South Carolina Statewide Rule
South Carolina Concealed Carry and Permit Rules Statewide
Key Facts
- Authority
- Authority: SC Code Title 23, Chapter 31, Article 4
- Permitless Carry Effective
- Permitless carry effective March 2024
- Cwp Still Issued
- CWP still issued for reciprocity
- Schools And Courthouses
- Schools and courthouses remain off-limits
- Property Owners May
- Property owners may post no-carry notices
Summary
South Carolina allows concealed carry under permit and, since 2024, lawful permitless carry by eligible adults aged 18 or older.
(O)(1) A permit issued pursuant to this article is not required for a person: (a) carrying a self-defense device generally considered to be nonlethal including the substance commonly referred to as "pepper gas"; or (b) carrying a concealable weapon in a manner not prohibited by law. (2) The availability of a permit to carry a concealable weapon under this section must not be construed to prohibit the permitless transport or carrying of a firearm in a vehicle or on or about one's person, whether openly or concealed, loaded or unloaded, in a manner not prohibited by law.
Full Breakdown
The Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) program is administered by the State Law Enforcement Division under Article 4 of Title 23, Chapter 31. As of 2024, South Carolina enacted permitless (constitutional) carry, allowing eligible adults to carry concealed handguns without a permit, while preserving the optional CWP for reciprocity with other states. Carry remains prohibited in schools, courthouses, polling places, detention facilities, and properties posted by owners. Local governments cannot impose stricter concealed-carry rules due to statewide preemption under Section 23-31-510.
Violations & Penalties
Carrying in prohibited locations is a misdemeanor; penalties include fines, possible jail time, and firearm confiscation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a permit to carry concealed in South Carolina?
Where is concealed carry banned?
Sources
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