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 CWP Requirements
How to get a South Carolina South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP): fees, training, fingerprints, processing time, and renewal.
How to apply
- Application fee
- $0 — SLED may not charge a fee of any kind for a concealable weapon permit (S.C. Code § 23-31-215(C)). Applicants still pay separately for the required training course and, where applicable, fingerprinting.
- Minimum age
- 18
- Training
- Required — Applicants must provide proof of training — completion of a handgun education course covering South Carolina statutory and case law relating to handguns, handgun use and safety, and proper storage practice, and including the actual firing of the handgun in the instructor's presence with a minimum of 25 rounds fired (S.C. Code § 23-31-210(4)). Note: since H.3594 (2024), no training is required to carry permitlessly; training is only required to obtain the CWP.
- Fingerprints
- Required
- Processing time
- See official source
- Validity / renewal
- 5 years, then renewal
- Residency
- Open to non-residents
- Non-resident permit
- Available
Applications are processed by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Regulatory Services, CWP Program.
Steps to get a South Carolina CWP
- Confirm you are eligible. Be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
- Complete the required firearms training. Applicants must provide proof of training — completion of a handgun education course covering South Carolina statutory and case law relating to handguns, handgun use and safety, and proper storage practice, and including the actual firing of the handgun in the instructor's presence with a minimum of 25 rounds fired (S.C. Code § 23-31-210(4)). Note: since H.3594 (2024), no training is required to carry permitlessly; training is only required to obtain the CWP.
- Get fingerprinted. Submit fingerprints for the state and FBI background check as part of the application.
- Submit your application to South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Regulatory Services, CWP Program. File your South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) application with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Regulatory Services, CWP Program. See the official page for forms and instructions.
- Pay the application fee. Pay the CWP application fee of $0. SLED may not charge a fee of any kind for a concealable weapon permit (S.C. Code § 23-31-215(C)). Applicants still pay separately for the required training course and, where applicable, fingerprinting.
- Receive your permit and note the renewal date. Once approved, your CWP is valid for 5 years, after which it must be renewed.
Note: South Carolina allows permitless carry, so this permit is optional in-state — but it is still worth holding for reciprocity when traveling.
Last verified 2026-07-09 against South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Concealed Weapons Permit.
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South Carolina CWP FAQ
- What are the requirements for a South Carolina CWP?
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and submit fingerprints. The application is processed by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Regulatory Services, CWP Program.
- Is training required for a South Carolina CWP?
- Yes. South Carolina requires firearms training to obtain the CWP. Applicants must provide proof of training — completion of a handgun education course covering South Carolina statutory and case law relating to handguns, handgun use and safety, and proper storage practice, and including the actual firing of the handgun in the instructor's presence with a minimum of 25 rounds fired (S.C. Code § 23-31-210(4)). Note: since H.3594 (2024), no training is required to carry permitlessly; training is only required to obtain the CWP.
- How long does it take to get a South Carolina CWP?
- South Carolina has not published a specific processing-time estimate for the CWP — check with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) — Regulatory Services, CWP Program for current wait times.
- Can non-residents get a South Carolina CWP?
- Yes. South Carolina issues a CWP to qualifying non-residents.
- How much does the South Carolina CWP cost, and how long is it valid?
- The application fee is $0. SLED may not charge a fee of any kind for a concealable weapon permit (S.C. Code § 23-31-215(C)). Applicants still pay separately for the required training course and, where applicable, fingerprinting. The permit is valid for 5 years before renewal.