respective concealed carry statutes
• Agreements remain effective only as long as the respective statutory authority continues to authorize reciprocal privileges
• Either party may terminate the agreement upon thirty (30) calendar days' written notice
• Permit holders must comply with all applicable laws of the state in which they are carrying

Important Notes

• South Dakota's reciprocity agreements are administered jointly by the Attorney General and the Secretary of State
• The full list of reciprocity agreements is available at the South Dakota Secretary of State's website
• Laws regarding concealed carry reciprocity change frequently; always verify current status before traveling with a concealed firearm
• Federal law may impose additional restrictions in certain locations (federal buildings, post offices, etc.) regardless of state reciprocity

Relevant Statutes