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South Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Prepare for Your Concealed Carry Permit and Learn the Gun Laws and Regulations of South Dakota.

South Dakota Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on May 2, 2024

South Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

903K

STATE POPULATION

71K

LICENSES ISSUED

7.9%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

50

STATES HONORED

18

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

5

YEARS LICENSE VALID

38

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

TBA

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

What You Need to Know as a Gun Owner in South Dakota

Every citizen of South Dakota who plans to carry a firearm should know their gun ownership rights. This includes all the latest laws and regulations in the state for concealed weapons.

South Dakota currently has a population of just over 900k and of every eight adults in the state, one carries a concealed weapon permit. While you do not need a permit in South Dakota to open carry a gun, as long as you do not have a restriction or prohibition for the use, you must be at least 18 years old to carry a concealed firearm.

With gun ownership comes big responsibility that every South Dakotan must have. At Concealed Coalition, we provide local or online training for residents of the U.S. that can give South Dakotans peace of mind as gun owners. Find out more about our gun training programs we have here.

Summary of South Dakota Gun Laws

Currently, South Dakota is a permitless carry, shall-issue state, meaning it is legal to carry a weapon without a permit in the state. Thus, no registrations, permits, or background checks are required to purchase a handgun in South Dakota as long as you are at least 18 and don’t have any gun restrictions. But there are some areas where weapons are not permitted, including schools, courthouses, and on school buses.

However, residents, military members, and their spouses who are stationed in the state can be issued a Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) for reciprocity purposes. Permits can be obtained from the sheriff’s office, at the county level.

South Dakota has three permits available, including a regular permit, a gold card permit, and an enhanced permit.

A regular permit allows its holder to carry a concealed weapon and is recognized by multiple states.
A gold card permit contains the same benefits as a regular permit, along with confirmation that the holder passed the “National Instant Criminal Background Check System” (NICS), which saves time when buying a firearm.
An enhanced permit provides the same benefits as the gold card permit, but also requires the holder to take a firearms training course and is recognized by seven more states.

Self Defense Laws in South Dakota

South Dakota is one of the many states to use the “stand your ground law”. This means if someone believes they must use or threaten to use deadly force to prevent a forcible felony commission or bodily harm or death to themself or another, they are justified to use or threaten to use deadly force. The Castle Doctrine in South Dakota gives you the right to defend your home as it is your castle.

Use of Force

In South Dakota, the use of force means applying tactics, weapons, chemical agents, control devices, or physical techniques to another person.

Use of Deadly Force

Deadly force is used when a person knows or should know their actions pose a significant risk of causing severe bodily harm or death to another. Intentionally discharging a firearm while aimed at another individual or at a vehicle with a person believed to be inside, also constitutes deadly force in South Dakota.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

If you used force on another in South Dakota, claiming your actions were justified, it is still up to the legal system to decide whether this is true. Keep in mind that every law and regulation in every state comes with loopholes that can change a justified situation into an intentional attack. That’s why it is so important to know your rights in the case of using force against another in South Dakota.

Learn how to determine when to use force and how to gauge threats by taking a certified firearms safety course at Concealed Coalition. Being certified means you are a responsible individual who knows the rules and how to follow them, which helps you to only use force when absolutely necessary and can help get your charges dropped.

South Dakota Gun Laws by Statute

It’s essential for South Dakota firearm owners to remember that the following South Dakota gun laws are subject to change without notice. The attorney general’s website has all the latest information and should be visited regularly by licensees.

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding and responsibility. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning with instructors who care.

Contact us today at (605) 202-3091 or email to discuss your South Dakota concealed carry permit educational needs.

Quick Links

SOUTH DAKOTA CARRY LAWS - THE BASICS

QUESTION

ANSWER

What States Have South Dakota Concealed Carry Reciprocity?

Because South Dakota allows permitless carry, anyone 18 years old or over who can possess a firearm legally may conceal carry a handgun without a permit. This means every state in the nation has reciprocity with South Dakota.

Which States’ Permits Does South Dakota Honor?

South Dakota recognizes all state-issued permits.

States That Have Restricted South Dakota Reciprocity

There are no states with restricted reciprocity with South Dakota.

Is South Dakota a constitutional carry state?

Yes, it is a constitutional carry state.

Is open carry permitted in South Dakota?

Yes, open and concealed carry are both legal in SD without a permit as long as the person is at least 18 years old and can own a firearm legally.

If South Dakota requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

Although South Dakota does not require a permit to carry a firearm, you can apply for a permit in the county, you live in at the sheriff’s office.

What is the minimum age to get a South Dakota concealed carry license?

You must be 18 years old or older.

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in South Dakota with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

No, you cannot carry other concealed weapons.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in South Dakota?

Both are legal in South Dakota without a permit.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in South Dakota?

Yes. chemical and pepper spray are perfectly legal in SD as there is no statute that prohibits them.

Does South Dakota have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

No. There are no restrictions for magazine capacity in South Dakota.

Does South Dakota have ammunition restrictions?

No. There are no ammunition restrictions in the state of South Dakota.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN SOUTH DAKOTA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in South Dakota?

Yes, as long as you are over the age of 18 and can possess a firearm legally, you do not need a permit to have a handgun in your vehicle or any vehicle.

§ 23-7-7.4 & 23-7-7 of the SD Codified Laws

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in South Dakota?

Yes. In South Dakota, you are allowed to carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in South Dakota?

Yes, you can carry a concealed firearm in wildlife management areas, national forests, and national/state parks in South Dakota.

§ 1-26-6.10 of SD Codified Laws

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in South Dakota?

While you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon in a restaurant, you cannot have them in bars or parts of a restaurant that serves alcohol unless otherwise noted.

§ 23-7-70 of SD Codified Laws

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in South Dakota?

Firearms at hotels are not specifically addressed in the South Dakota statutes. Therefore, it is up to the hotel to decide. Before visiting the hotel, call ahead and check with them about their concealed firearm policy.

Does South Dakota have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

South Dakota state laws do not address this situation.

IMPORTANT SOUTH DAKOTA GUN LAWS

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in South Dakota?

No. You do not have to inform law enforcement if you are carrying a firearm in SD.

22-14-9.1 of the SD Codified Laws

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in South Dakota? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

There are no “No Weapons Allowed” signs enforced in South Dakota.

Does South Dakota have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes, South Dakota does have a preemption of firearm laws. If a municipality, township, or county attempts to reinforce or pass an ordinance that violates state preemption laws, action will be brought upon them by the attorney general in the state’s name for an injunction relief against a municipality. Thus, a court will grant anyone charged with violating an ordinance, that is prohibited under this section, reasonable expenses, costs, and attorney’s fees.

Does South Dakota have a red flag law?

No. There is no red flag law in South Dakota.

Does South Dakota state law define brandishing?

No. There is no brandishing definition found in SD law. However, if a person intentionally causes serious public annoyance, inconvenience, or alarm to another person or creates a risk, they will be charged with disorderly conduct.

22-18-35 of the SD Codified Laws

Does South Dakota have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

South Dakota laws do not address this. However, as a responsible American adult, you should not need a law to tell you it is not wise to carry a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as this could impact your abilities to make decisions, slow your reaction times and impair your judgment. The choices you make when carrying a firearm can have severe, life-altering consequences.

Does South Dakota issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

Yes, for military members and their spouses who are stationed in South Dakota.

Does South Dakota allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No. The public cannot access registry information for concealed carriers in South Dakota.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN SOUTH DAKOTA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in South Dakota?

No. You do not need a permit to buy a handgun in SD.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in South Dakota?

No. Private firearms transfers do not require a background check, although state and federal purchaser prohibitions apply, including age restrictions. To prove you are the owner of a gun, you should keep your sales receipt.

Does my current South Dakota concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

Yes. In South Dakota, a Regular Concealed Pistol Permit that was issued after July 1, 2018, is exempt, along with a gold card, and enhanced permit issued after January 1, 2017.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in South Dakota?

No. There is no waiting period when you purchase a firearm in South Dakota.

Do handguns need to be registered in South Dakota?

No. handgun registration is not required in South Dakota.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in South Dakota?

You must be at least 18 years of age to possess a handgun in SD.

23-7-46 of the SD Codified Laws

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in South Dakota without a license?

Yes. Permitless carry in SD is allowed for those who can carry a firearm legally.

23-7-7 of the SD Codified Laws

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in South Dakota

Quick Links

SOUTH DAKOTA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in South Dakota

An Applicant Must:

Be 18 years of age or older to apply for a regular permit and at least 21 for an enhanced or gold permit;
Not have a history of violence;
Submit an application in the county they reside in or will reside in within 30 days, or is in the military or the spouse of someone in active duty military stationed in SD;
Not have a felony, been convicted of a violent crime, or plead guilty or nolo contendere for such crimes;
Be a United States citizen or a legal resident alien;
Not currently considered mentally incompetent, or in the past 10 years, considered a danger to themself or others;
Not habitually exist in a drug or an intoxicated condition;
Not have any firearms control violations or unlawful use of controlled substances, marijuana, or weapons in the past five years that constitute a misdemeanor or felony.
Not confirmed as a fugitive from justice;
Meet state and federal law requirements.

Fees:

Regular permit – $10Gold Card permit – $40, Enhanced permit – $60

Regular permit renewal – $10, Gold Card permit renewal – $40, Enhanced permit renewal – $35

Note: An additional $43.25 fingerprinting fee is required for gold and enhanced permits.

Valid For:

5 years.

Processing Time:

A temporary regular permit takes 5 days, but it could take longer for the gold card and enhanced permits due to additional time for a required fingerprinting background investigation. Official permits will be issued in 30 days.

Applications:

Click here for a temporary permit application

There are three types of firearm permits in South Dakota:

Regular Permit

To obtain a regular permit, you must have a clean criminal record in South Dakota for the last five years.

Gold Card Permit

A gold card permit in South Dakota is recognized within 32 other states and requires a federal background check and fingerprinting.

Enhanced Permit

An enhanced permit in South Dakota is recognized within 37 other states and also requires a background check and fingerprinting along with a firearm safety course as well. This permit allows you to carry a firearm in the State Capitol building and county courthouses with a 24-hour prior notice.

To learn more about concealed carry pistol permits in South Dakota, click here.

Name & Address Changes:

For name and address changes, write to the secretary of state’s office with your name, birthdate, permit number, old address, and new address or former name and a new name and submit a $2 fee, paid by check, cash, or money order.

Send to:
Secretary of State
Attn: Permits 500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

If you have lost your license or it was stolen, write to the secretary of state’s office with your name, birthdate, address, and a $2 fee, paid by check, cash, or money order.

Send to:
Secretary of State
Attn: Permits 500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501

Residency Changes:

If you are moving to South Dakota and want to apply for a resident permit, here’s what you must know.

South Dakota only issues permits to active-duty military personnel, their spouses who are stationed in SD and South Dakota, residents. You can apply for a permit at your county’s sheriff’s office after you have been residing in the county for a minimum of 30 days prior, are in the military stationed in the state on active duty, or are the spouse of the military on active duty. If a person has a South Dakota concealed permit and moves to another state, their pistol permit will expire when they move.

SOUTH DAKOTA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Determine which permit you want. There are three available:

Regular
Gold Card
Enhanced

Step Two:

Complete a firearms training course within 12 months preceding your application if you want an Enhanced Permit.

Step Three:

You must complete a temporary application in person at your local sheriff’s office. Your fingerprints will be taken for Gold Card or Enhanced Permits. A separate payment is required for the cost of processing the fingerprint background check.

Step Four:

The sheriff will issue a temporary permit within 5 days. Because of the fingerprint background investigation required for an enhanced permit, the issuance of the enhanced temporary permit may take longer.

Step Five:

Within 7 days after the temporary permit has been issued, the sheriff will send a copy of the application to the secretary of state who issues the official permit. The official permit will be issued within 30 days.

SOUTH DAKOTA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Step One:

The holder of the enhanced permit may renew the permit through the sheriff of the county where the holder resides for a period beginning 180 days before the permit expires and ending 30 days after expiration of the permit. The holder must do the following:

Present proof that during the period of renewal set forth in this section, the person:
- Successfully completed the live fire component of a qualifying handgun course
- Received instruction regarding the use of force standards
- Received instruction regarding relevant criminal statutory changes.
Pay the renewal fee
Pay the fingerprint background check fee
Pass the fingerprint background check and National Instant Criminal Background Check.

If the holder of the enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol does not renew the permit within 30 days of expiration of the permit, the holder must reapply for an enhanced permit to carry a concealed pistol.

The holder of a gold card permit may renew the permit for a period beginning 90 days before the permit expires (as of July 1, 2021, it will be 180 days) and ending 30 days after expiration of the permit. The holder must pay the renewal fee and pass a criminal background check and a National Instant Criminal Background Check.

The holder of a regular permit may renew beginning 90 days prior to expiration. There is a 30-day grace period to renew the permit.

During the 30-day grace period for all permits, the permit holder may continue to carry a concealed pistol; however, law enforcement may issue a warning ticket in such situations to provide notification to the permit holder of the expired status. This grace period does not apply to any permit holder who commits a crime that would make it unlawful for the permit holder to possess a gun, or a permit holder who attempted to renew the holder’s permit, but was denied.

Additional firearm training is required if a permit has expired for more than 30 days.

Step Two:

A renewed Permit to Carry a Concealed Pistol may be obtained from the sheriff of the county which the applicant is a resident.

Get Certified for a South Dakota Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Nebraska. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Nebraska concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

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