For educational reference only. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with South Carolina's official issuing authority before carrying a firearm. This is not legal advice.
Permitless (Constitutional) Carry State
South Carolina allows eligible residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. A voluntary permit is still available and provides reciprocity benefits in other states. Effective August 15, 2023. Applies to South Carolina residents 18+ legally eligible to possess a firearm.
CCW Permit Guide
South Carolina Concealed Carry Permit 2026
South Carolina concealed carry requirements: permit fees, training hours, reciprocity states, prohibited locations, and official application information.
South Carolina enacted permitless carry in 2023 (Open Carry With Training Act). Eligible residents 18+ may carry a handgun without a Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP). A voluntary CWP is still available for reciprocity.
Permitless Carry
Shall-Issue State
Open Carry Allowed
2026 CCW Quick Facts
Reference 2026
Resident Fee
$50
Optional permit
Validity
5yr
Renewal required after expiration
Training
Not Required
Training not mandated but recommended
Processing
90
typical processing time
Permit Details
South Carolina CCW Permit Requirements
Official requirements for obtaining a South Carolina concealed carry permit or weapon license.
Issuing Authority
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (Concealed Weapon Permit)
— Official Site
Permitless Carry
Constitutional Carry — eligible residents may carry without a permit
Effective August 15, 2023. Applies to South Carolina residents 18+ legally eligible to possess a firearm.
Issue Standard
Shall Issue — the issuing authority must issue a permit to any qualified applicant who meets the requirements
Open Carry
Allowed
— no permit required for open carry
Resident Fee
$50.00
Permit Valid
5 years from issuance date — renewal required
Minimum Age
18 years old (resident permit)
Background Check
Required — FBI NICS background check required for permit application
Processing Time
90
Duty to Inform
No Requirement — no legal duty to proactively disclose, though voluntary disclosure is generally recommended
Training Requirements
South Carolina CCW Training Requirements
No Mandatory Training
South Carolina does not require firearms training to obtain a concealed carry permit. However, voluntary training is strongly recommended for all carriers to improve safety and legal knowledge.
Reciprocity
States Whose Permits South Carolina Honors
South Carolina recognizes concealed carry permits from the following states (34 states):
Always verify current reciprocity status directly with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (Concealed Weapon Permit) before traveling. Agreements change.
Out-of-State Recognition
States That Honor the South Carolina Permit
Your South Carolina concealed carry permit is recognized in the following states (30 states):
Verify current status before traveling. Each state's carry laws still apply.
Prohibited Locations
Where You Cannot Carry in South Carolina
Schools, law enforcement facilities, courthouses, correctional facilities, medical facilities, government meetings, places of worship during services (unless authorized), polling places, businesses that post prohibiting signage
Note: Federal law also prohibits carry in federal facilities, federal courthouses, and other locations regardless of state law. Always check both state and federal restrictions.
Important Notes
South Carolina-Specific CCW Information
South Carolina enacted open and concealed permitless carry in 2023 with minimum age of 18. SC does not issue non-resident CWPs. Open carry is now legal under permitless carry. The voluntary CWP provides reciprocity for out-of-state travel.
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed carry laws in South Carolina are subject to change through legislation and court decisions. Always verify current requirements with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (Concealed Weapon Permit) or a qualified firearms attorney before carrying a firearm.