Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

South Carolina Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

South Carolina is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that allows both residents and non-residents to conceal or open carry with or without a CCW license. The state does offer concealed carry permits to residents and some non-residents for reciprocity purposes. 

In South Carolina, constitutional carry became legal in 2024, allowing anyone over the age of 18 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm to conceal carry without needing to obtain a permit. 

To qualify for an SC concealed carry permit, you must be at least 18 years old; be a resident of South Carolina or own property in the state; have at least 20/40 vision; complete a handgun training course within the past three years; and meet all federal requirements. There are also several factors that may disqualify you from obtaining a permit. 

In South Carolina, open carry is also legal for anyone over 18 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm. No permit is required for open carry in the state. Municipalities do have the ability to prohibit open carry in public places during certain permitted events. 

To learn more about South Carolina concealed carry law, read state statutes here, visit the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s website, or contact state authorities. 

*Disclaimer: This South Carolina concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney.

South Carolina Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

South Carolina Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Which States Does South Carolina Offer Reciprocity To?

South Carolina allows permitless carry, meaning anyone 18 years or older can conceal carry in the state with or without a license – regardless of their state of residence – so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm. 

What States Will Accept My South Carolina License to Carry?

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states offer South Carolina concealed carry reciprocity. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer South Carolina CCW reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

Can I Carry a Gun Without a Permit in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina became a constitutional carry state in March 2024, allowing anyone 18 years of age or older to conceal carry without a permit so long as they are legally permitted to possess a firearm. 

Requirements for a Concealed Carry Permit in South Carolina

To obtain a South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Be a resident of South Carolina or own property in the state. 

• Have at least 20/40 vision. 

• Complete a handgun training course within the past three years. 

• Meet all federal requirements. 

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain a South Carolina carry permit:  

• A violent felony conviction. 

• Having been deemed unfit to carry or possess a firearm in South Carolina. 

For a full, detailed list of concealed carry eligibility requirements in the state of South Carolina, visit the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s website. 

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in South Carolina?

South Carolina honors concealed carry permits from every U.S. state. However, regardless of your CCL status, non-residents may conceal carry under the South Carolina constitutional carry law, as long as they are legally eligible to do so. Additionally, South Carolina concealed carry permits are issued to non-residents who own property in the state and to members of the military who are stationed there. 

Is South Carolina an Open Carry State?

Yes. In South Carolina, open carry is legal for anyone at least 18 years old who is legally permitted to possess a handgun. No permit is required for open carry in South Carolina. That being said, municipalities have the right to prohibit open carry on public property and in city-owned buildings during certain permitted events. 

Where CAN’T You Conceal Carry in South Carolina? 

Even with a concealed carry permit, some locations are off-limits to concealed carry in South Carolina, including schools, colleges, and universities; public property that prohibits firearms; school or college athletic events; daycares and preschools; government buildings or meetings; law enforcement departments; correctional facilities; courthouse; polling place on election days; places of worship (unless permission is granted); medical facilities; the State Capitol grounds; a residential building (unless permission is granted by resident); and anywhere it is prohibited by federal law. 

Where Can I Learn More About South Carolina Concealed Carry Laws? 

You can visit the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s website for the most up-to-date information on permit eligibility or to apply for a South Carolina concealed weapons permit. For the official laws regarding South Carolina CWP reciprocity and regulations, you can read state statutes here.