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Concealed Permit:
Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents

Example of Resident Permit:

Issuing Authority:
State Law Enforcement Division

Out Of State Permit Issue:
The State Law Enforcement Division must issue permits to carry handguns to a person who is a resident of South Carolina, or a non-resident who owns property in South Carolina, or military personnel on permanent change of station orders.

NICS check:
Yes

Permit Valid For:
Permits are valid for four years.

Permit ISsued Timeline:

Cost:
$50

Requirements:
1. Age 21 years or older
2. Not prohibited from possessing a firearm
3. Resident of South Carolina, or a non-resident who owns property in South Carolina, or military personnel on permanent change of station orders.

Required Documents:
1. One current full face color photograph
2. Proof of residence
3. Proof of actual or corrected 20/40 vision
4. Proof of training
5. Fingerprints

Renewal Information:
Renewal is available upon payment of a $50 renewal fee, completion of a renewal application and submission of a copy of the applicant’s valid South Carolina driver’s license or South Carolina identification card.

Change of Address:

Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:

A permit holder must inform a law enforcement officer of the fact that he is a permit holder and present the permit identification card when an officer (1) identifies himself as a law enforcement officer and (2) requests identification or a driver's license from a permit holder.

Automobile carry:
Any person in a vehicle where the handgun is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console or closed trunk. The handgun may be loaded.

Places off-limits when carrying:
A concealed carry permit does not authorize the holder to carry a concealed weapon into a:
1. Law enforcement office or facility.
2. Detention or correctional facility.
3. Courthouse or courtroom.
4. Polling place on election days.
5. Office of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special purpose district.
6. School or college athletic event not related to firearms.
7. Day care or pre-school facility.
8. Place where federal law prohibits the carrying of firearms.
9. Medical services facilities.
10. Religious sanctuaries unless express permission is given by an appropriate official.
11. Private property where prohibited by legal owner.

Anyone in legal control of property may prohibit the carrying of concealable weapons by posting signs expressing the prohibition at each entrance to the building.

Alcohol and Drugs:
Any person convicted of carrying a pistol or firearm onto the premises of a business which sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises shall be subject to an additional penalty of up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $2,000 fine.

It is unlawful to discharge a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance.

Deadly Force / Castle Doctrine:
South Carolina is a Castle Doctrine state and does have a stand-your-ground law.

Open Carry:
Prohibited in most public areas.

Localities with Varying Laws:

Forms & Links:
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division: Concealed Weapons Permit Program
NRA-ILA: South Carolina Gun Laws