Is a Connecticut Resident Permit Valid in South Carolina?

Why

• Connecticut 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.

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 Connecticut.

• 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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.