Gun laws in South Dakota

Gun Laws in South Dakota
Enacted	Various
Summary
Regulations governing the ownership, use, and carrying of firearms in the state of South Dakota.

Gun laws in South Dakota regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the U.S. state of South Dakota. The state's gun laws are considered permissive and are characterized by several provisions that allow individuals to purchase and carry firearms with relative ease compared to other states.

Overview

South Dakota is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry. The state issues concealed weapon permits (CWP) to residents through the county sheriff's offices. South Dakota also recognizes concealed carry permits from certain other states.

Concealed Carry

As of July 1, 2019, South Dakota allows for "constitutional carry," meaning that any person who is allowed to legally possess a firearm may carry a concealed firearm without a permit within the state. This law applies to residents over the age of 18 who are legally entitled to carry a firearm.

Open Carry

Open carry is legal in South Dakota. Individuals are allowed to openly carry firearms in public without the need for a permit, except in places where firearms are specifically prohibited.

Firearm Purchases

There are no state-specific background checks required in South Dakota beyond the federal background check requirements enforced under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. Private firearm sales are also permitted without the need for a background check.

Regulated Areas

Certain areas in South Dakota have regulations that restrict the carrying of firearms:

• Schools
• Courthouses
• Any private property where the owner has posted signs prohibiting firearms

Legal Restrictions

Certain individuals are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms in South Dakota, including:

• Convicted felons
• Individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors
• Individuals subject to a restraining order for domestic violence

Recent Legislation

Recent legislative changes have included the allowance of concealed carry without a permit and discussions around gun laws in the context of national debates over gun control.

See Also

• Gun laws in the United States by state
• Concealed carry in the United States
• Second Amendment to the United States Constitution