State Name

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South Carolina Shall Issue

Must Inform Officer Immediately: NO

Permitless Carry State

(See Must Inform Section)

Note: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho,

Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi,

Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio,

Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,

Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming have "Permitless Carry"

Anyone who can legally possess a firearm under state and federal law

may carry in these states without a Permit. Check each states page

for age or other restrictions that may apply.

Permits/Licenses This State Honors Listed Below

Alaska Arizona Arkansas Delaware Florida

Georgia Idaho Illinois Iowa Kansas

Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Michigan Minnesota

Mississippi Missouri Nebraska New Mexico North Carolina

North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma South Dakota Texas

Tennessee Virginia West Virginia Wyoming.

South Carolina Does Not Honor Non-Resident Permits/Licenses. You must be a resident of the state

they honor for your permit to be valid in South Carolina.

Reciprocity/How This State Honors Other States Permit/Licenses

23-31-215 Issuance of Permits.

(N)(1) Valid out-of-state permits to carry concealable weapons held by a resident of a reciprocal state must

be honored by this State, provided, that the reciprocal state requires an applicant to successfully pass a

SC CCW Links√

State CCW Site

Permitless Carry

Guidience From SLED

State CWP FAQs

SC Gun Laws

CCW Application

On-Line App & Renewal

Electronic Fingerprinting

Info

Instructor/Student

Checklist

Instructors Listing

State Statutes

State Admin Rules

State Reciprocity Info

(Scroll to bottom of Page)

State Attorney General

Age to Carry a Firearm

In Other States

Last Updated: 7/30/2024

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criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety. A resident of a reciprocal state

carrying a concealable weapon in South Carolina is subject to and must abide by the laws of South Carolina

regarding concealable weapons. SLED shall maintain and publish a list of those states as the states with

which South Carolina has reciprocity.

(2) Notwithstanding the reciprocity requirements of subitem (1), South Carolina shall automatically

recognize concealed weapon permits issued by Georgia and North Carolina.

(3) The reciprocity provisions of this section shall not be construed to authorize the holder of any out-of-

state permit or license to carry, in this State, any firearm or weapon other than a handgun.

2021 Act No. 66 (H.3094)

Permitless Carry In South Carolina

23-31-215 Issue of Permits

(O)(1) A permit issued pursuant to this article is not required for a person:

(a) carrying a self-defense device generally considered to be nonlethal including the substance

commonly referred to as "pepper gas"; or

(b) carrying a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law.

(2) The availability of a permit to carry a concealable weapon under this section must not be construed

to prohibit the permitless transport or carrying of a firearm in a vehicle or on or about one's person,

whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, in a manner not prohibited by law. H 3594 2024

How to Apply for a Permit

Concealed Weapons Permits, Security Guard, and Private Investigator Questions (803) 896-7015

[email protected]

23-31-215 (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except subject to subsection (B), SLED must

issue a permit, which is no larger than three and one-half inches by three inches in size, to carry a

concealable weapon to a resident or qualified nonresident who is at least eighteen years of age and who is

not prohibited by state law from possessing the weapon……. H 3594 2024

Apply or Renew Online

SLED has implement a new online CWP registration and electronic fingerprinting capture system that will

be available starting January 8th, 2019. This phase will allow applicants for a NEW SC CWP to begin the

application online and set up an appointment at an available IdentoGo site. At the IdentoGo site they can

submit their CWP application documentation and have their fingerprints taken and sent to SLED

electronically. SLED will continue to process all submitted applications received from the IdentoGo

appointments made online and any applications made by mail. For more information go Here.

Apply Renew by Mail

All of the following is listed on the SC application. The Application can be downloaded or printed from the

SLED Web Site.

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Instructions- Review Carefully Before Application Submission:

For questions about the CWP application process, forms, or if you need information on state laws and

regulations, please visit Here.

Processing time may be up to 90 days. A renewal application should be mailed 90-120 days prior to

permit expiration.

 Processing time may be up to 90 days. A renewal application should be mailed 90-120 days prior

to permit expiration.

 Applicants must submit a good quality photocopy of their state issued driver’s license or

officially issued identification card.

 Resident aliens must provide a copy of their alien card from the Department of Homeland

Security.

 Qualified nonresident applicants must submit a completed Real Property Tax Form (SLED Form

R-168).

23-31-215 – States: SLED may not charge a fee of any kind for a concealable weapon permit. A Police

Agency can charge no more than $5 for fingerprints.

The following only apply to NEW permit applications:

 Applicants must submit an original completed, signed, and dated application. The CWP instructor

must also sign the application.

 Applicants must submit two (2) complete, legible sets of fingerprint cards.

 Active duty military applicants must submit military orders. Retired or former military applicants

must submit a copy of their DD214.

 Retired law enforcement officers exempt from paying the fee must submit proof of retirement

benefits/pension documentation.

 Active/retired South Carolina law enforcement officers exempt from training must submit current

legal and firearm training documentation. Out-of-state retired law enforcement officers (or those

whose certification has expired) must submit proof of graduation from a federal or state academy that

included firearms training as a graduation requirement.

 CWP training courses must have been completed within three years of filing the application.

 Training date, instructor certification number, and student number must be entered onto the

application.

 You must submit a signed copy of the SLED CWP Instructor/Student Checklist with your

application.

Permit are valid for 5 years

Training Requirements

23-31-210. (4) "Proof of training" means an original document or certified copy of the document supplied

by an applicant that certifies that he is either:

Renewal Applicants Mail To:

SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

Attention CWP Renewal

PO Box 21398 Columbia, SC 29221

First Time Applicants Mail Forms to:

CWP Application, SLED Regulatory,

PO Box 21398,

Columbia, SC 29221

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(a) a person who, within three years before filing an application, has successfully completed a basic or

advanced handgun education course offered by a state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency or a

nationally recognized organization that promotes gun safety. This education course must include, but is not

limited to:

(i) information on the statutory and case law of this State relating to handguns and to the use of

deadly force;

(ii) information on handgun use and safety;

(iii) information on the proper storage practice for handguns with an emphasis on storage practices

that reduces the possibility of accidental injury to a child;

(iv) the actual firing of the handgun in the presence of the instructor, provided that a minimum of

twenty-five rounds must be fired;

(v) properly securing a firearm in a holster;

(vi) ‘cocked and locked’ carrying of a firearm;

(vii) how to respond to a person who attempts to take your firearm from your holster; and

(viii) deescalation techniques and strategies.

(b) a person who demonstrates any of the following must comply with the provisions of sub item (a)(i) only:

(i) a person who demonstrates the completion of basic military training provided by any branch of

the United States military who produces proof of his military service through the submission of a

DD214 form;

(ii) a retired law enforcement officer who produces proof that he is a graduate of the Criminal Justice

Academy or that he was a law enforcement officer prior to the requirement for graduation from

the Criminal Justice Academy; or

(iii) a retired state or federal law enforcement officer who produces proof of graduation from a

federal or state academy that includes firearms training as a graduation requirement.

(c) an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association or another SLED approved competent national

organization that promotes the safe use of handguns;

(d) a person who can demonstrate to the Director of SLED or his designee that he has a proficiency in both

the use of handguns and state laws pertaining to handguns;

(e) an active duty police handgun instructor;

(f) a person who has a SLED certified or approved competitive handgun shooting classification; or

(g) a member of the active or reserve military, or a member of the National Guard.

SLED shall promulgate regulations containing general guidelines for courses and qualifications for

instructors which would satisfy the requirements of this item. For purposes of sub items (a) and (b), "proof of

training" is not satisfied unless the organization and its instructors meet or exceed the guidelines and

qualifications contained in the regulations promulgated by SLED pursuant to this item. 2021 Act No. 66,

23-31-215 SLED Must Provide Free Training (New Section Added by H 3594 2024)

(V)(1) The State Law Enforcement Division shall provide a statewide concealed weapon permit training

course that satisfies the proof of training requirement for the issuance of a concealed weapon permit. SLED

may not charge participants a fee of any kind for the concealed weapon permit training course provided for

in this subsection. SLED may contract with private certified concealed weapon permit training class

instructors or local law enforcement to provide the course or SLED itself may provide the course.

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(2) The training course must be offered in every county in South Carolina at least twice per month. If

demand exceeds the capacity of the training course in any county, SLED shall provide additional classes

until there exists a sufficient number of classes offered at least twice a month to meet the demand for training

in each respective county. If SLED is unable to contract with a certified concealed weapon permit training

class instructor or local law enforcement in any county, SLED must conduct the training class for that

county.

(3) This program does not prohibit any certified concealed weapon permit training class instructors from

providing their own training classes and charging participants a fee. H 3594 2024

Non-Resident Permits

If you own property in SC you can apply for a Non-Resident Permit/License. Non-Residents must fill out

this Form and have the Assessor sign it to show you own property. Then follow the Application process as

spelled out in the Resident Permit Section.

If you are Military stationed in SC you can apply. See Resident section above for details.

To Renew: See Resident Permit Section

Places Off-Limits Even With a Permit/License

23-31-210. Definitions as Used in This Article:

(5) "Concealable weapon" means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its

greatest dimension that may be carried openly on one’s person or in a manner that is hidden from public

view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection

of real or personal property. 2021 Act No. 66 (H.3094),

23-31-215. (M) A permit issued pursuant to this section 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.

Except as provided in Section 16-23-20(A)(11), a person who willfully violates a provision of this

subsection may be charged with a violation of Section 16-23-20 and in addition to the penalties provided in

Section 16-23-20, at the discretion of the court, may have his permit revoked for up to five years.

Nothing contained in this subsection may be construed to alter or affect the provisions of Sections 10-11-

320, 16-23-420, 16-23-430, 16-23-465, 44-23-1080, 44-52-165, and 51-3-145.

(O)(1) A permit issued pursuant to this article is not required for a person:

(a) carrying a self-defense device generally considered to be nonlethal including the substance

commonly referred to as "pepper gas"; or

(b) carrying a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law.

(2) The availability of a permit to carry a concealable weapon under this section must not be construed to

prohibit the permitless transport or carrying of a firearm in a vehicle or on or about one's person, whether

openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, in a manner not prohibited by law. H 3594 2024

16-23-20. (A) It is unlawful, whether or not the person has a concealed weapon permit, for anyone to carry

about the person any handgun, whether concealed or not, unless otherwise specifically authorized by law into

a:

(1) law enforcement, correctional, or detention facility;

(2) courthouse, courtroom, or other publicly owned building, whether owned by the State, a county, a

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municipality, or other political subdivision, where court is held and during the time that court is in

session;

(3) polling place on election days;

(4) office of or business meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality,

or special purpose district;

(5) school or college athletic event not related to firearms;

(6) daycare facility or preschool facility;

(7) place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law;

(8) church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given by the appropriate

church official or governing body;

(9) hospital, medical clinic, doctor's office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures

are performed, unless expressly authorized by the appropriate entity;

(10) residence or dwelling place of another person without the express permission of the owner or

person in legal control or possession of the residence or dwelling place, as appropriate; or

(11) place clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a concealable weapon on the premises

in compliance with Section 23-31-235. A person who violates a provision of this item, whether the

violation is willful or not, only may be charged with a violation of Section 16-11-620 and must not

be charged with or penalized for a violation of this subsection.

(B) The provisions of subsection (A) do not apply to:

(1) regular, salaried law enforcement officers, and reserve police officers of a state agency, municipality,

or county of the State, uncompensated Governor's constables, law enforcement officers or other

authorized personnel of the federal government or other states when they are carrying out official

duties while in this State, deputy enforcement officers of the Natural Resources Enforcement

Division of the Department of Natural Resources, and retired commissioned law enforcement

officers;

(2) employees of a law enforcement facility, correctional facility, detention facility, or courthouse while

in the course of employment and where the employment requires the possession of a firearm;

(3) members of the Armed Forces of the United States, the National Guard, organized reserves, or the

State Militia when on duty;

(4) subject to the limitations of Section 23-31-600(D), persons who meet the definition of "qualified

retired law enforcement officer" contained in Section 23-31-600; or

(5) a person carrying as authorized by Section 23-31-240.

(C) Nothing contained in this section may be construed to alter or affect the provisions of Sections 10-11-

320, 16-23-30, 16-23-420, 16-23-430, 16-23-465, 44-23-1080, 44-52-165, and 51-3-145, or the ability for a

person to obtain a concealed weapon permit as provided for in Section 23-31-215.

(D) Notwithstanding any provision in this section, a person who is not otherwise prohibited by law from

carrying a firearm may lawfully store a firearm anywhere in a vehicle whether occupied or unoccupied.

H 3594 2024

23-31-520. Power to Regulate Public Use of Firearms; Confiscation of Firearms or Ammunition.

(A) Notwithstanding another provision of law, a governing body of a county, municipality, or political

subdivision may temporarily restrict the otherwise lawful open carrying of a firearm on public property when

a governing body issues a permit to allow a public protest, rally, fair, parade, festival, or other organized

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event. However, if a permit is not applied for and issued prior to an event as described in this subsection, a

county, municipality, or political subdivision may not exercise the provisions of this subsection. A person or

entity hosting a public protest, rally, fair, parade, festival, or other organized event must post signs at the

event when open carrying is allowed or not allowed at the event.

(B) A governing body exercising the authority granted to it pursuant to this section must be specific in the

area, duration, and manner in which the restriction is imposed and must provide prior notice of the restriction

when feasible. In no event may the restriction extend beyond the beginning and conclusion of the event or

beyond the location of the event. The duration of an event may not be scheduled for such a length of time as

to frustrate the intent of this section.

(C) A county, municipality, or political subdivision may not confiscate a firearm or ammunition for a

violation of this section unless incident to an otherwise lawful arrest.” 2021 Act No. 66 (H.3094), Section 8

16-23-420. Possession of Firearm on School Property; Concealed Weapons.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to possess a firearm of any kind on any premises or property owned,

operated, or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, other post-

secondary institution, or in any publicly owned building, without the express permission of the authorities in

charge of the premises or property. The provisions of this subsection related to any premises or property

owned, operated, or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, or other

post-secondary institution, do not apply to when the firearm remains inside an attended or locked motor

vehicle and is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container

secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

(B) It is unlawful for a person to enter the premises or property described in subsection (A) and to display,

brandish, or threaten others with a firearm.

(C) A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be

fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

(D) This section does not apply to a guard, law enforcement officer, or member of the armed forces, or

student of military science. A married student residing in an apartment provided by the private or public

school whose presence with a weapon firearm in or around a particular building is authorized by persons

legally responsible for the security of the buildings is also exempted from the provisions of this section.

(E) For purposes of this section, the terms "premises" and "property" do not include state or locally owned or

maintained roads, streets, or rights-of-way of them, running through or adjacent to premises or property

owned, operated, or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, or other

post-secondary institution, which are open full time to public vehicular traffic.

(F) This section does not apply to a person when upon any premises, property, or building that is part

of an interstate highway rest area facility. H 3594 2024

16-23-430. (A) It shall be unlawful for any person, except state, county, or municipal law enforcement

officers or personnel authorized by school officials, to carry on his person, while on any elementary or

secondary school property, a knife, with a blade over two inches long, a blackjack, a metal pipe or pole,

firearms, or any other type of weapon, device, or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.

(B) This section does not apply when the weapon remains inside an attended or locked motor vehicle and is

secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an

integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. H 3594 2024

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23-31-600 (D) The restrictions contained in Section 23-31-220 are applicable to a person carrying a

concealed weapon pursuant to this section. Carrying a concealed weapon into the residence or dwelling place

of another person is prohibited without the expressed permission of the owner or person in legal control or

possession of the premises, as appropriate. H 3594 2024

Public/Charter Buses off Limits

58-23-1820. Definitions.

For purposes of this article:

(a) "passenger" means any individual served by a public transportation provider including charter bus

activities;

(b) "bus" means any passenger bus or other motor vehicle having a seating capacity of not less than ten

passengers operated by a public transportation provider for the purpose of carrying passengers, including

charter passengers;

(c) "public transportation" is as defined in item (10) of Section 58-25-20;

(d) "public transportation provider" means any operator who offers or delivers public transportation;

(e) "public transportation vehicle" means any configuration of equipment for the purpose of providing public

transportation. History: 1986 Act No. 405, Eff May 12, 1986.

58-23-1830. General Prohibitions; Persons Who May Be Refused Transportation; Violations and

Penalties.

(a) It is unlawful for any passenger to commit any of the following acts in a bus or any other public

transportation vehicle:

(3) carry or possess any weapon, explosives, acids, other dangerous articles, or live animals, except for a

seeing eye dog or a hearing ear dog properly harnessed and accompanied by its owner, small animals

properly packaged, or weapons carried by or animals used by a law enforcement official;

(d) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon

conviction for a first offense must be imprisoned for not more than thirty days or fined not more than two

hundred dollars, for a second offense, imprisoned for not more than sixty days or fined not more than five

hundred dollars, or both, and for a third or subsequent offense, imprisoned for not more than ninety days or

fined not more than one thousand dollars, or both. History: 1986 Act No. 405, May 12, 1986.

Section 23-31-232. (A) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon express permission given by the

appropriate church official or governing body, any person may carry a concealable weapon, whether

concealed or openly carried, on the leased premises of an elementary or secondary school if a church leases

the school premises or areas within the school for church services or official church activities.

(1) The provisions contained in this section apply:

(a) only during those times that the church has the use and enjoyment of the school property pursuant to its

lease with the school; and

(b) only to the areas of the school within the lease agreement, any related parking areas, or any reasonable

ingress or egress between these areas.

(2) A school district may request that a church utilizing school property for its services disclose and notify

the school district if persons are, or may be, carrying concealed weapons on the school property.

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(3) The provisions of this section do not apply during any time students are present as a result of a curricular

or extracurricular school-sponsored activity that is taking place on the school property.

(B) For the purposes of the Federal Gun-Free School Zone Act (18 U.S.C. Section 921(a)), the buildings and

grounds of a school that are leased to a church are not considered a school during the hours that the church

has the use and enjoyment of the school property pursuant to this section.” H 3594 2024

10-11-320 (B) This section does not apply to a person who possesses firearms and is authorized to park on

the capitol grounds or in the parking garage below the capitol grounds. The firearm must remain locked in

the person's vehicle while on or below the capitol grounds and must be stored in a place in the vehicle that is

not readily accessible to any person upon entry to or below the capitol grounds. H 3594 2024

23-31-245. (This is a new section added by H 3594 2024) A person openly carrying a weapon in

accordance with this article does not give a law enforcement officer reasonable suspicion or probable cause

to search, detain, or arrest the person. This article does not prevent a law enforcement officer from

searching, detaining, or arresting a person when he has a particularized and objective basis for suspecting the

particular person stopped of criminal activity. A person merely carrying a weapon in accordance with this

article is not sufficient to justify a search, detention, or arrest. H 3594 2024

For Federal Restrictions on Firearms see the USA Page.

Parking Lot Storage Law

16-23-420

(A) It is unlawful for a person to possess a firearm of any kind on any premises or property owned, operated,

or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, other post-secondary

institution, or in any publicly owned building, without the express permission of the authorities in charge of

the premises or property. The provisions of this subsection related to any premises or property owned,

operated, or controlled by a private or public school, college, university, technical college, or other post-

secondary institution, do not apply to when the firearm remains inside an attended or locked motor vehicle

and is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured

by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

Note: 7/9/24 SC AG Opinion states, “First, we reaffirm this Office’s prior determination that a court would

likely find the prohibition against firearms in any publicly owned building under section 16-23 -420(A) does

not extend to the building’s surrounding premises unless it is owned, operated, or controlled by a private or

public school, college, university, technical college, or other post-secondary institution.” So on any

educational property the firearm must stay within the vehicle but Public Parking lots and Parking Garages

are the same as other public property and carry is legal. We recommend you read the opinion.

Do “No Gun Signs” Have the Force of Law?

“YES”

23-31-220 Right to Allow or Permit Concealed Weapons Upon Premises; Signs.

(A) Nothing contained in this article shall in any way be construed to limit, diminish, or otherwise infringe

upon:

(1) the right of a public or private employer to prohibit a person who is otherwise not prohibited by law

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from possessing a handgun from carrying a concealable weapon, whether concealed or openly

carried, upon the premises of the business or workplace or while using any machinery, vehicle, or

equipment owned or operated by the business; or

(2) the right of a private property owner or person in legal possession or control to allow or prohibit the

carrying of a concealable weapon, whether concealed or openly carried, upon his premises.

(B) The posting by the employer, owner, or person in legal possession or control of a sign stating "NO

CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED" shall constitute notice to a person that the employer, owner, or

person in legal possession or control requests that concealable weapons, whether concealed or openly

carried, not be brought upon the premises or into the workplace. A person who knowingly brings a

concealable weapon, whether concealed or openly carried, onto the premises or workplace in violation of the

provisions of this paragraph may be charged with a violation of Section 16-11-620. In addition to the

penalties provided in Section 16-11-620, a person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of the

provisions of this paragraph must have his permit revoked for a period of one year. The prohibition

contained in this section does not apply to persons specified in Section 16-23-20, (B)(1).

(C) In addition to the provisions of subsection (B), a public or private employer or the owner of a business

may post a sign regarding the prohibition or allowance on those premises of concealable weapons, whether

concealed or openly carried, which may be unique to that business.

(D) This section must not be construed to limit an individual from carrying a concealable weapon pursuant to

Section 51-3-145(G). Note - Sec. D of 51-3-145(G) covers long guns in parks. H 3594 2024

23-31-235. Sign Requirements.

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, any requirement of or allowance for the posting of

signs prohibiting the carrying of a concealable weapon, weather concealed or openly carried, upon any

premises shall only be satisfied by a sign expressing the prohibition in both written language interdict and

universal sign language.

(B) All signs must be posted at each entrance into a building where carrying of a concealable weapon and

must be

(1) clearly visible from outside the building;

(2) eight inches wide by twelve inches tall in size;

(3) contain the words "NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED" in black one-inch tall

uppercase type at the bottom of the sign and centered between the lateral edges of the sign;

(4) contain a black silhouette of a handgun inside a circle seven inches in diameter with a diagonal

line that runs from the lower left to the upper right at a forty-five-degree angle from the

horizontal;

(5) a diameter of a circle; and

(6) placed not less than forty inches and not more than sixty inches from the bottom of the building's

entrance door.

(C) If the premises where concealable weapons are prohibited does not have doors, then the signs contained

in subsection (A) must be:

(1) thirty-six inches wide by forty-eight inches tall in size;

(2) contain the words "NO CONCEALABLE WEAPONS ALLOWED" in black three- inch tall

uppercase type at the bottom of the sign and centered between the lateral edges of the sign;

(3) contain a black silhouette of a handgun inside a circle thirty-four inches in diameter with a

diagonal line that is two inches wide and runs from the lower left to the upper right at a forty-five

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degree angle from the horizontal and must be a diameter of a circle whose circumference is two

inches wide;

(4) placed not less than forty inches and not more than ninety-six inches above the ground;

(5) posted in sufficient quantities to be clearly visible from any point of entry onto the premises.

(D) Nothing in this section prevents a public or private employer or owner of a business from posting a sign

regarding the prohibition or allowance on those premises of concealable weapons, whether concealed or

openly carried, which may be unique to that business.” H 3594 2024

Note: Handgunlaw.us believes when you come across a business that is posted that you not just walk away.

That business needs to know that they lost your business because of their “No Gun” sign. Giving them a “No

Firearms = No Money” card would do just that. You can print free “No Firearms = No Money” cards by

going Here.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

“NO”

South Carolina previously was a Must Inform state. When the Permitless Carry law was passed that part of

the law was repealed. H 3594 2024

Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry Allowed in these Areas:

*State Parks: YES 51-3-145. (G)

State/National Forests: YES 51-3-145. (G)

State WMA: YES 123-203 (B)

Road Side Rest Areas: YES 16-23-420 (F)

*Notice: If State Park Carry is Legal in this state and if that state park is located on a lake created by the

US Army Corp of Engineers (COE) who owns the land and leases it to the state for that park the park is Off

Limits to the legal carrying of firearms per federal law. 36 CFR 327.13 District Commanders received this

Memorandum detailing how they could authorize someone to carry on (COE) property. The (COE) has also

put out a Pamphlet on carrying firearms on (COE) Property. They do not post their property you must know

the boundaries. Hunting is usually allowed doing hunting season.

RV/Car Carry Without a Permit/License

Anyone who can legally possess a concealable firearm can carry concealed or openly in South Carolina

without any type of carry permit. You should carry your state issued Drivers License or State issued photo

ID

23-31-215 Issue of Permits

O)(1) A permit issued pursuant to this article is not required for a person:

(a) carrying a self-defense device generally considered to be nonlethal including the substance

commonly referred to as "pepper gas"; or

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(b) carrying a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law.

(2) The availability of a permit to carry a concealable weapon under this section must not be construed

to prohibit the permitless transport or carrying of a firearm in a vehicle or on or about one's person,

whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, in a manner not prohibited by law. H 3594 2024

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

Open Carry is legal for any one who can legally possess a firearm under State and Federal Laws.

23-31-215 Issue of Permits

O)(1) A permit issued pursuant to this article is not required for a person:

(a) carrying a self-defense device generally considered to be nonlethal including the substance

commonly referred to as "pepper gas"; or

(b) carrying a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law.

(2) The availability of a permit to carry a concealable weapon under this section must not be construed

to prohibit the permitless transport or carrying of a firearm in a vehicle or on or about one's person,

whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, in a manner not prohibited by law. H 3594 2024

State Preemption

23-31-510. Regulation of ownership, transfer, or possession of firearm or ammunition; discharge on

landowner's own property.

No governing body of any county, municipality, or other political subdivision in the State may enact or

promulgate any regulation or ordinance that regulates or attempts to regulate:

(1) the transfer, ownership, possession, carrying, or transportation of firearms, ammunition, components of

firearms, or any combination of these things; or

(2) a landowner discharging a firearm on the landowner's property to protect the landowner's family,

employees, the general public, or the landowner's property from animals that the landowner reasonably

believes pose a direct threat or danger to the landowner's property, people on the landowner's property, or the

general public. For purposes of this item, the landowner's property must be a parcel of land comprised of at

least twenty-five contiguous acres. Any ordinance regulating the discharge of firearms that does not

specifically provide for an exclusion pursuant to this item is unenforceable as it pertains to an incident

described in this item; otherwise, the ordinance is enforceable. 2008 Act No. 220, Section 1