Concealed Carry in South Dakota

Yes. The Secretary of State's handbook says that South Dakota residents and nonresidents 'who may lawfully possess a pistol are not required to have a permit in order to carry a concealed pistol in this state'. The statute says a permit 'does not impose a general prohibition on the carrying of a pistol without a permit'. The former crime of carrying a concealed pistol without a permit (SDCL 22-14-9) was repealed in 2019. People under 18 generally may not possess a pistol.

South Dakota offers three optional permits to carry a concealed pistol, all issued through the sheriff of the applicant's county (shall-issue: a permit 'must be issued' to a qualified applicant). (1) The regular permit requires age 18 or older, 30 days' residence in the county, no felony or crime-of-violence conviction, and passing a background check (including NICS). The sheriff issues a temporary permit within five days. (2) The enhanced permit also requires a fingerprint background check and a qualifying handgun course taken within the past 12 months. It requires age 21, but applicants 18 to 20 may get a temporary restricted enhanced permit. (3) The gold card permit requires a fingerprint background check. All permits are valid for five years. The state reimburses counties per permit: $3 for a regular permit, $50 for a new enhanced permit ($25 renewal), and $30 for a gold card permit.

South Dakota recognizes any valid concealed pistol permit issued to a nonresident of South Dakota, according to the terms of its issuance in the issuing state. Nonresidents who may lawfully possess a pistol may also carry without a permit. The Secretary of State may enter written reciprocity agreements with states whose permit laws meet or exceed South Dakota's.

Knowingly possessing a firearm in any county courthouse or the state capitol is a Class 1 misdemeanor, with exceptions for officials, judges and some others. Under listed conditions, concealed pistols are allowed in the capitol. Possessing a firearm on public elementary or secondary school premises, vehicles or buildings is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Exceptions cover law enforcement, school sentinels, enhanced-permit holders 21 or older with written permission from the principal, and permit holders inside a vehicle. The school ban does not apply to nonpublic schools or churches.

No permit is needed to carry a pistol, including in a vehicle, for people who may lawfully possess one. Permit holders may keep a pistol inside a motor vehicle on public school premises, and may secure it in or retrieve it from the vehicle there.