South Carolina has joined the ranks of constitutional carry states as Governor Henry McMaster recently signed permitless carry legislation into law. This milestone makes South Carolina the 29th state in the nation to embrace constitutional carry, a move hailed as a “hard-fought victory” by supporters.
The new law, championed by Republican state Rep. Bobby J. Cox, allows eligible citizens aged 18 and older to carry a firearm in public without the need for government approval or a permit. Governor McMaster emphasized that the legislation aims to impose stricter penalties on illegal gun use and possession by criminals, reinforcing the commitment to keeping violent offenders off the streets and ensuring the safety of South Carolinians.
In his remarks, Rep. Cox underscored the significance of this legislation, emphasizing that South Carolinians should not require government permission to exercise their right to self-defense, as enshrined in the Second Amendment. He expressed gratitude to gun owners, and patriots throughout South Carolina for their unwavering dedication to this cause.
South Carolina’s move follows a trend of Republican-led states embracing constitutional carry, with Louisiana being the latest to enact similar legislation. With this development, South Carolina joins a growing list of states recognizing the inherent right to self-defense without unnecessary government interference.
It’s important to note that while permitless carry is now allowed in South Carolina, certain restrictions remain in place, such as prohibitions on carrying firearms in specific locations like schools and courthouses. Additionally, residents still have the option to obtain a permit if they choose to do so.
The adoption of permitless carry in South Carolina marks a significant step forward for gun rights advocates and underscores the state’s commitment to upholding the principles of individual liberty and self-defense. As more states across the nation embrace constitutional carry, the momentum continues to grow in support of protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
The current legislation in force does not require citizens to undergo training to carry their firearms, but of course, this learning is strongly encouraged. Take the opportunity to check out our list of courses and enroll today.
State Concealed Carry Permit Requirements
Each state determines the requirements and any limitations on the carry of firearms. Listed below are the 29 states that allow permitless concealed carry (PC) and the minimum age requirement:
- Alabama (PC-21)
- Alaska (PC-21)
- Arizona (PC-21)
- Arkansas (PC-18)
- Florida (PC-21, as of July 1, 2023)
- Georgia (PC-21 years old or 18 for military)
- Idaho (PC-18)
- Indiana (PC-18)
- Iowa (PC-21)
- Kansas (PC-21)
- Kentucky (PC-21)
- Louisiana – (PC-21) effective July 4th, 2024.
- Maine (permits recognized; see Maine reciprocity section for details or PC-21)
- Mississippi (PC-21)
- Missouri (PC-19 or 18 for military)
- Montana (PC-18)
- Nebraska (PC-21 as of 90 days after the legislative session ends)
- New Hampshire (PC-18)
- North Dakota (PC-18) On April 12, 2023, Governor Doug Burgum signed HB 1339, allowing non-residents the ability to concealed carry under North Dakota’s permitless carry laws. It will also remove the 30-day requirement for IDs. The new law will go into effect on August 1, 2023.
- Ohio (PC-21)
- Oklahoma (PC-21 or 18 for military)
- South Carolina (PC-18)
- South Dakota (PC-18)
- Tennessee (PC-18* or 18 for military)
- Texas (PC-21)
- Utah (PC-21)
- Vermont (PC-18)
- West Virginia (PC-21)
- Wyoming (PC-21)
In order to carry a handgun, an individual must be:
- Able to lawfully possess a handgun per federal law (e.g. not a felon or an individual with a conviction of domestic abuse) and any state requirements
- Be in a place where the person has a legal right to be
