South Dakota only allows conceal carry permits for residents of the state. Military have exemptions though.
You must be 18 to obtain one of the 3 permits available:
- Regular
- Gold
- Enhanced
You can obtain the Enhanced permit if you wish to have more reciprocity agreements, but this requires a training course to be completed. When the application is submitted the Sheriff will issue a temporary permit until the final one is sent via mail.
South Dakota Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - As of 2019, South Dakota is recognized as a constitutional carry state. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - South Dakota allows for open carry, without a permit, for any individual 18 years or older and who is legally allowed to own a firearm. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - South Dakota allows for any individual 18 or older, and who is legally allowed to own a firearm, to concealed carry a handgun within their vehicle without a permit. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - South Dakota allows for concealed carry within their state and national parks without a permit. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ ❌ Yes/No - South Dakota allows for concealed carry within restaurants but not within bars nor the bar section of a restaurant. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We could not find any specific code giving no weapons signs the force of law. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - South Dakota is not a duty to inform state. However, you must provide a truthful answer upon being asked by a LEO. |
South Dakota CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with South Dakota
* Restricted Reciprocity with South Dakota
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In South Dakota
Any individual who has a permit to conceal carry in another reciprocal U.S. state is legally allowed to carry a firearm in South Dakota. During their time in South Dakota, they will be subject to the laws of the county and state.
South Dakota: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- A person's home, land they own or rent, or place of business
- State Capitol Building
- All areas of the state – except those listed below
Places Not Allowed
- An establishment licensed to serve alcoholic beverages on the premises if the establishment derives more than 50% of its sales from alcoholic beverages
- A county courthouse
- An elementary or secondary school premises, including school vehicles or buildings
- A snowmobile, unless firearm is unloaded and entirely enclosed in a carrying case
- A game preserve or refuge
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
South Dakota: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal in South Dakota without a permit/license.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, South Dakota allows for any individual 18 or older, and who is legally allowed to own a firearm, to concealed carry a handgun within their vehicle without a permit.
Carry In State Parks
Yes, you are permitted to carry in state parks, state forests, WMA’s and roadside rest areas
Carry In Restaurants
Yes/No, South Dakota allows for concealed carry within restaurants but not within bars nor the bar section of a restaurant.
Constitutional Carry
No, South Dakota is not considered a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in South Dakota gun laws. There are no legal penalties for lawfully entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits.
Must Notify Officer
No, South Dakota gun laws do not say you must inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm.
Additional Resources
South Dakota Concealed Carry Laws
South Dakota Open Carry Laws
South Dakota Gun Permit Laws