South Carolina Concealed Carry CCW Laws and Information

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The stated intent of the legislation is to codify the common law castle doctrine, which recognizes that a person’s home is his castle, and to extend the doctrine to include an occupied vehicle and the person’s place of business. This bill authorizes the lawful use of deadly force under certain circumstances against an intruder or attacker in a person’s dwelling, residence, or occupied vehicle. The bill provides that there is no duty to retreat if (1) the person is in a place where he has a right to be, including the person’s place of business, (2) the person is not engaged in an unlawful activity, and (3) the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent death, great bodily injury, or the commission of a violent crime. A person who lawfully uses deadly force is immune from criminal prosecution and civil action, unless the person against whom deadly force was used is a law enforcement officer a cting in the performance of his official duties and he identifies himself in accordance with applicable law or the person using deadly force knows or reasonably should have known the person is a law enforcement officer.

This state does not honor CCW Permits from Non-Resident CCW Permit holders.

H.4301 (R412) was signed by the Governor on June 9, 2006.

Will issue Non-resident permits only to people that own land in SC.

South Carolina CCW Reciprocity Map

States that Honor South Carolina's CCW Permit:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas*, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan*, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wyoming

* Honors RESIDENTIAL South Carolina permits only.

State CCW Permits that South Carolina Honors:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming,

Frequently Asked CCW Questions:

How can I obtain a Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP)?
SLED conducts an extensive background examination of all applicants prior to a CWP being issued. To obtain an application, you may write: SLED Regulatory Department, P.O. Box 21398, Columbia, S.C. 29221 or visit http://www.sled.sc.gov/SCStateGunLaws1.aspx?MenuID=CWP..

Can I carry a gun in the glove box of a car
SECTION 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun; exceptions. (9) a person in a vehicle if the handgun is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console, closed trunk, or in a closed container secured by an integral fastener and transported in the luggage compartment of the vehicle; however, this item is not violated if the glove compartment, console, or trunk is opened in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the sole purpose of retrieving a driver's license, registration, or proof of insurance;