Can I carry concealed in South Carolina without a permit?

Yes. South Carolina is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 18 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in South Carolina without first obtaining the CWP.

Should I still get a South Carolina CWP if I can carry permitless?

Yes. The CWP remains available in South Carolina and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside South Carolina's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to South Carolina's permitless-carry law. A South Carolina CWP lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.

Does permitless carry in South Carolina work in other states?

No. Permitless carry is a South Carolina-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.

This is not legal advice.Concealed-carry reciprocity changes frequently and carries serious legal consequences. Verify current law with the destination state's official source before you carry.

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South Carolina Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)

Who can carry concealed in South Carolina without a permit, the minimum age, and why the CWP still matters for reciprocity when you travel.

Permitless carry in South Carolina

Minimum age (permitless): 18
Carry regime: constitutional
Residency: Residents and non-residents

South Carolina has permitless (constitutional) carry since March 7, 2024 (H.3594, the South Carolina Constitutional Carry/Second Amendment Preservation Act of 2024, Act 110). A person 18 or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun openly or concealed, without training and without a SLED-issued concealed weapons permit (SLED Constitutional Carry Guidance). Residency is not required to carry permitlessly.

official source · verified 2026-07-09

The South Carolina South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) still matters

The CWP remains available in South Carolina even though a permit is not required to carry concealed within the state. It is worth obtaining anyway: most states that grant reciprocity honor a valid out-of-state permit, not another state's permitless-carry law. Holding the CWP is typically what lets a South Carolina resident carry concealed while traveling to a state that recognizes it.

South Carolinapermit overview & reciprocity summary →Full South Carolina CWP requirements →Where a South Carolina CWP is honored →

Last verified 2026-07-09 against South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Concealed Weapons Permit.

Verify South Carolina rules on the official page →

South Carolina constitutional carry FAQ

Can I carry concealed in South Carolina without a permit?: Yes. South Carolina is a constitutional (permitless) carry state — an eligible adult at least 18 years old who may lawfully possess a firearm can carry a concealed handgun in South Carolina without first obtaining the CWP.
Should I still get a South Carolina CWP if I can carry permitless?: Yes. The CWP remains available in South Carolina and is worth holding because permitless carry is only valid inside South Carolina's own borders — most other states extend reciprocity to a valid permit, not to South Carolina's permitless-carry law. A South Carolina CWP lets you carry concealed while traveling to states that honor it.
Does permitless carry in South Carolina work in other states?: No. Permitless carry is a South Carolina-specific legal status and does not travel with you. Reciprocity agreements are between states' permit systems — carrying in another state generally requires either that state's own permitless-carry law (if it has one) or a permit that state's reciprocity list recognizes.