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Purchasing a firearm in South Dakota

Steps to Register a Firearm in South Dakota

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 Dakota Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?

No, South Dakota does not have a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm, but federal law requires all federally licensed firearm dealers to perform a background check before any sale of a firearm.

Owning a firearm in South Dakota

Does South Dakota have a Gun Free Zone law?

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

• An establishment where alcohol is being served
• In a county courthouse
• In a state capital of South Dakota
• Park
• Hospital
• Places of worship
• Sporting Arena
• Gambling facility

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

You are not required to take a safety course in order to own a firearm in South Dakota.

Handgun training course. But resident can take a handgun training to obtain an enhanced license making them recognisable in other states

Common Firearm Offenses in South Dakota

• 22-14-15. Possession of firearm someone with prior violent crime conviction or certain drug-related conviction--Felony--Fifteen-year period
• 22-14-15.1. Possession of firearm by one with prior drug conviction--Felony
• 22-14-15.2. Possession of firearm by one convicted of misdemeanor crime involving domestic violence--Misdemeanor
• 22-14-7. Reckless discharge of firearm or shooting of bow and arrow
• 22-14-16. Providing firearm to person with known prior violent crime conviction--Felony
• 22-14-5. Possession of firearm with altered serial number--Felony

More on South Dakota Firearm Laws

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