How to Register a Gun

South Dakota’s state laws do not cite any registration requirement for a resident to possess a firearm. There are also no prerequisites to obtaining a permit or license to purchase a gun, and anyone aged 18 or older has the right to do so. When purchasing a gun from a federally licensed firearms dealer, an application must be filled out and filed within 6 hours, either by mail or at the local county sheriff’s office. This application process is waived for those actively possessing a concealed carry license. Open carry of a long gun is granted with the stipulation that, if carried in a vehicle, it must be in plain view to be deemed legal open carry. One may possess and conceal a long gun or handgun within their own domicile or at an owner’s private place of business without the requirement of furnishing a concealed carry permit.

How to Obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons Permit

To carry a concealed handgun within the state, a resident must apply for a concealed weapons permit (SDCL 22-14-9). This permit affords an additional advantage to travel with reciprocity within accepted US states. In the state of South Dakota, there are three different permit types that allow for open carry, each with a varied range of reciprocity states. The regular Open Carry Permit covers reciprocity within 31 states other than South Dakota for a minimal $10 fee. The next tier is the South Dakota Gold Card Concealed Carry Weapons Permit for a $70 fee, which allows for reciprocity to carry the weapon in the supplementary state of Wisconsin. The top-tier licensure is available in the South Dakota Enhanced Concealed Carry Weapons Permit for a fee of $100. This permit allows for concealed carry in the previously approved reciprocity states and further consists of 7 other states, including Nebraska and Minnesota. This permit does require special weapons safety training by an approved instructor at an additional fee.

To apply for a concealed carry weapons permit, deliver the following documents in person to your local county sheriff’s office:

• A filed South Dakota Concealed Pistol Permit Application.
• A completed fingerprint identification card (available on-site for a fee).
• Certification of completion of a recognized weapons safety program (for the SD Enhanced CCW Permit).
• An active photo ID.
• Payment for permit fees, background checks, and fingerprint fees.

Once your application is completed and handed into the sheriff’s office, you will be issued a temporary permit upon approval within a week. The official permit will then be mailed to you within a month. Permits are active for a period of 5 years before they need to be renewed.

Firearm Bill of Sale (Preview)