South Dakota Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in North Dakota, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
South Dakota is a permitless-carry state. In South Dakota, open carry and concealed carry are legal without a license. Anyone over 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm can legally carry a handgun concealed without a license. South Dakota is also a shall-issue state and issues a Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) to residents for reciprocity purposes. There are three concealed carry permits available in South Dakota: Regular, Gold Card and Enhanced. The Regular CPP allows holders to carry concealed and is recognized in several other states. The Gold Card CPP, in addition to the benefits of a Regular CPP, proves passage of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) when purchasing a firearm. The Enhanced CPP requires a firearms-training course, provides the purchase background-check exemption and is recognized in seven more states than the regular license. CPPs are issued at the county level by the sheriff’s office.
Is there a waiting period to buy a firearm in South Dakota?
No. There is no waiting period to get a permit to buy a firearm in South Dakota.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in South Dakota?
No. A permit is not required to purchase firearms in South Dakota.
Do you need to register handguns in South Dakota?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in South Dakota.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) in South Dakota?
Any South Dakota resident at least 18 years of age can apply for a Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP).
Is firearms training a requirement in South Dakota for a Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP)?
Sometimes. A firearms-training course is not required for a Regular Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) or a Gold Card CPP. However, a firearms-training course is required to obtain the Enhanced CCP.
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) in South Dakota?
Applicants for a South Dakota Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) must:
- Be a South Dakota resident
- Be 18 years of age
- Complete a firearms-safety course for the Enhanced CPP
- Be a citizen of the US
- Meet federal law requirements
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) in South Dakota?
- Complete a firearms-safety course, if required
- Download an application from the South Dakota Secretary of State website gov.
- Complete the application at your local sheriff’s office and pay the fee. You will be fingerprinted for a Gold Card and Enhanced CCP. You will be notified in five days if your application has been approved for a Regular CCP, or 120 days for a Gold Card or Enhanced CCP.
How much does a South Dakota Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) cost?
The fee for a South Dakota Regular Concealed Pistol Permit (CPP) is $10. A Gold Card CCP is $70, and the Enhanced CCP is $100. There is an additional $43.25 fee for fingerprints.
Does South Dakota recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. South Dakota has permitless carry so any person who can legally possess a firearm may legally carry a concealed firearm without a state license or permit.
Is South Dakota a Constitutional Carry state?
Yes. South Dakota is a Constitutional Carry state.
Is South Dakota an Open Carry state?
Yes. Open carry is legal in South Dakota without a license or permit for anyone at least 18 years of age who can legally possess a firearm.
Is South Dakota a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. South Dakota is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in South Dakota?
Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in South Dakota.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in South Dakota?
Yes. Higher-capacity magazines are legal in South Dakota.
Does South Dakota have gun-storage laws?
No. South Dakota does not have a specific gun-storage law.
Is South Dakota a Red Flag state?
No. South Dakota does not have a red-flag law.
