South Carolina's Ccw Laws: Airports And Beyond

South Carolina has a shall-issue policy for CCW permits, with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). While there are location restrictions where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited, even with a valid permit, South Carolina generally allows concealed carry in most public places. However, it is unclear whether South Carolina allows CCW at airports.

Concealed carry is allowed in most public places

As of March 7, 2024, South Carolina is a shall-issue, permitless carry state. This means that anyone aged 18 or older who is not prohibited by law can carry a firearm openly or in a concealed manner without a permit. However, certain areas are off-limits to concealed carry, and private properties posted with 'No Concealable Weapons Allowed' signs prohibit both open and concealed carry.

In South Carolina, concealed carry is allowed in most public places. The state offers resident and non-resident permits to individuals who own property in the state and military personnel stationed in South Carolina. To obtain a permit, applicants must complete an 8-hour firearms training course approved by the state and meet other eligibility requirements, such as not having been convicted of a violent felony.

Active-duty military personnel, members of the reserve, and National Guard members are exempt from all CWP training. Retired military members and law enforcement officers must complete only the legal aspects portion of the training, taught by a certified South Carolina CWP instructor. Law enforcement officers and retired officers may carry under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), which allows qualified individuals to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, with some exceptions.

While South Carolina allows concealed carry in most public places, there are certain restrictions. Schools and courthouses are off-limits for concealed carry. Additionally, individuals must comply with the laws of the state they are visiting when travelling with their firearms. It is important to check the laws of the other state before travelling with a firearm.

There are location restrictions where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited

South Carolina has a shall-issue policy for CCW permits, which means that as long as you meet the CCW permit requirements set by the state, you are entitled to receive a license. The process is administered by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and involves obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon within the state.

While South Carolina has a shall-issue policy for CCW permits, there are still location restrictions where carrying a concealed weapon is prohibited, even with a valid permit. Understanding these restrictions is crucial to avoid potential legal issues and ensure responsible gun ownership.

Concealed carry is generally allowed in most public places, including restaurants and bars (unless under the influence of alcohol or prohibited by management). However, there are specific locations where concealed carry is prohibited, even for those with a valid CCW permit. These locations include:

• Schools, colleges, technical institutions, and universities (unless permission is obtained or the firearm is kept in a vehicle by permit holders)
• Public buildings and activities (without approval from authorities or permit holders keeping firearms in vehicles)
• School sports centres and professional sporting events unrelated to firearms
• Courthouses

In addition, private properties posted with signs stating 'No Concealable Weapons Allowed' prohibit both open and concealed carry.

South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with several states

South Carolina has some of the most relaxed gun laws in the country. As of March 7, 2024, the state allows anyone aged 18 or older to carry a firearm openly or concealed without a permit, as long as they are not prohibited by law. However, certain areas and properties posted with "No Concealable Weapons Allowed" signs prohibit both open and concealed carry.

In addition to its permitless carry law, South Carolina also has a Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) system, implemented by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). This system allows residents, non-residents who own property in the state, and military personnel stationed in South Carolina to obtain a permit. Obtaining a CWP requires an 8-hour firearms training course approved by the state and a background check.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

It's important to note that the laws regarding concealed carry permits and reciprocity agreements can change over time. Therefore, it's always advisable to stay informed about the latest laws and regulations in South Carolina and the state you are visiting.

There are no permits, background checks or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual

South Carolina is a "shall-issue", permitless carry state, meaning that concealed weapons permits are issued at the state level by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). There is no requirement for a permit, background check, or firearms registration when purchasing a handgun from a private individual. This means that as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by the state, SLED must issue a concealed carry permit.

While no permit is needed when purchasing a handgun from a private individual, South Carolina does require a permit to be obtained for concealed carry. As of March 7, 2024, open carry, as well as concealed carry, is legal without a permit for anyone 18 years of age or older who is not prohibited by law. A "concealable weapon" is defined as a firearm with a length of less than 12 inches, carried openly or hidden from view, except when needed for self-defence, defence of others, or the protection of property. Areas that are off-limits to concealed carry are also off-limits to open carry. Additionally, private properties posted with 'No Concealable Weapons Allowed' signs prohibit both open and concealed carry.

South Carolina offers resident and non-resident permits, with the latter available to people who own property in the state and military personnel stationed there. The state also honours resident permits from some other states, provided that the applicant has passed a criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety. These permits are only honoured if the individual is a resident of the state that issued the permit.

South Carolina does not require a permit to purchase handguns, rifles, or long guns from a licensed in-state dealer. However, a background check and a minimum age of 18 years are required.

Active-duty military and members of the reserve are exempt from all CWP training

In South Carolina, active-duty military personnel, members of the reserve, and National Guard members are exempt from all CWP training. This means that they are not required to undergo any training to obtain a concealed weapon permit (CWP). The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is responsible for issuing CWPs in the state.

South Carolina is a “shall-issue, permitless carry" state, which means that there is no permit, background check, or firearms registration required when purchasing a handgun from a private individual. As of March 7, 2024, both open carry and concealed carry are legal without a permit for anyone 18 years of age or older who is not prohibited by law. However, it is important to note that there are still restrictions on where firearms can be carried, and private properties may post signs prohibiting both open and concealed carry.

While active-duty military and reserve members are exempt from CWP training, retired or former military members and retired law enforcement must complete the legal aspects portion of the CWP training by a certified South Carolina CWP instructor. Additionally, law enforcement officers (LEOs) and retired LEOs may carry a concealed firearm under the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), which allows qualified individuals to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with some exceptions.

South Carolina also offers resident and non-resident permits, including those for people who own property in the state and military personnel stationed there. When travelling with firearms, it is essential to comply with the laws of the state being visited. Some states may have different requirements, such as a criminal background check and a course in firearm training and safety.

Frequently asked questions