How do I get a concealed carry permit in South Carolina?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in South Carolina?

South Carolina regulates concealed carry under S.C. Code § 23-31-215 (CWP) and the Constitutional Carry / Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024 (H 3594) , codified across Title 23. 1. Permitless Carry (effective March 2024) - Adults 18+ not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed without a CWP. - South Carolina joined the constitutional-carry states in March 2024. 2. Why Get an Optional CWP? - Reciprocity with 33+ states. - Faster firearm purchases (NICS bypass). - Carrying in some other states still requires a permit. 3. CWP Eligibility (§ 23-31-215) - At least 21 years old (CWP only; 18+ for permitless carry under H 3594). - South Carolina resident (non-residents who own real property in SC also eligible). - No felony conviction. - No specified misdemeanor in past 3 years. - No alcohol or drug abuse adjudication. 4. Training Requirement (§ 23-31-215(D)) - 8-hour course taught by a SLED-certified instructor. - Covers SC firearms law, safe handling, and includes live-fire qualification (minimum 25 rounds). 5. Application - Apply through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) online portal. - Submit training certificate, fingerprints (SLED), and proof of residency. 6. Fees - $50 initial application + $50 renewal. 7. Processing - 90 days by statute. 8. Restricted Locations (§ 23-31-215(M)) - Schools, courthouses, polling places, government offices, jails, hospitals, religious sanctuaries (with limited exceptions), and posted private property. 9. Renewal - Valid 5 years ; renewal $50 , no re-training required. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

South Carolina regulates concealed carry under S.C. Code § 23-31-215 (CWP) and the Constitutional Carry / Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024 (H 3594), codified across Title 23.

1. Permitless Carry (effective March 2024)

Adults 18+ not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed without a CWP.

South Carolina joined the constitutional-carry states in March 2024.

2. Why Get an Optional CWP?

Reciprocity with 33+ states.

Faster firearm purchases (NICS bypass).

Carrying in some other states still requires a permit.

3. CWP Eligibility (§ 23-31-215)

At least 21 years old (CWP only; 18+ for permitless carry under H 3594).

South Carolina resident (non-residents who own real property in SC also eligible).

No felony conviction.

No specified misdemeanor in past 3 years.

No alcohol or drug abuse adjudication.

4. Training Requirement (§ 23-31-215(D))

8-hour course taught by a SLED-certified instructor.

Covers SC firearms law, safe handling, and includes live-fire qualification (minimum 25 rounds).

5. Application

Apply through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) online portal.

Submit training certificate, fingerprints (SLED), and proof of residency.

6. Fees

$50 initial application + $50 renewal.

7. Processing

90 days by statute.

8. Restricted Locations (§ 23-31-215(M))

Schools, courthouses, polling places, government offices, jails, hospitals, religious sanctuaries (with limited exceptions), and posted private property.

9. Renewal

Valid 5 years; renewal $50, no re-training required.

This is legal information, not legal advice.