Summary 

• Permit required? No, South Carolina allows permitless (constitutional) carry for eligible adults.

• Minimum age:  18 to carry openly or concealed without a permit (and18 to apply for a SC CWP).

• Duty to inform: No general duty to proactively inform an officer you’re carrying.

• Where you can/can’t carry: Carry is still prohibited in many “sensitive” locations (e.g., schools, courthouses, many public buildings, posted private property).

• Vehicles: SC guidance states there are no special restrictions for guns inside vehicles (still follow prohibited-places rules once you exit).

South Carolina is a permitless/constitutional carry state as of March 7, 2024, meaning adults 18+ who are not otherwise prohibited may carry a firearm openly or concealed without training and without a permit.That said, South Carolina still maintains a statewide Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) program run by SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) for those who want a permit (commonly for reciprocity benefits when traveling).

Permits are issued at the state level (SLED) with background checks and statutory requirements, and SC law provides for honoring valid out-of-state permits from reciprocal states (with conditions).  For visitors, constitutional carry rules can reduce reliance on reciprocity,but location restrictions and federal prohibitions still apply, and posted signage can make carry unlawful on specific private premises.

For practical travel: in vehicles, hotels, and shared spaces, prioritize secure storage (locked container/lockbox) and discreet handling. Consider using Faraday-protected SLNT bags for privacy and device isolation when transporting or staging gear in a car trunk, hotel room, or other shared environments (especially where you want to reduce digital exposure while keeping items organized and secured).

Useful Links

• South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) overview (SLED)

• SLED Constitutional Carry Guidance (PDF)
  

• Firearms in National Parks (NPS) 

Official Links

• South Carolina Legislature – Code of Laws (Title 23, Ch. 31 Firearms)

• South Carolina Legislature – Bill H.3594 (2023–2024)