South Carolina Gun Laws: Concealed Carry, Open Carry and Buying a Gun

Yes. Since March 7, 2024, people who are not otherwise barred from having a firearm may carry a firearm openly or concealed without training and without a concealed weapons permit. SLED states that the law 'allows individuals 18 years old and older to carry firearms openly or concealed without a permit'. Carry is still banned in the places listed in § 16-23-20(A).

South Carolina still issues an optional 'concealed weapon permit' (CWP) through the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED). SLED 'must issue' a permit (shall-issue) to a resident or qualified nonresident who is at least eighteen years old and provides proof of training. The training must include firing at least 25 rounds; certain military and law enforcement applicants are exempt. SLED must offer a free statewide training course in every county at least twice a month. The statute says SLED may not charge a fee for a permit. Renewal costs $50, and fingerprinting may cost up to $5. A renewed permit is valid for five years. SLED says the CWP still gives reciprocity in other states and makes buying from dealers easier.

Allowed for people 18 and older who are not barred from having firearms, without a permit, outside the places listed in § 16-23-20(A). Openly carrying a weapon lawfully does not by itself give an officer reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop, search, detain or arrest the person.

It is unlawful to sell or deliver a handgun to a person under eighteen. No separate state minimum age of 21 for buying firearms was found in the statutes reviewed.

South Carolina has no state law that requires a background check, permit-to-purchase or license for private (non-dealer) sales. It is unlawful to knowingly sell or deliver a handgun to the persons listed in § 16-23-30(A), but no check procedure is set.

South Carolina has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm.

South Carolina has no state law that creates an extreme risk protection order. A separate provision makes it unlawful to sell or deliver a handgun to 'a person who by order of a circuit judge or county court judge of this State has been adjudged unfit to carry or possess a firearm, such adjudication to be made upon application by any police officer, or by any prosecuting officer of this State, or sua sponte, by the court', after reasonable notice and a proper hearing. The statute sets no duration for such an adjudication.

South Carolina has no state law that bans assault weapons or limits magazine capacity. Machine guns and 'military firearms' (military weapons made under federal contract, not including a pistol, rifle or shotgun that fires one shot per trigger pull) are regulated separately.

Anyone not otherwise barred by law from carrying a firearm may lawfully store a firearm anywhere in a vehicle, whether occupied or unoccupied, openly or concealed. There is no duty to tell an officer you are carrying a firearm.

South Carolina honors concealed carry permits held by residents of states that require applicants to pass a criminal background check and complete firearm training, as listed and published by SLED. It automatically recognizes permits issued by Georgia and North Carolina. Visitors must follow South Carolina's carry laws.

Even with a permit, no one may carry a handgun into: law enforcement, correctional or detention facilities; courthouses or other public buildings where court is in session, while it is in session; polling places on election days; offices or business meetings of county, school district, municipal or special district governing bodies; school or college athletic events not related to firearms; daycare or preschool facilities; places where federal law bans firearms; churches without permission of the church official or governing body; hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices or other medical facilities unless authorized; another person's home without permission; and places clearly posted with a sign banning concealable weapons. Possessing a firearm on school property is separately banned, except that a firearm may stay in an attended or locked vehicle, secured in a closed glove box, console or trunk. Knowingly carrying a firearm into a business that sells alcohol for on-premises drinking is also banned, with some exceptions.

South Carolina has no state law that specifically regulates unserialized, homemade or kit firearms or unfinished frames or receivers. A person may not knowingly buy, sell, transport, pawn, receive or possess a stolen handgun 'or one from which the original serial number has been removed or obliterated.'