Non-Resident permit · MS → SC
Is a Mississippi Non-Resident Permit Valid in South Carolina?
Permit not recognized — but permitless carry appliesVerified 2026-08-08
No formal recognition here. South Carolina declines out-of-state permits like yours, but it allows permitless concealed carry for adults 18+, and that applies to qualifying visitors from Mississippi too.
Why
- Mississippi is not on South Carolina's official reciprocity list.
- South Carolina allows permitless carry for eligible adults 18+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.
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.
The permit (Mississippi)
- Permit
- Mississippi Individual Firearm Permit (License to Carry a Concealed Pistol or Revolver)
- Issued by
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Firearm Permit Division
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- Yes — Residents only by default, but the residency requirement is waived if the applicant holds a valid permit from another state, is active-duty military stationed in Mississippi, or is a retired law enforcement officer establishing residency (Miss. Code 45-9-101(2)(a)). 18-20-year-olds qualify only as members/veterans of the Armed Forces with a Mississippi ID (45-9-101(2)(b)).
The destination (South Carolina)
- Recognition policy
- Honors a named list of 2 states
- Permitless carry
- Yes (18+)
- Duty to inform
- No (present permit on demand)
- Magazine limit
- No state limit
Carry rules in South Carolina
Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter South Carolina, these rules replace the ones you know from Mississippi.
- 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 Mississippi non-resident permit valid in South Carolina?
- No formal recognition here. South Carolina declines out-of-state permits like yours, but it allows permitless concealed carry for adults 18+, and that applies to qualifying visitors from Mississippi too.
- 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.
- Where does South Carolina publish its official reciprocity list?
- South Carolina publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.
Official sources
- SLED — Constitutional Carry Guidance (H.3594) — accessed 2026-08-08
- SLED — Concealed Weapons Permit — accessed 2026-08-08
- S.C. Code of Laws Title 23, Chapter 31 (incl. 23-31-215(N) recognition) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau — Firearm Permit Laws and Codes (hosts 45-9-101 as amended) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Miss. Code 45-9-101 as amended by HB 786 (2016) — official enrolled text, Mississippi Legislature — accessed 2026-08-08
- Mississippi DPS — Miss. Code 97-37-1 (concealed carry; holster and 18+ exemptions) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Mississippi DPS — Miss. Code 97-37-7 (enhanced carry endorsement; reciprocal agreements) — accessed 2026-08-08