South Carolina Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Reciprocity (2026)
Quick answer: South Carolina (SC) is a constitutional-carry (permitless) state meaning anyone 18+ who can legally possess a handgun may carry concealed without a permit (including non-residents). South Carolina honors out-of-state permits that meet statutory criteria. Going the other way, a South Carolina permit lets you carry in 35 states (7 that honor it plus 29 permitless states).
📌 Reviewed against official sources: August 14, 2026 · By James Nicholas
Where your South Carolina permit works (carry out)
With a South Carolina-issued resident permit you can legally carry in 35 states: 7 honor the permit itself and 28 are permitless-carry states where eligible visitors need no permit at all.
✅ Permitless — no permit needed (28)
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew HampshireNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontWest VirginiaWyoming
✅ Honor your South Carolina permit (7)
MichiganMinnesotaNevadaNew MexicoNorth CarolinaVirginiaWisconsin
Whose permits does South Carolina honor? (carry in)
South Carolina recognizes out-of-state permits that meet statutory criteria (background check + training course). Georgia and North Carolina permits are recognized automatically; for other states, verify against the statute. With permitless carry (18+), most eligible visitors need no permit at all.
SC Code 23-31-215(N) (verified current text): out-of-state permits honored from states requiring a background check + training course; Georgia and North Carolina permits recognized automatically; handgun carry only. Largely moot since permitless carry (18+) covers visitors.
Key South Carolina carry restrictions
- No duty to inform, the SLED constitutional-carry guidance states carriers ‘DO NOT have a duty to notify a law enforcement officer’; 2024 Act 111 removed the former must-inform rule from 23-31-215(K)
- Prohibited: law enforcement/detention facilities, courthouses, schools/daycares, hospitals, polling places, premises posted with compliant signs (23-31-235)
- Lost/stolen firearms must be reported within 10 days (SLED guidance)
- Carrying while consuming alcohol in bars prohibited
Duty to inform police: No.
South Carolina permit basics
Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) SLED-issued, 5-year term; eligibility lowered to 18+. Minimum age: 18. Commonly abbreviated as the “SC CWP.” Even in a permitless state, a permit remains useful for out-of-state reciprocity and other benefits.
South Carolina carry FAQ
Can you conceal carry in South Carolina without a permit?
Yes. South Carolina has had permitless (constitutional) carry since 2024: anyone 18+ who may legally possess a handgun can carry concealed without a permit, including eligible non-residents. Standard restrictions on prohibited places still apply.
What states honor a South Carolina (SC) carry permit?
A South Carolina resident permit is honored in 7 states, and 28 more states have permitless carry where no permit is needed — 35 states total. See the full lists on this page or use our interactive reciprocity map.
Does South Carolina recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
South Carolina honors out-of-state permits from states that require a background check and training course, with Georgia and North Carolina permits recognized automatically — and permitless carry covers most visitors anyway.
Can I carry in North Carolina with a South Carolina permit?
Yes — North Carolina honors your South Carolina permit. Follow North Carolina law while there.
Is there a duty to inform police in South Carolina?
No.
Official sources
- sled.sc.gov/index.php/constitutional-carry-guidance
- sled.sc.gov/index.php/concealed-weapons-permit
- scstatehouse.gov/code/t23c031.php
- handgunlaw.us/states/southcarolina.pdf
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on August 14, 2026 — including a dedicated primary-source verification pass against state statutes, attorney general and state police pages. Spot an error or a law change? Tell us and we’ll fix it fast.
Related states & resources
Neighboring states: North Carolina, Georgia.
Tools: Interactive Reciprocity Map · Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide · Concealed Carry by State · 2A Legal Glossary · carry gear reviews at Popular EDC.
Not legal advice. Freedom’s Lodge and Brand Avalanche Media are not attorneys; this page is general educational information, verified against the official sources above as of August 14, 2026 and subject to change at any time. Confirm current law with the official state source and/or a licensed attorney before carrying. See our full legal disclaimer and how we verify this data.
Take South Carolina's carry rules with you
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