How to Register a Gun

Procuring a gun in South Carolina requires no necessary permits or registration after the sale. A background check will be mandated if obtained from a federally licensed firearms dealer, but for a standard private sale, no background check will be required. Gun-type-based limitations are sanctioned for the state, restricting the possession of automatic weapons and sawed-off long guns to individuals on active duty in the armed forces or local police force (per South Carolina Code of Laws §16-23-10).

How to Obtain a Concealed Weapon Permit

Carrying a long gun openly is permitted to those residing in the state; however, carrying a handgun openly or concealed will obligate a resident to furnish a South Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit. Another reason why acquiring a concealed carry permit can be an asset is that it will warrant the privilege of carrying when traveling to many other recognizing reciprocal states.

Gaining access to a Concealed Weapon Permit can be carried out by producing the following materials for submission online at The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s website or by mail to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division‘s main office:

• A South Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit Application (Form R-078) completed and endorsed by an accepted firearm safety instructor.
• Proof of course completion for weapons safety from a sanctioned instructor.
• A fully filled-out South Carolina Concealed Weapon Permit Instructor Student Checklist (Rev-09/17).
• Two original fingerprint identification cards.
• A copy of your current South Carolina identification card or Driver’s license.
• Evidence of orders for active duty (for armed forces members).
• The application fee in the form of a certified check or money order.

To send via mail, make sure to include all required documents in a sealed envelope with proper postage addressed to:

CWP Application
SLED Data Center
PO Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221-1398

Firearm Bill of Sale (Preview)