South Dakota is a constitutional carry state as of July 1, 2019 (SL 2019, ch 113). No permit or training is required for any person who may lawfully possess...
Reviewed by Will Luker, Founder of CCW Hub. USCCA Training Counselor, USCCA Certified Instructor, NRA Certified Instructor, Law Enforcement.
South Dakota is a constitutional carry state as of July 1, 2019 (SL 2019, ch 113). No permit or training is required for any person who may lawfully possess a firearm to carry it concealed. However, South Dakota offers optional permit types - a Regular Permit and an Enhanced Permit - that provide additional reciprocity benefits with other states. Only the Enhanced Permit requires training.
The regular concealed pistol permit (SDCL Section 23-7-7.1) does not require any firearms training or live fire qualification. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria (age, residency, background check) but no coursework is mandated.
Applicants for an enhanced permit must provide proof of having successfully completed a qualifying handgun course within the preceding twelve months (SDCL Section 23-7-53).
The qualifying handgun course must be taught by a National Rifle Association (NRA) certified instructor who also holds a current certificate of completion from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on the use of force.
The course must include instruction in all four of the following areas:
Source: SDCL Section 23-7-58 (SL 2015, ch 137, Section 6)
In lieu of the qualifying handgun course, a current or former South Dakota law enforcement officer may qualify by presenting proof of having qualified or requalified on a certified shooting course administered by a firearms instructor approved by the Law Enforcement Officers Standards Commission within the preceding twelve months (SDCL Section 23-7-53(4)(b)).
The renewal window begins twelve months before the permit expires and ends thirty days after the permit expires. If renewal is not completed within this window, the permit becomes invalid and the holder must submit a full new application under Section 23-7-53.
To renew an enhanced permit, the holder must:
OR present proof as a current or former law enforcement officer who qualified or requalified on a certified shooting course within the 12-month period preceding the expiration date.
Source: SDCL Section 23-7-56 (as amended through SL 2024, ch 91, Section 1)
The DCI is required to offer a use of force course at least once every six months, open to NRA certified pistol instructors. This course certifies instructors to teach the enhanced permit handgun course.
To attend the DCI use of force course, a person must:
The current list of certified Enhanced Concealed Pistol Use of Force Instructors is maintained by the SD Secretary of State (SDCL Section 23-7-59).
Sources: SDCL Section 23-7-59; SD Attorney General - Law Enforcement Training; SD Secretary of State
| Age | Permit Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 21+ | Unrestricted Enhanced Permit | Standard enhanced permit |
| 18 to 20 | Temporary Restricted Enhanced Permit | Must meet all Section 23-7-53 requirements; clearly designated as restricted; requires sheriff approval |
A holder of a restricted enhanced permit who reaches age 21 may request an unrestricted enhanced permit from the Secretary of State at no additional cost (SDCL Section 23-7-54.4).
An enhanced permit is valid for five years and is only valid if carried with a government-issued photo identification (SDCL Section 23-7-55).
Enhanced permit holders may carry a concealed pistol in the South Dakota State Capitol (excluding the Supreme Court chamber and certain access-controlled offices) provided they:
Source: SDCL Section 22-14-24(5) (SL 2020, ch 80, Section 1)
| Statute | Subject |
|---|---|
| SDCL Section 23-7-7.1 | Regular permit requirements |
| SDCL Section 23-7-53 | Enhanced permit application requirements |
| SDCL Section 23-7-54.2 | Age requirements / restricted enhanced permit (18 to 20) |
| SDCL Section 23-7-55 | Enhanced permit duration (5 years) + photo ID requirement |
| SDCL Section 23-7-56 | Enhanced permit renewal requirements |
| SDCL Section 23-7-58 | Qualifying handgun course definition |
| SDCL Section 23-7-59 | Use of force instructor course / DCI authority |
| ARSD 2:01:17 | Minimum standards for use of force instructor certification |
| ARSD 2:01:18 | Training program rules |
Note: South Dakota enacted constitutional carry effective July 1, 2019 (SL 2019, ch 113), repealing former SDCL Section 22-14-9 through 22-14-11 which had previously required a permit to carry a concealed pistol. Training is now only required for the optional enhanced permit, which provides broader reciprocity and additional carry privileges (e.g., state capitol carry).
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.