South Carolina became a constitutional carry state on March 7, 2024, when Governor Henry McMaster signed H.3594 — the "South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024" (Act 110).
Most adults 18 and older who are legally permitted to possess a firearm may now carry a handgun openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, without a permit or training requirement. Concealed Weapon Permits (CWPs) remain available and continue to serve an important role for interstate reciprocity.
This guide is for South Carolina residents, out-of-state visitors, and CWP holders who need a clear understanding of what changed in 2024, what the remaining location restrictions are, and why obtaining a CWP still matters.
The interaction between permitless carry, the still-active prohibited-locations statute, and federal law creates important nuances that a simple "no permit needed" summary doesn't capture.
South Carolina's firearms laws continue to evolve through legislative activity. As of 2025, bills have been introduced both to modify and to repeal elements of the 2024 constitutional carry act. Always verify current law through official sources before relying on this guide.
Is Concealed Carry Legal in South Carolina?
Yes. Under the 2024 constitutional carry act, S.C. Code § 23-31-215(O)(2) now expressly states that a permit is not required to carry a concealable weapon "in a manner not prohibited by law." This applies to both open and concealed carry, loaded or unloaded.
Who may carry without a permit:
- Any person 18 years of age or older who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law. This applies to both residents and non-residents.
Key qualifiers:
- The person must be a lawful possessor — the permitless carry right does not extend to those who are legally barred from possessing firearms under state or federal law.
- Carry must occur "in a manner not prohibited by law." The constitutional carry act did not eliminate location restrictions. Dozens of locations remain off-limits to everyone, with or without a permit. Violating these restrictions while carrying — even without a permit — carries criminal penalties.
- Minors remain barred from firearm possession. Constitutional carry does not lower any age threshold for possession.
South Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP)
Although no longer required for most in-state carry, the CWP program under S.C. Code § 23-31-215 remains fully operational and continues to be issued by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on a shall-issue basis.
Why Get a CWP?
A CWP is still essential for anyone who travels to other states that require a permit for concealed carry. South Carolina's reciprocity provisions in § 23-31-215(N) only protect carry in other states if you hold a valid CWP — permitless carry provides no interstate reciprocity benefit.
Additionally, certain statutory advantages and exceptions in South Carolina are specifically drafted in terms of "permit holders," making a CWP potentially useful even for in-state carry.
Eligibility
SLED must issue a CWP to any resident or qualified nonresident who is at least 18 years of age and is not prohibited by state law from possessing a weapon. A "qualified nonresident" under § 23-31-210(2) is an individual who owns real property in South Carolina but resides in another state.
Non-residents who do not own property in South Carolina are not eligible for a South Carolina CWP but may still carry in the state under permitless carry rules if otherwise lawful.
Common disqualifiers include pending criminal charges, outstanding arrest warrants, a felony conviction, being subject to certain court orders or injunctions related to firearms, being on bond awaiting trial or sentencing for a felony, and having a previously revoked CWP.
Training Requirements
Unlike permitless carry, a CWP requires proof of training. Under § 23-31-215(A)(5) and § 23-31-210(4), applicants must submit documentation showing proficiency in handgun use and South Carolina laws pertaining to handguns. The required course must cover:
- State law on handguns and the use of deadly force
- Handgun use and safety
- Proper storage practices, with emphasis on preventing child access
- Live-fire qualification — a minimum of 25 rounds must be fired in the presence of a certified instructor
SLED publishes approved instructor listings and regulates course standards under S.C. Code Regs. 73-300 through 73-340. Proof of training from another state may qualify if SLED has determined that state's training requirements are at least as rigorous as South Carolina's.
For new applicants, fingerprinting is required and must be scheduled through IdentGo. SLED provides free CWP courses periodically — check the SLED CWP page for current offerings.
Validity and Renewal
A South Carolina CWP is valid for five years from the date of issue under § 23-31-215(P). Renewal requires a completed application, photo identification, a renewal fee, and a background check.
No additional training is required at renewal. SLED must renew the permit if the background check is favorable.
Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited in South Carolina
The 2024 constitutional carry act did not repeal South Carolina's location-based restrictions. Under § 23-31-215(M), a CWP "does not authorize a permit holder to carry a concealable weapon into any place listed in Section 16-23-20(A) except as permitted by law." The same prohibited-place logic applies to permitless carriers — constitutional carry operates "in a manner not prohibited by law," which means S.C. Code § 16-23-20(A) restrictions remain fully in effect.
Statutory prohibited locations under § 16-23-20(A) include:
- Law enforcement facilities, including police stations and sheriff's offices
- Detention facilities, prisons, and jails
- Courthouses and facilities housing courts of law
- Public and private K–12 schools, school buses, and areas used for school-sponsored activities
- Certain state and local government buildings, particularly during official or legislative proceedings
- Establishments that sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption — with an important exception (see below)
Alcohol-serving establishments — the nuanced rule:
CWP holders may enter bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, but they may not consume alcohol on the premises while armed. Any such establishment may post a valid "NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED" sign banning firearms.
Entering while armed after being asked to leave or disarm by the operator constitutes a violation. Violating these provisions carries a misdemeanor penalty of up to $2,000 in fines, up to two years imprisonment, and automatic five-year revocation of a CWP.
The relationship between this exception and permitless carry is worth noting — the specific advantages around alcohol-serving establishments are tied to CWP holder status in the statutory language.
Vehicle carry:
Under South Carolina's current framework following Act 110, lawful possessors may carry a firearm in a vehicle.
Firearms may remain in a vehicle secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or a closed container secured by an integral fastener in the luggage compartment — even in locations where carry would otherwise be restricted — so long as the firearm remains in the vehicle.
Signage and private property:
Property owners may prohibit firearms on their premises. A posted "NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED" sign on private property has force of law under South Carolina's trespass framework. Ignoring posted signage and refusing to leave when asked can result in trespass charges regardless of CWP or permitless carry status.
Concealed Carry Reciprocity in South Carolina
Out-of-State Permits South Carolina Recognizes
Under § 23-31-215(N)(1), South Carolina honors valid out-of-state permits held by residents of reciprocal states, provided the issuing state requires applicants to pass both a criminal background check and a firearm safety and training course. SLED is required to maintain and publish the current list of qualifying states.
Automatic recognition: § 23-31-215(N)(2) separately provides that South Carolina automatically recognizes concealed weapon permits issued by Georgia and North Carolina, regardless of the standard reciprocity criteria.
Out-of-state permit holders carrying in South Carolina are subject to all South Carolina laws regarding concealable weapons, including all location-based restrictions under § 16-23-20(A) and the age threshold of 18. Reciprocity does not authorize carry of any weapon other than a handgun.
Permitless Carry for Non-Residents
Non-residents from states not on SLED's reciprocity list can still carry in South Carolina under the constitutional carry framework, provided they are 18 or older and are not prohibited persons under state or federal law.
However, they will have no carry authority from their South Carolina visit if they cross into a state that requires permits. A South Carolina CWP — available to non-residents who own real property in the state — would provide that reciprocity benefit.
South Carolina CWPs Recognized Elsewhere
South Carolina CWPs are recognized in many other states. Because other states' recognition of South Carolina permits is governed by their own laws, carriers should consult each destination state's current statutes and SLED's reciprocity listings before traveling with a firearm.
Federal Restrictions That Still Apply in South Carolina
South Carolina's constitutional carry law and CWP program do not override federal firearms restrictions.
Federal facilities:
18 U.S.C. § 930 prohibits firearms in federal facilities, including federal courthouses, federal agency buildings, and post offices. These restrictions apply regardless of state permitless carry status or CWP.
Gun-Free School Zones Act:
18 U.S.C. § 922(q) restricts firearm possession within 1,000 feet of K–12 school grounds. South Carolina CWP holders benefit from the federal exception within the 1,000-foot perimeter (not on school property itself), but § 16-23-20 still independently prohibits firearms on actual school property for all carriers.
Interstate travel:
18 U.S.C. § 926A protects unloaded, cased firearm transportation between states where possession is lawful at both origin and destination. South Carolina's constitutional carry does not alter how carriers must handle firearms when crossing into states with more restrictive laws. Carriers must comply with the destination state's laws upon arrival.
Recent Legal Changes and Trends
March 2024 — Constitutional carry enacted: H.3594 (Act 110) took effect March 7, 2024, establishing permitless carry in South Carolina and amending § 23-31-215 to clarify that the availability of a CWP cannot be construed to prohibit lawful permitless carry. SLED issued Constitutional Carry Guidance to law enforcement statewide, clarifying enforcement priorities and the continued applicability of location restrictions and penalties for prohibited persons.
2025 legislative activity: Two bills in the 2025 legislative session reflect continued political activity around the 2024 act. Bill 168 proposes amendments to § 23-31-215(N), (P), and (S), addressing automatic permit issuance and how out-of-state permits must be recognized.
S.145, introduced in 2025, seeks to repeal Act 111 of 2024, which is related to the constitutional carry legislation — though no repeal has been codified as of late 2025. Carriers should monitor SLED's website and the South Carolina State House legislative tracker for any enacted changes.
The CWP program itself remains stable: SLED continues issuing permits, and the shall-issue obligation under § 23-31-215(A) is unchanged.
Common Misunderstandings About Concealed Carry in South Carolina
"You can no longer get a CWP in South Carolina."
Incorrect. § 23-31-215(A) still requires SLED to issue CWPs to eligible residents and qualified nonresidents who are 18 or older, meet training requirements, and pass a background check. The 2024 act made permits optional for in-state carry — it did not eliminate them. CWPs remain the only path to reciprocity-based carry in other states.
"Anyone can now carry, including teenagers."
Incorrect. Constitutional carry applies to persons who are not prohibited from possessing a firearm. The CWP minimum age is 18, and constitutional carry applies to those who are lawful possessors — minors prohibited from firearm possession remain prohibited.
"Permitless carry means I can carry anywhere in South Carolina."
Incorrect. The constitutional carry act expressly operates "in a manner not prohibited by law." The location bans in § 16-23-20(A) — including schools, courthouses, law enforcement facilities, and government buildings — remain fully in force for all carriers, with or without a permit.
"Reciprocity is no longer important since South Carolina is constitutional carry."
Incorrect. Constitutional carry is a South Carolina privilege — it has no legal effect in other states. § 23-31-215(N) reciprocity provisions remain in force, and CWP holders who travel to states that require a permit must have a valid CWP to carry legally in those states.
"Permitless carry overrides private no-gun signs and federal restrictions."
Incorrect. Private property owners may still prohibit firearms by posting valid signage, and federal restrictions under 18 U.S.C. § 930 apply regardless of state law. No state constitutional carry statute supersedes federal firearms law or federal facility restrictions.
Practical Notes for Concealed Carriers in South Carolina
New CWP applicants must schedule fingerprinting through IdentGo — this step is required and cannot be completed at SLED directly.
The entire process, including application, fingerprinting, and background check, typically takes several weeks. SLED periodically offers free CWP training courses; current schedules are posted at the SLED CWP page.
South Carolina has no statutory duty-to-inform requirement for CWP holders or permitless carriers — there is no legal obligation to proactively disclose to law enforcement that you are carrying. However, cooperating with lawful officer requests is advisable.
The penalties for carrying in a prohibited location under § 16-23-20 can be significant — ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the specific location — and carrying by a prohibited person under the constitutional carry framework carries its own distinct felony exposure.
The absence of a permit requirement does not eliminate liability for unlawful carry in restricted locations or by disqualified persons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concealed Carry in South Carolina
Can I carry a gun without a concealed weapons permit in South Carolina?
Yes, as of March 7, 2024. Under Act 110, any person 18 or older who is not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, without a CWP. However, all location restrictions under § 16-23-20(A) still apply, and carry in a prohibited location is a criminal offense regardless of permitless carry status.
Can an out-of-state person carry a gun in South Carolina?
Yes, in most cases. Non-residents who are 18 or older and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law may carry in South Carolina under the same permitless carry framework that applies to residents. Non-residents holding permits from states on SLED's reciprocity list (or from Georgia or North Carolina, which receive automatic recognition) may also carry on the strength of their home permit. In all cases, carriers must comply with South Carolina's location restrictions.
Can I open carry a gun in South Carolina?
Yes. The 2024 constitutional carry act explicitly permits carrying "openly or concealed." Open carry by lawful possessors 18 and older is permitted in locations where carry is not otherwise prohibited. The same location restrictions that apply to concealed carry apply equally to open carry.
Does South Carolina have strict gun laws?
South Carolina's carry laws became significantly less restrictive in 2024 following the enactment of constitutional carry. The state allows permitless carry for most adults, has relatively broad reciprocity, and imposes no waiting periods for most firearm purchases. That said, location-based restrictions remain robust — schools, courts, law enforcement facilities, and government buildings are all off-limits — and federal restrictions apply statewide regardless of state law.
What is the new gun law in South Carolina?
The major change is Act 110 (H.3594), which took effect March 7, 2024. It amended § 23-31-215 to establish permitless carry, allowing most adults 18 and older to carry a handgun without a permit or training. CWPs remain available and are still needed for reciprocity in other states. The act did not eliminate location restrictions under § 16-23-20(A).
What holster do I need for concealed carry in South Carolina?
South Carolina law does not specify a holster requirement for concealed carry — what matters is that carry occurs "in a manner not prohibited by law." That said, a quality holster that covers the trigger guard and secures the firearm is strongly recommended for safe carry. Browse Alien Gear Holsters' IWB and OWB holster options for carry solutions purpose-built for South Carolina-style concealed carry.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. South Carolina's concealed carry laws were substantially amended in 2024 and remain subject to ongoing legislative activity. Always verify current statutes at the South Carolina State House Code of Laws and confirm current reciprocity and CWP information directly with SLED. Consult a licensed South Carolina attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Concealed Carry Laws by State
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