South Carolina issues gun permits for concealed carry of firearms in the state.

You must meet all requirements provided by South Carolina pistol permit law before you apply for the gun license.

South Carolina Gun Permit Summary

South Carolina is a shall-issue state for pistol license application, and the state Law enforcement division is in charge of the process.

South Carolina does not issue a purchase permit to buy firearms.

How To Get A Gun Permit In South Carolina?

The age requirement to apply for a gun permit in South Carolina is twenty-one years old, and it is for only those who have legal rights to possess firearms.

South Carolina Permit Laws

South Carolina does not allow open carry of firearms in the state, regardless of if you are a pistol permit holder.

For the use of machine guns, large capacity firearms, and military weapons, you must be a federally licensed individual before you can have them in your possession.

The state defines machine guns as weapons that can shoot automatically more than once after a single pull on the trigger.

South Carolina also prohibits the use of Teflon coated ammunition in the state.

South Carolina Pistol Permit Requirements

South Carolina requirements to apply for gun permits as provided by gun laws of the state include the following:

  • You must be at least twenty-one years old.
  • You must be a resident of South Carolina or a non-resident that has property in the state.
  • You must enroll and qualify for a South course for firearm training.
  • You must not be a convict for any felony or a crime that has to do with violence.
  • You must not have an impaired vision.
  • You must not have a court order that prohibits you from using, handling, and possession of firearms in South Carolina.
  • You must meet all federal law requirements for a gun permit in the United States.

Different Types Of Gun Permits In South Carolina

A summary of firearms permits issued in South Carolina includes the following:

  • State permit to purchase long guns: South Carolina does not issue a state permit to purchase long guns.
  • State permits to purchase handguns: South Carolina does not issue a state permit to purchase handguns.
  • State permit to open carry: South Carolina prohibits the open carry of firearms.
  • State permits to conceal carry long guns: South Carolina does not issue a state permit to conceal long guns.
  • State permits to conceal carry handguns: South Carolina issues a pistol permit to conceal carry handguns in the state.

Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In South Carolina?

The processes to apply for South Carolina pistol permit includes the following:

Complete Firearm Training Course

You must apply for a recognized South Carolina firearm training class before the application procedure.

Download Application Form

Review the concealed carry guide for South Carolina pistol permit application, and download the application form online

Submit Application

You can either submit your application physically, go to the IdentoGo site for online registration, or submit it via mail.

For the online application, visit the IdentoGo site and make an appointment. You can then submit, take your fingerprint and send it electronically.

Submit The Necessary Documents

Some of the documents you have to submit with the application form include the following:

  • A state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
  • Proof of property with tax form if you are non-resident.
  • Your firearm training certificate with an appended signature from you and the certified firearm instructor.
  • Your applicant checklist.
  • Two fingerprint cards.
  • The required fee, payable to the law enforcement division.

Military members that are actively in service must provide a military order, while retired and honorably discharged members must provide proof.

Retired law enforcement officers, honorably discharged members of the military, and disabled veterans are exemptions for CCW permit fees in South Carolina.

The address to mail your application is the law enforcement division data center, Columbia, South Carolina 29221-1398. P.O. BOX 21398.

For the permit renewal process, you will receive a mail renewal within ninety to one hundred and twenty days before the permit’s expiration.

For permits that have expired for more than eighteen months, you must first complete a paper renewal application and submit the current copy of your driver’s license.

Note that there is no online option for renewal application in South Carolina.

How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In South Carolina?

The cost of initial and renewal permit applications in South Carolina is fifty dollars.

Gun Permit Reciprocity With South Carolina

South Carolina will accept pistol permits from states that accept its pistol license.

Other aspects of its reciprocity include the following:

States That South Carolina Will Accept Their Pistol License

You can possess firearms in South Carolina if you have a pistol permit from any of these states. But you must comply with all South Carolina gun laws while at it.

States That Recognize South Carolina Pistol Permit

These states will allow pistol license holders in South Carolina to possess firearms within their territory and according to their gun laws. The states include the following:

  • Alabama
  • Georgia
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
  • Puerto Rico

States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With South Carolina

Before you possess firearms in these states with your South Carolina gun permit, you must meet other individual requirements. They state are:

  • Michigan
  • Florida

States That Have Permitless Policy For The Possession Of Firearms

In these states, you do not need a pistol permit to open or concealed carry. As long as you meet the minimum age requirements for the possession of firearms, you can handle guns. Most of the states are constitutional carry states.

  • Arizona
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Idaho
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • Oklahoma
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • West Virginia

FAQs About Gun Permits In South Carolina

Some of the most frequently asked questions you should know about pistol permit in South Carolina, its application, renewal and other information are:

Do I Need A Permit To Conceal Carry Firearms In South Carolina?

Yes. You cannot conceal carry firearms in South Carolina if you do not have a pistol permit issued in the state.

For How Long Is South Carolina Gun Permit Valid?

South Carolina pistol license is valid for five years, after which you have to apply for a pistol license.

Can Non-Residents Apply For South Carolina Gun Permits?

Only non-residents that are property owners in South Carolina and those that are members of the military posted to the state can apply for its pistol permit.

The process is the same as that of residents’ application.

How Can I Change The Name And Address On My South Carolina Gun License?

For any change of address or name, you must first write the South Carolina law enforcement division within ten days of effecting the change and send a payment of five dollars.

The law enforcement division will issue a new license with the new name or the new address.

Failure to notify the law enforcement division means that you will pay a fine of twenty-five dollars.

You will continue to use your current permit before you get the new permit with your updated details.

After receiving the updated permit, return the old one to the South Carolina law enforcement division.

What Can I Do If I Lost My South Carolina Permit Or It Gets Stolen?

For missing or stolen pistol permits, apply for a replacement permit using the online application system. This will cost a five dollars fee.

You will also receive the replacement permit via mail after the law enforcement division has processed it.

How Soon Can I Apply For South Carolina Gun Permit After Moving To The State?

New residents can apply for a pistol permit as soon as they have proof of residency in South Carolina.

Can I Make Use Of South Carolina Gun Permit After Moving To Another State In The Country?

Suppose you are moving out of South Carolina to live in another state. In that case, you have to submit the permit to a law enforcement division because it expires immediately if you establish residency in the state.

Do I Need A South Carolina Gun Permit To Open Carry In The State?

No, with or without a gun license in South Carolina, you cannot open carry firearms because the state prohibits it.

What Is The Minimum Age Requirement To Apply For South Carolina Pistols Permit?

You must be at least twenty-one years old to apply for a pistol license in South Carolina.

Do I need A Permit To Purchase Firearms In South Carolina?

South Carolina does not issue a license to buy firearms in the state.

Does My Firearm Permit Exempt Me From Completing A Criminal Record Background Check Before Buying Firearms In South Carolina?

Yes, if you are a South Carolina pistol permit holder, you do not have to undergo a criminal record background check before buying firearms in the state.

Do I Need A South Carolina Concealed Permit To Possess Firearms In My Private Property?

No, there are no requirements that you must be a licensee before the possession of firearms in your home, personal property, or any building you occupy either by lease or rent.

Do I Need To Complete A Firearm Training Before Applying For South Carolina Pistol Permit?

Yes, you must complete a firearm training that covers all essential requirements to conceal carry and apply for a pistol license according to South Carolina gun laws.

What Is The Processing Period For Firearm Permits In South Carolina?

The processing period for the application of South Carolina gun license is ninety days.

Does South Carolina Have Ammunition And Firearm Restrictions?

Yes, you must be a federally licensed individual before you can possess assault weapons like machine guns, semi-automatic firearms, and military weapons.

Other exempted personnel are military members and law enforcement officers.

Is South Carolina A Preemption Gun Law State?

Yes, the state has the authority to regulate firearms within its territories, but local municipalities and the government can control the careless discharge of firearms within their boundaries.

Do I Need A South Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit To Hunt?

If you have a pistol permit license, you can conceal carry while hunting in South Carolina. However, it is a prohibition to use such firearms to take down wildlife during hunting.

What Is The Age Limit For The Possession Of Firearms In South Carolina?

You must be at least eighteen years old to possess firearms in South Carolina.

Relevant Gun Laws Permits And Legislature In South Carolina

Some South Carolina pistol permit laws relating to the possession of firearms in the state include the following:

Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles

You can carry firearms in private vehicles with or without a pistol permit issued by the state or anyone from a state that it recognizes.

But if you are carrying without a pistol permit, the firearm must be safe and stored away in the trunk of the vehicle, the glove compartment, or any other case.

[S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-20].

Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas Of The State

According to the statute, S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-420(f)], you can possess firearms in roadside areas of the state if you have a South Carolina pistol license or anyone issued by a state it recognizes.

Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas

The laws, S.C. Code Ann. § 51-3-145(G)] [S.C. DNR Public Lands Regulations § 123-203(B)], indicate that you can conceal carry firearms in state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas. Also, visit the website of these parks for more information on their concealed carry policies.

Possession Of Firearms In Bars And Restaurant Areas

You can conceal carry in restaurant and bar areas of the state as long as you have a South Carolina gun permit or a permit from a state it recognizes.

However, you cannot possess firearms if there is a post prohibiting such, or you are not under the influence of alcohol.

[S.C. Code Ann. §16-23-465]

Possession Of Firearms In Hotels

A person in charge of a hotel can refuse to provide accommodation to anyone in possession of a firearm or any weapon believed to be dangerous.

Hotel management can develop gun policies for the possession of firearms in their facilities. Therefore you are not automatically allowed to carry firearms if you are a permit holder.

For other information, visit the hotel website.

[S.C. Code Ann. §§ 45-2-30(A)(1)(4) and 45-2-60)]

Additional Resources

South Carolina Gun Laws
South Carolina Concealed Carry Laws
South Carolina Open Carry Laws

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