Is a Alabama Non-Resident Permit Valid in South Dakota?

Why

• Alabama does not issue carry permits to non-residents (alea: alabama issues concealed carry permits only to alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence).

Official Firearm Handbook: 'The state of South Dakota recognizes any valid concealed pistol permit issued to a nonresident of South Dakota, according to the terms of its issuance in the state of its issue' — any state's permit qualifies as long as the holder is not a South Dakota resident (SD residents simply carry permitless).

Carry rules in South Dakota

South Dakota's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.

• No duty-to-inform provision appears in the Secretary of State's official Firearm Handbook or in SDCL chapter 23-7.
• South Dakota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• South Dakota allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Permitless concealed carry under SDCL 23-7-7 applies statewide, including in vehicles, for residents and non-residents 18+ who may lawfully possess a pistol.

Off-limits places in South Dakota

• County courthouses (SDCL 22-14-23)
• The state capitol (SDCL 22-14-23; limited enhanced-permit exceptions)
• Elementary and secondary schools (SDCL 13-32-7)

Frequently asked questions

Is a Alabama non-resident permit valid in South Dakota?

You can't get this permit: Alabama doesn't offer one to non-residents (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Check your own state's permit against South Dakota's recognition rules instead.

Do I have to tell police in South Dakota that I am carrying?

No duty-to-inform provision appears in the Secretary of State's official Firearm Handbook or in SDCL chapter 23-7.

Does South Dakota limit magazine capacity?

South Dakota sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in South Dakota without any permit?

South Dakota allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does Alabama issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Alabama issues carry permits to residents only (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.