Important SC CWP Information
Issuing Authority:
State Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
Open Carry:
Prohibited in South Carolina
Out Of State Permit Issue:
The State Law Enforcement Division must issue permits to carry handguns to a person who is a resident of South Carolina, or a non-resident who owns property in South Carolina, or military personnel on permanent change of station orders.
NICS check:
Yes
Permit Valid For:
Permits are valid for five years.
Permit Issue Timeline:
90 days from when you mail in the application
Cost:
$50 to SLED. Don't forget that you will need to pay for the required 8 hour training in order to get your CWP. The training can rage from $100-200.
Requirements:
1. Age 21 years or older
2. Not prohibited from possessing a firearm
3. Resident of South Carolina, or a non-resident who owns property in South Carolina, or military personnel on permanent change of station orders.
Required Documents:
1. Proof of residence
2. Proof of training (you will be issued a certificate of completion, which you will hold on to. You do NOT need to mail it to SLED)
3. (2) Fingerprint card, which can be obatined from any Law Enforcement agency.
Renewal Information:
Renewal is available upon payment of a $50 renewal fee, completion of a renewal application and submission of a copy of the applicant’s valid South Carolina driver’s license or South Carolina identification card. This can be done online at SLED's website.
Informing Law Enforcement of Carry:
A permit holder must inform a law enforcement officer of the fact that he is a permit holder and present the permit identification card when an officer (1) identifies himself as a law enforcement officer and (2) requests identification or a driver's license from a permit holder.
Automobile carry:
Any person in a vehicle where the handgun is secured in a closed glove compartment, closed console or closed trunk. The handgun may be loaded. Remember this is for South Carolina ONLY. Each state has different policies.
Places off-limits when carrying:
A concealed carry permit does not authorize the holder to carry a concealed weapon into a:
1. Any Law enforcement office or facility.
2. Any Detention or correctional facility.
3. Courthouse or courtroom.
4. Polling place on election days.
5. Office of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special purpose district.
6. School or college athletic event not related to firearms (Unless you have express permission)
7. Day care or pre-school facility.
8. Place where federal law prohibits the carrying of firearms (That mean any federally owned building (i.e. Post Office).
9. Medical services facilities (Unless you have express permission).
10. Religious sanctuaries unless express permission is given by an appropriate official (Unless you have express permission).
11. Private property where prohibited by legal owner.
Anyone in legal control of property may prohibit the carrying of concealable weapons by posting signs expressing the prohibition at each entrance to the building.
Alcohol and Drugs:
Any person convicted of carrying a pistol or firearm onto the premises of a business which sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises shall be subject to an additional penalty of up to 3 years imprisonment and/or $2,000 fine.
It is unlawful to discharge a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance. (It's a no brainer)
Deadly Force / Castle Doctrine:
Always remember that deadly force is a last resort when all other means have failed.
South Carolina is a Castle Doctrine state and does have a stand-your-ground law.