Non-Resident permit · MO → SC
Is a Missouri Non-Resident Permit Valid in South Carolina?
No such permit is issued. Missouri restricts its carry permits to residents (no non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that South Carolina does recognize.
Why
- Missouri does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits, except members of the us armed forces stationed in missouri and their spouses (rsmo 571.101.2). minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the armed forces).
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 (Missouri)
- Permit
- Missouri Concealed Carry Permit
- Issued by
- County or city sheriff of the applicant's county of residence
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- No — No non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
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 Missouri.
- 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 Missouri non-resident permit valid in South Carolina?
- No such permit is issued. Missouri restricts its carry permits to residents (no non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that South Carolina does recognize.
- 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 Missouri issue non-resident carry permits?
- No. Missouri issues carry permits to residents only (no non-resident permits, except members of the US Armed Forces stationed in Missouri and their spouses (RSMo 571.101.2). Minimum age drops to 18 for members of or honorably discharged from the Armed Forces). 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.
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
- Missouri Attorney General — Concealed Carry Reciprocity — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.101 — Concealed carry permits, application requirements — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.030 — Unlawful use of weapons, exceptions — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.107 — Permit does not authorize concealed firearms, where — accessed 2026-08-08
- RSMo 571.121 — Duty to carry and display permit — accessed 2026-08-08