South Dakota Gun Permit: Laws, Cost, Restrictions, & FAQs
In the United States, the regulation of firearm possession varies from state to state, and South Dakota stands out as a constitutional carry state that also offers concealed carry permits. Understanding the intricacies of South Dakota’s gun laws, permit types, application process, and reciprocity agreements is crucial for responsible gun owners. This article provides a comprehensive overview of South Dakota’s gun laws and the process to obtain a concealed carry permit.
South Dakota Gun Permit Summary
South Dakota operates as a shall-issue state for gun permits, which means that the state is obligated to issue a concealed carry permit to any qualified applicant who meets the legal requirements. The application process is managed by the local county sheriff’s office.
How To Get A Gun Permit In South Dakota?
To obtain a concealed carry permit in South Dakota, applicants must be at least 21 years old and not subject to any legal prohibitions related to firearm possession. The permit is specifically for concealed carry and is only available for individuals who meet the required criteria.
South Dakota Gun Permit Laws
South Dakota allows open carry of firearms without a permit for individuals who are at least 18 years old and not prohibited from firearm possession. However, certain locations are off-limits for open carry.
The state also restricts the use of assault weapons such as machine guns and semi-automatic firearms, with exceptions for law enforcement officers, military personnel, licensed individuals, and those who acquire them from aggressors.
South Dakota Pistol Permit Requirements
To apply for a concealed carry permit in South Dakota, applicants must fulfill various requirements set forth by state law. These requirements include:
- Being at least 18 years old for a regular concealed carry permit and 21 years old for gold and enhanced licenses.
- Residing in the local county for at least 30 days, with exceptions for military personnel and their spouses.
- Being a legal resident of the United States.
- Not having any felony convictions involving violence.
- Not being a drug addict or intoxicated.
- No prior involvement in violent cases.
- No mental impairment or being deemed dangerous to oneself or others in the past 10 years.
- No firearm violations, controlled substance offenses, or misdemeanor charges related to firearms within the past five years.
- No active arrest warrant or fugitive status.
- Meeting all federal law requirements for pistol permit applications.
Different Types Of Gun Permits In South Dakota
South Dakota issues several types of firearm permits, including:
- State permit to purchase long guns: Not issued.
- State permit to purchase handguns: Not issued.
- State permit to open carry: Not required.
- State permit to conceal carry long guns: Not issued.
- State permit to conceal carry handguns: Issued for concealed carry of handguns.
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Gun License In South Dakota?
The costs associated with obtaining a concealed carry permit in South Dakota are as follows:
- Regular permit: $10
- Gold permit: $70
- Enhanced permit: $100
Additionally, applicants for gold and enhanced permits are required to pay an extra fee for fingerprinting, which amounts to $43.25.
Gun Permits Application And Renewal Law In South Dakota?
The process for applying for and renewing concealed carry permits in South Dakota involves several steps:
- Choose the desired permit type.
- Complete firearm training for enhanced permits.
- Submit the application to the county sheriff’s office, including fingerprints for gold and enhanced permits.
- Receive a temporary permit card within five days.
- Obtain a permanent card within about seven days.
For permit renewal, the application can be initiated up to 90 days before the expiration date and up to 30 days after. Renewal fees apply, along with a criminal record background check for gold and enhanced permits.
Gun Permit Reciprocity With South Dakota
South Dakota’s concealed carry permits are honored in various states across the United States. Some states recognize South Dakota permits outright, while others have certain restrictions or additional requirements for reciprocity.
States That Recognize South Dakota Pistol Permit
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Montana
- North Dakota
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With South Dakota
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Puerto Rico
States That Have Restricted Reciprocity With South Dakota
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- Vermont
- West Virginia
Relevant Gun Laws, Permits, And Legislature In South Dakota
In addition to the concealed carry permit regulations, South Dakota has specific laws governing firearm possession in various contexts:
- Possession Of Firearms In Private Vehicles Of The State: No permit is required for possession in private vehicles if the individual is at least 18 years old.
- Possession Of Firearms In Roadside Areas: Concealed carry is permitted in roadside areas for pistol permit holders.
- Possession Of Firearms In State Parks, Forests, And Wildlife Management Areas: Possession is allowed in these areas for pistol permit holders.
- Possession Of Firearms In Restaurant And Bar Areas: Concealed carry is permitted in the eatery area but not in the bar area. Certain establishments may have prohibitions.
- Possession Of Firearms In Hotels: Hotels set their own policies regarding firearm possession.
Conclusion
Navigating South Dakota’s gun laws and concealed carry permit system requires a thorough understanding of the state’s regulations. As a constitutional carry state that also offers concealed carry permits, South Dakota strikes a balance between individual rights and responsible firearm ownership. By following the outlined procedures and meeting the necessary requirements, residents can exercise their Second Amendment rights responsibly and legally.
FAQs;
Q1. Can I openly carry a firearm in South Dakota without a permit?
Yes, individuals who are at least 18 years old can openly carry firearms without a permit in most places in South Dakota.
Q2. What are the different types of concealed carry permits in South Dakota?
South Dakota offers Regular, Gold, and Enhanced concealed carry permits, each with varying benefits and requirements.
Q3. Can I apply for a concealed carry permit if I have a felony conviction?
No, individuals with felony convictions involving violence are ineligible for a concealed carry permit.
Q4. How much does it cost to obtain a concealed carry permit in South Dakota?
The cost varies depending on the type of permit: Regular ($10), Gold ($70), and Enhanced ($100). Fingerprinting for Gold and Enhanced permits adds an extra fee of $43.25.
Q5. Can I renew my concealed carry permit after it expires?
Yes, you can renew your concealed carry permit up to 30 days after its expiration. Renewal involves a fee and, for Gold and Enhanced permits, a criminal record background check.
