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

Why

• Hawaii does not issue carry permits to non-residents (applicants must document that they currently live in hawaii (hrs 134-9(a)(5), per hawaii county pd 2025 rules); maui pd requires being 'a resident of the state of hawaii'; hawaii county requires county residency. citizen, us national, or lawful permanent resident required).

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 Hawaii non-resident permit valid in South Carolina?

This permit doesn't exist. Hawaii does not issue carry permits to non-residents (applicants must document that they currently live in Hawaii (HRS 134-9(a)(5), per Hawaii County PD 2025 rules); Maui PD requires being 'a resident of the state of Hawaii'; Hawaii County requires county residency. Citizen, US national, or lawful permanent resident required), so there is no "Hawaii 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 Hawaii issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Hawaii issues carry permits to residents only (applicants must document that they currently live in Hawaii (HRS 134-9(a)(5), per Hawaii County PD 2025 rules); Maui PD requires being 'a resident of the state of Hawaii'; Hawaii County requires county residency. Citizen, US national, or lawful permanent resident required). 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.