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

Why

• South Dakota does not issue carry permits to non-residents (no non-resident permits — the applicant must have physically resided in and be a resident of the county of application for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (sdcl 23-7-7.1)).

Attorney General: 'The state of Alabama recognizes any concealed carry permit issued by another state' (Ala. Code § 13A-11-85(a)); no resident-only condition stated.

Carry rules in Alabama

Your South Dakota habits may not match Alabama's law. Check these three areas before you carry there.

• No proactive duty to inform found on any official Alabama source; answer truthfully and present a permit if an officer asks during a lawful stop.
• Alabama sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Alabama allows permitless concealed carry from age 19 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Since Jan 1, 2023 a loaded handgun may be carried in a vehicle without a permit by anyone who may carry permitless (Act 2022-133 removed the vehicle-carry permit requirement).

Off-limits places in Alabama

• Police, sheriff and highway patrol stations
• Prisons, jails and other detention facilities
• Psychiatric and mental-health inpatient facilities
• Courthouses and court-related buildings
• Professional and school athletic events (without a permit)
• Secured facilities with guarded, restricted access

Frequently asked questions

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

You can't get this permit: South Dakota doesn't offer one to non-residents (no non-resident permits — the applicant must have physically resided in and be a resident of the county of application for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (SDCL 23-7-7.1)). Check your own state's permit against Alabama's recognition rules instead.

Do I have to tell police in Alabama that I am carrying?

No proactive duty to inform found on any official Alabama source; answer truthfully and present a permit if an officer asks during a lawful stop.

Does Alabama limit magazine capacity?

Alabama sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Alabama without any permit?

Alabama allows permitless concealed carry from age 19 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does South Dakota issue non-resident carry permits?

No. South Dakota issues carry permits to residents only (no non-resident permits — the applicant must have physically resided in and be a resident of the county of application for at least 30 days immediately preceding the application (SDCL 23-7-7.1)). 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.