South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit Information

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Concealed Permit:
Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents

Example of Resident Permit:

South Carolina 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

Featured South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit Instructors:

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


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  • Leroy Sumter

    What do you mean?  SC RES OERMITS ONLY:??

    • Anonymous

      What is your question in reference to?

  • Leroy Sumter

    I owned property in Rembert, SC.  I am a (Florida Resident) and resides in Ft Walton Beach, Fl.  I am a retired military member and have a conceal Weapon Permit from the State of Florida.  What do I need to obtain a Conceal Permit from South Carolina?  .   

    • Rion

      if this has not already been answered, you will need the fingerprint cards, a copy of the tax form for the property and possibly a deed to the land, and the application form and proof af training.

  • Leroy Sumter

    I owned property in Rembert, SC.  I am a (Florida Resident) and resides in Ft Walton Beach, Fl.  I am a retired military member and have a conceal Weapon Permit from the State of Florida.  What do I need to obtain a Conceal Permit from South Carolina?  .   

  • Anonymous

    I need to change my address on my CWP in SC . Dose anybody know how I do that ?

  • Tplace1

    I will be traveling from PA (where I have a ccw, which SC does not honor) to GA in a few weeks.  My question is: what is the law in SC regarding transportation of a weapon through the state?  If I’m reading the law correctly, as long as it is in a locked glove box it can be loaded.  Anyone know for sure?

    • BorderSniper

      That is absolutely correct.  You can even keep it in the console as long as it is closed.  I bought a push button lock box with a steel cord tether and keep it on the floor behind the passenger seat for when I drive through SC.  Reduces time spent securing it if i have to jump out quickly and push button code means easy access in an emergency.

  • Luke

    I live and work in SC.  I carry money from one business to another.  Do I need a concealed Weapon Permit to keep a loaded gun in my console?

    • Matt Smith

      No, the law states a “closed console” although some local jurisdictions take that to mean “locked”

  • Tim

    Another place off-limits when carrying is any placed licensed to serve alcoholic beverages on premises. 

  • Bairdsamueld

    i am NC resident Stationed in SC, i am active duty USMC…i have SC CCP.. so am i legal to carry concealed in FLA?

  • Wyndee54

    Well i am a 23 year old female.. It says u have to own property in SC.. I dont own any property. Can i still get a CWP?

    • Uswards

       Sorry u can’t get a permit without owning property in SC

    • Jkwinters64

       Are you a RESIDENT of South Carolina?  If you reside in South Carolina and have a South Carolina Drivers License, you’re good to go.  If you reside in another state, then they may recognize your license, but will not issue you a non-resident license.

  • jesse irby

    am i ineligible for a concealed weapons permit due to a minor traffic offence

  • Eastag

    I will be traveling from Pennsylvania to South Carolina staying in a condo in Hilton Head.  Am I legal to keep my gun in the condo in S.C.?