State Laws · SD
South Dakota Gun Laws
Effective as of July 1, 2019 (SB 47 (constitutional carry)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
South Dakota adopted constitutional carry under SB 47, effective July 1, 2019. Persons aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Open carry is legal. South Dakota issues a Concealed Pistol Permit for reciprocity.
Key statute: SDCL § 22-14-9 — carrying concealed pistol or revolver without a permit (repealed as an offense for eligible persons).
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons adjudicated as mentally incompetent, persons who have been committed to a mental institution, persons under 18, and persons prohibited under federal law.
Prohibited Locations
South Dakota prohibits carry in: courthouses, the state capitol (when the legislature is in session), schools and school grounds, and any location with posted prohibition. South Dakota's list of prohibited locations is among the shortest in the nation.
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase any firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction.
Citations
SDCL Title 22, Chapter 14 (weapons); SDCL Chapter 23-7 (concealed pistol permits); SB 47 (2019).
Look up statutes at South Dakota Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →South Dakota statutes
South Dakota Legislature →This link goes to South Dakota's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.