State Laws · SC
South Carolina Gun Laws
Effective as of March 7, 2024 (H. 3594, constitutional carry). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
South Carolina enacted constitutional carry under H. 3594, effective March 7, 2024. Persons aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit. South Carolina continues to issue the Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) for reciprocity purposes.
Key statute: S.C. Code § 16-23-20 — unlawful carrying of handgun. As amended by H. 3594, exempts eligible persons from the licensing requirement.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons convicted of a crime of violence, persons adjudicated as mentally incompetent, persons under 18, fugitives from justice, unlawful users of controlled substances, persons convicted of domestic violence, and members of a subversive organization.
Prohibited Locations
South Carolina prohibits carry in: schools and school property, courthouses, polling places, government offices or buildings, churches and other houses of worship (unless authorized by the governing body), hospitals and medical facilities, law enforcement facilities, prisons and jails, and establishments that post notice prohibiting firearms. Property owners may prohibit carry on private property.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase a firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction.
Citations
S.C. Code Title 16, Chapter 23 (offenses involving weapons); S.C. Code Title 23, Chapter 31 (concealed weapons permits); H. 3594 (2024).
Look up statutes at South Carolina Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →South Carolina statutes
South Carolina Legislature →This link goes to South Carolina's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.