How to Get a Gun License in SC?
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a gun license in South Carolina, you must meet the eligibility criteria set by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The eligibility criteria include:
• Being at least 21 years old
• Being a resident of South Carolina
• Not being under a court order or a protective order that restrains you from possessing a firearm
• Not being convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• Not being addicted to a controlled substance
• Not being adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
• Not being an unlawful user of or addicted to marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, or opioid drug
Application Process
To apply for a gun license in South Carolina, you must follow these steps:
- Obtain a Background Check: You must undergo a background check through the SLED. You can do this by visiting the SLED website and filling out an online application.
- Gather Required Documents: You will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of residency in South Carolina
- Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or passport)
- Proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the United States
- Proof of firearms training (see below for more information)
- Take a Firearms Training Course: You must complete a firearms training course that is approved by the SLED. The course must include:
- Basic firearms safety and handling
- Laws regarding firearms in South Carolina
- Safe storage and handling of firearms
- Basic marksmanship skills
- Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the background check, gathered the required documents, and taken the firearms training course, you can submit your application to the SLED.
- Pay the Application Fee: The application fee is currently $50 for a five-year license.
Firearms Training Course
The firearms training course must be approved by the SLED and must include the following topics:
• Basic firearms safety and handling
• Laws regarding firearms in South Carolina
• Safe storage and handling of firearms
• Basic marksmanship skills
The course must also include a minimum of 4 hours of instruction and a written exam.
Types of Gun Licenses
There are two types of gun licenses in South Carolina:
- Resident License: This license is for individuals who are residents of South Carolina.
- Non-Resident License: This license is for individuals who are not residents of South Carolina but wish to purchase or possess a firearm in the state.
Renewal Process
To renew your gun license in South Carolina, you must:
- Submit a Renewal Application: You can submit your renewal application online or by mail.
- Pay the Renewal Fee: The renewal fee is currently $25 for a five-year license.
- Provide Proof of Continuing Eligibility: You must provide proof that you continue to meet the eligibility criteria set by the SLED.
Fees
The fees for a gun license in South Carolina are as follows:
- Initial Application Fee: $50 for a five-year license
- Renewal Fee: $25 for a five-year license
- Duplicate License Fee: $10
Conclusion
Obtaining a gun license in South Carolina is a straightforward process that requires meeting the eligibility criteria, completing a background check, gathering required documents, taking a firearms training course, and submitting your application. By following these steps, you can obtain a gun license and exercise your Second Amendment rights in the Palmetto State.
Table: Gun License Application Process
Step | Description |
---|---|
1 | Obtain a background check through the SLED |
2 | Gather required documents (proof of residency, identity, citizenship, and firearms training) |
3 | Take a firearms training course approved by the SLED |
4 | Submit your application to the SLED |
5 | Pay the application fee ($50 for a five-year license) |
Table: Types of Gun Licenses
Type | Description |
---|---|
Resident License | For individuals who are residents of South Carolina |
Non-Resident License | For individuals who are not residents of South Carolina but wish to purchase or possess a firearm in the state |
Table: Fees
Fee | Description |
---|---|
Initial Application Fee | $50 for a five-year license |
Renewal Fee | $25 for a five-year license |
Duplicate License Fee | $10 |