Buying a Gun in South Carolina
The age to buy a gun in South Carolina, background checks for dealer and private sales, any waiting period, and rules on ghost guns.
Short answer: 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. S.C. Code § 16-23-30(A)(3)
| Age to buy a gun | 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. Source: S.C. Code § 16-23-30(A)(3) |
|---|---|
| Background checks and private sales | 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. Reviewed S.C. Code tit. 16, ch. 23 (Offenses Involving Weapons) and tit. 23, ch. 31 (Regulation of Pistols/Firearms), all sections on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Waiting period | South Carolina has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm. Reviewed S.C. Code tit. 16, ch. 23 (Offenses Involving Weapons) and tit. 23, ch. 31 (Regulation of Pistols/Firearms), all sections on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
| Ghost guns and homemade firearms | 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.' Reviewed S.C. Code tit. 16, ch. 23 (Offenses Involving Weapons) and tit. 23, ch. 31 (Regulation of Pistols/Firearms), all sections on 2026-10-27; no provision found. |
More South Carolina gun laws
- Concealed Carry in South Carolina
- Open Carry in South Carolina
- Red Flag Law and Weapon Limits in South Carolina
- All South Carolina gun laws rules
FAQ
How old do you have to be to buy a gun in South Carolina?
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.
Do private gun sales need a background check in South Carolina?
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.
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in South Carolina?
South Carolina has no state law that sets a waiting period for buying any firearm.
Are ghost guns legal in South Carolina?
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.'
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.