South Dakota Concealed Carry Permit Renewal Process

Overview

South Dakota issues three types of concealed pistol permits - Regular, Gold Card, and Enhanced - each valid for five years. All permits are renewed through the sheriff of the county where the permit holder resides. South Dakota is a permitless (constitutional) carry state, meaning residents who may lawfully possess a pistol are not required to hold a permit to carry concealed (SDCL Section 23-7-7); however, permits remain valuable for reciprocity with other states and, in the case of the Enhanced permit, for carrying in the state capitol.

Renewal Windows by Permit Type

Regular Permit

• Renewal window: Beginning 90 days before the permit expires
• Statute: SDCL Section 23-7-8.11
• Requirements: Pass a background investigation including a computer check of available online records and the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)

Gold Card Permit

• Renewal window: Beginning 180 days before the permit expires and ending 30 days after the permit expires
• Statute: SDCL Section 23-7-62
• Requirements: Pass a criminal background check consisting of a computer check of available online records and a NICS check

Enhanced Permit

• Renewal window: Beginning 12 months (365 days) before the permit expires and ending 30 days after the permit expires
• Statute: SDCL Section 23-7-56 (most recently amended by SL 2024, ch 91, Section 1)
• Requirements:
  1. Pass a criminal background check consisting of a computer check of available online records and a NICS check; and
  2. Present proof that during the renewal period the applicant:
     • Successfully completed the live fire component of a qualifying handgun course as defined in SDCL Section 23-7-58;
     • Received instruction regarding use of force standards; and
     • Received instruction regarding relevant criminal statutory changes
  • Alternative for law enforcement: A current or former law enforcement officer may instead present proof of qualifying or requalifying on a certified shooting course administered by a firearms instructor approved by the Law Enforcement Officers Standards Commission, within the 12-month period preceding the permit's expiration date

Important: If a person fails to renew an enhanced permit during the renewal period, the permit is deemed invalid. To obtain an enhanced permit thereafter, the person must submit a new application and meet all initial requirements under SDCL Section 23-7-53.

Qualifying Handgun Course (Enhanced Renewal)

Per SDCL Section 23-7-58, the qualifying handgun course must be taught by a National Rifle Association certified instructor who also holds a current certificate of completion from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation on the use of force. The course must include:

1. South Dakota law relating to firearms and the use of force
2. Basic concepts of the safe and responsible use of handguns
3. Self-defense principles
4. Live fire training including the firing of at least 98 rounds of ammunition by the student

A current list of certified Enhanced Use of Force Instructors is maintained by the Secretary of State's office.

30-Day Grace Period

Per SDCL Section 23-7-8.13, upon expiration of any concealed pistol permit issued under Chapter 23-7, the permit holder has a 30-day grace period to renew the permit. During this grace period, the permit holder may continue to carry a concealed pistol; however, law enforcement may issue a warning ticket to notify the holder of the expired status.

Grace Period Exceptions (SDCL Section 23-7-8.14)

The 30-day grace period does not apply to:

• Any permit holder who committed a crime that would make it unlawful for the holder to own or possess a gun
• Any permit holder who attempted to renew but was denied renewal for a reason provided in SDCL Section 23-7-7.1

Where to Renew

All permits are renewed in person at the sheriff's office of the county where the permit holder resides. Contact information for local sheriffs can be found through the South Dakota Sheriffs' Association.

Renewal Fees

SDCL Section 23-7-72 establishes county reimbursement amounts from the Secretary of State's office for permits issued:

Note: Actual fees charged to applicants at the county level may vary. Contact your local sheriff's office for current fee information.

Military Service Member Renewal (SDCL Section 23-7-8.12)

South Dakota residents holding a regular concealed carry permit who are members of a National Guard unit, Armed Forces, or Armed Forces Reserves and whose permit expires during an active duty assignment or deployment outside their state of residence may renew by mail. The process requires:

1. Request a renewal application from the Office of the Secretary of State
2. Submit the application accompanied by:
   • Documentation of the deployment (including dates and location if available)
   • An affidavit signed by the commanding officer or unit commander attesting to the holder's identity and inability to return to the state
   • A copy of a current, valid government-issued photo ID
3. Mail the application with original ink signatures to the sheriff in the holder's county of residence
4. The sheriff must conduct the background investigation within five days of receipt

Address or Name Changes (SDCL Section 23-7-69)

Permit holders must notify the Secretary of State in writing of any change in:

• Name (due to marriage or court order)
• Physical address

If the revised address remains within South Dakota, the Secretary of State will issue a new permit reflecting the updated information.

Permit Revocation and Eligibility

Gold Card and Enhanced permits are automatically revoked if the holder fails to maintain the requirements under SDCL Section 23-7-7.1 or becomes prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law (SDCL Section 23-7-64). Upon revocation, the permit holder must immediately return the permit to the county sheriff. Law enforcement may periodically perform NICS checks on Gold Card and Enhanced permit holders to verify continued eligibility (SDCL Section 23-7-68).

Key Statutes Reference

Recent Legislative Activity

• SL 2024, ch 91, Section 1 - Amended SDCL Section 23-7-56 (Enhanced permit renewal requirements)
• SL 2023, ch 74 - Amended SDCL Section 23-7-56 and Section 23-7-62 (renewal provisions for enhanced and gold card permits)
• SL 2025, ch 86 - New law permitting enhanced permit holders to carry concealed pistols at technical colleges (SDCL Section 13-39A-43), effective 2025

This information is current as of April 2026 based on official South Dakota government sources. Laws are subject to change. Consult the South Dakota Legislature website (sdlegislature.gov) or the Secretary of State's office (sdsos.gov) for the most current statutes.