South Carolina Gun Laws
Constitutional carry. No magazine limit. Castle doctrine and stand your ground.
Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.
South Carolina allows constitutional carry for adults 18+. The state has both castle doctrine and stand your ground protections. No magazine limits, assault weapon bans, or waiting periods exist.
Key facts
- Concealed Carry: Constitutional carry — no permit required for adults 18+ (S.C. Code § 23-31-215)
- Open Carry: Permitted without a permit for adults 18+ (S.C. Code § 23-31-215)
- Permit to Purchase: Not required
- Assault Weapon Ban: No ban
- Magazine Limit: No limit
- Waiting Period: None
- Universal Background Check: Not required for private sales
- Red Flag Law (ERPO): No state ERPO law
- Castle Doctrine: Yes (S.C. Code § 16-11-440(A))
- Stand Your Ground: Yes (S.C. Code § 16-11-440(C))
- Concealed Carry Reciprocity: Honors permits from reciprocal states on SLED's list (plus Georgia and North Carolina); visitors 18+ can carry here without one anyway (S.C. Code § 23-31-215(N))
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to carry in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina is a constitutional carry state. Adults 18 and older may carry concealed or openly without a permit.
Does South Carolina require background checks for private sales?
No. Private firearm sales in South Carolina do not require a background check.
Does South Carolina have a waiting period?
No. South Carolina does not impose a waiting period for firearm purchases.
Does South Carolina have a red flag law?
No. South Carolina has not enacted an extreme risk protection order law.
Does South Carolina recognize concealed carry permits from other states?
Only from certain states. South Carolina honors permits from states on SLED's reciprocity list and automatically recognizes Georgia and North Carolina permits. But because South Carolina is a constitutional carry state, an adult 18 or older who can legally possess a firearm doesn't need a permit to carry here.
Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.