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Purchasing a firearm in South Carolina

Steps to Register a Firearm in South Carolina

Requirements to hold a firearm license

More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.

Does South Carolina Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?

Yes, South Carolina has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.

• 23-31-90. A national instant criminal background check must be conducted and a person may not sell, exchange, or transfer a firearm at a gun show in this State except in accordance with the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 922 and the provisions of this section.
• 23-31-80. In addition to any other requirements pursuant to state and federal law, all sales, exchanges, or transfers of firearms must be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this article unless the sale, exchange, or transfer is conducted by a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer, as those terms are defined in 18 U.S.C. Section 922, when the sale, exchange, or transfer is conducted pursuant to that person's federal firearms license or the sale, exchange, or transfer is between members of an immediate family. For purposes of this section, 'immediate family' means spouses, domestic partners, children, and stepchildren.

Owning a firearm in South Carolina

Does South Carolina have a Gun Free Zone law?

Yes, South Carolina has a defined list of gun free zones:

• A Courthouse
• Schools
• Police stations
• Jail
• Churches
• Hospitals/emergency rooms
• Athletic events
• Financial institutions
• Post offices
• Military bases
• Airports/planes

Does South Carolina Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?

Yes, you are required to take a safety course prior to owning a firearm in South Carolina.

They must complete an approved firearms training class. They must have completed a basic or advanced handgun training course within three years of application or meet an exemption;

Common Firearm Offenses in South Carolina

• 16-23-20. Unlawful carrying of handgun
• 16-23-30. Sale or delivery of handgun to and possession by certain persons unlawful; stolen handguns
• 16-23-220. Unlawful transportation of machine gun, military firearm, or sawed-off shotgun or rifle within State
• 16-23-230. Unlawful storing, keeping, or possessing of machine gun, military firearm, or sawed-off shotgun or rifle
• 16-23-410. Pointing firearm at another person.
• 16-23-415. Taking firearm or other weapon from law enforcement officer
• 16-23-420. Possession of firearm on school property; concealed weapons
• 16-23-430. Carrying weapon on school property; concealed weapons
• 16-23-440. Discharging firearms at or into dwellings, structures, enclosures, vehicles or equipment; penalties
• 16-23-450. Placing loaded trap gun, spring gun or like device
• 16-23-460. Carrying concealed weapons; forfeiture of weapons
• 16-23-465. Additional penalty for unlawfully carrying pistol or firearm onto premises of business selling alcoholic liquor, beer or wine for on-premises consumption; exceptions
• 16-23-490. Additional punishment for possession of firearm or knife during commission of, or attempt to commit, violent crime
• 16-23-500. Unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of violent offense; confiscation; return of firearm to innocent owner
• 16-23-530. Firearms; possession by or sale to unlawful alien; penalties
• 16-23-720. Use, counseling or soliciting others to use, possessing, or threatening to use destructive device; harboring terrorist

More on South Carolina Firearm Laws

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