Is a Colorado Non-Resident Permit Valid in South Carolina?

Why

• Colorado does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits. armed-forces members stationed in colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in colorado, are deemed legal residents (c.r.s. 18-12-203(1)(a))).

S.C. Code 23-31-215(N)(1) honors out-of-state permits only when 'held by a resident of a reciprocal state' whose permitting requires a background check and firearm training; Georgia and North Carolina permits are recognized automatically under (N)(2). Recognition covers handguns only. Largely moot for visitors 18+, who may carry permitless.

Carry rules in South Carolina

Whatever your permit status, South Carolina law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• SLED H.3594 guidance: a CWP holder or permitless carrier 'DOES NOT have a duty to notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a firearm', and a CWP holder is not required to carry the CWP or disclose CWP status.
• South Carolina sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• South Carolina allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• No restrictions on guns inside vehicles — a person not prohibited from possessing a firearm may store it anywhere in a vehicle, openly or concealed (SLED H.3594 guidance).

Off-limits places in South Carolina

• Law enforcement, correctional or detention facilities
• Courthouses and courtrooms (publicly owned buildings where court is in session)
• Polling places on election days
• Daycare and preschool facilities; school or college athletic events not related to firearms
• Churches and religious sanctuaries without express permission
• Hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities unless expressly authorized

Frequently asked questions

Is a Colorado non-resident permit valid in South Carolina?

This permit doesn't exist. Colorado does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits. Armed-forces members stationed in Colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in Colorado, are deemed legal residents (C.R.S. 18-12-203(1)(a))), so there is no "Colorado non-resident permit" to carry in South Carolina or anywhere else.

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

SLED H.3594 guidance: a CWP holder or permitless carrier 'DOES NOT have a duty to notify a law enforcement officer that they are carrying a firearm', and a CWP holder is not required to carry the CWP or disclose CWP status.

Does South Carolina limit magazine capacity?

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

Can I carry in South Carolina without any permit?

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

Does Colorado issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Colorado issues carry permits to residents only (no non-resident permits. Armed-forces members stationed in Colorado on permanent duty station orders, and their immediate family living in Colorado, are deemed legal residents (C.R.S. 18-12-203(1)(a))). 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.