South Carolina Gun Laws - 2026 Complete Guide

Last verified: 2026-01-01 | Not legal advice - verify with your state AG

Legal Permitless / Constitutional Carry Castle Doctrine Constitutional Carry Stand Your Ground

⚠️ This is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with your state attorney general or a licensed firearms attorney before carrying.

Quick Reference: South Carolina Gun Laws

Open Carry	Legal
Concealed Carry	Permitless / Constitutional Carry
Permit Required	No - permitless carry
Permit Cost	N/A (No permit required)
Permit Validity	N/A
Waiting Period	None
Background Check	Required
Castle Doctrine	✓ Yes
Stand Your Ground	✓ Yes
Red Flag Law	✓ No
Magazine Limit	None
Suppressors	Legal (NFA rules apply)
NFA Items	All legal (federal rules apply)

Open Carry Laws in South Carolina

Open carry is legal in South Carolina for anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm. No permit is required to openly carry a holstered handgun or a long gun in public, subject to restricted location laws.

Concealed Carry Laws in South Carolina

South Carolina is a constitutional carry state. Anyone who is legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. South Carolina enacted constitutional carry in March 2024. Open and concealed carry now allowed without a permit. Optional CWP still available for reciprocity.

Where You Cannot Carry in South Carolina

The following locations generally prohibit firearms carry in South Carolina. This list is not exhaustive - always verify current law before carrying in any location.

Schools
Government Buildings
Courts
Police Stations
Prisons
Churches Without Permission
Schools Before 2023

Federal law also prohibits carry in federal buildings, national parks ranger stations, and other federal facilities regardless of state law.

Optional South Carolina CCW Permit

South Carolina enacted constitutional carry in March 2024. Open and concealed carry now allowed without a permit. Optional CWP still available for reciprocity.

Even though South Carolina does not require a permit to carry, obtaining an optional permit allows you to carry in other states that have reciprocity agreements with South Carolina but require a permit from your home state.

Apply for Optional South Carolina Permit

CCW Reciprocity for South Carolina

States that honor your South Carolina permit (29)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

South Carolina honors permits from (30)

AL AK AZ AR CO FL GA ID IN IA KS KY LA ME MS MO MT NE NH NC ND OH OK SD TN TX UT VA WV WY

View Full CCW Reciprocity Map

Reciprocity agreements change frequently. Always verify current reciprocity with the issuing state's law enforcement agency before traveling. Some states have additional requirements beyond permit reciprocity.

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South Carolina Gun Law Cheat Sheet - Free PDF

Download our one-page quick reference for South Carolina gun laws. Open carry rules, carry restrictions, permit info, and CCW reciprocity at a glance. Keep it in your range bag.

Frequently Asked Questions: South Carolina Gun Laws

When did South Carolina pass constitutional carry?

South Carolina signed constitutional carry into law on March 7, 2024.

Does South Carolina have stand your ground?

Yes. South Carolina has both castle doctrine and stand your ground protections.

Shooting Ranges in South Carolina

Find pistol ranges, rifle ranges, and indoor/outdoor shooting facilities in South Carolina. Filter by type, features, and location.

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Neighboring State Gun Laws

North Carolina

Georgia