Concealed Pistol Permits
Learn about South Dakota concealed pistol permit types, county sheriff application and renewal procedures, replacement cards, reciprocity, training, and permit statistics.
Applications are handled by county sheriff offices
The Secretary of State does not accept or approve concealed pistol permit applications. Apply for or renew a permit through the sheriff's office in the South Dakota county where you reside. The Secretary of State produces the official permit card using information submitted by the sheriff's office.
South Dakota residents and nonresidents who may lawfully possess a pistol are not required to have a permit to carry a concealed pistol in South Dakota. See SDCL 23-7-7.
Through Your County Sheriff
Application process
- Contact your county sheriff. The sheriff's office provides and accepts the temporary permit application for residents of that county.
- Provide the required information. The application requests identifying and residency information, required statements, and the applicant's signature. Providing false information or false evidence of identity is a Class 6 felony. See SDCL 23-7-8.
- The sheriff completes the required checks. A regular temporary permit is issued within five days when statutory requirements are met. Fingerprint background checks may make enhanced and gold card processing longer. See SDCL 23-7-7.1.
- The sheriff sends permit information to the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State then produces the official permit card.
Five-Year Permits
Renewal periods
All permits are renewed through the sheriff's office in the county where the permit holder resides.
Beginning 90 days before expiration
A regular permit may be renewed beginning 90 days before it expires after the required background investigation. See SDCL 23-7-8.11.
180 days before through 30 days after
A gold card permit may be renewed beginning 180 days before expiration and ending 30 days after expiration after the required background checks. See SDCL 23-7-62.
365 days before through 30 days after
An enhanced permit may be renewed beginning 365 days before expiration and ending 30 days after expiration after required background checks and renewal training. See SDCL 23-7-56.
Thirty-day grace period
State law provides a 30-day renewal grace period in specified circumstances. The grace period does not apply when a permit holder commits a disqualifying crime or attempted renewal and was denied. Review SDCL 23-7-8.13 and SDCL 23-7-8.14.
Location Restrictions
Where a permit does not authorize concealed carry
- County courthouses and the State Capitol (please see below for the exception), except as specifically authorized by law. See SDCL 22-14-22.
- Elementary and secondary schools. See SDCL 13-32-7.
- Permits are not transferable from one person to another. See SDCL 23-7-8.3.
State Capitol requirements
Carrying a concealed pistol in the State Capitol requires an enhanced permit and advance notice to the superintendent of the Division of Highway Patrol. The notice must identify the date or date range and may not extend beyond December 31 of the year. Review SDCL 22-14-24 for all requirements.
National parks
For current rules in national parks, contact the National Park Service or review its South Dakota park information.
Lost Cards and Updated Information
Request a replacement permit
Permit holders must notify the Secretary of State in writing about a legal name change, physical address change, or replacement request for a lost/stolen permit. See SDCL 23-7-69.
Email a replacement request
Send the required information to [email protected].
- Name
- Date of birth
- Mailing and physical addresses
- Updates needed on the permit
Mail a replacement request
Include the same required information in a signed letter.
Secretary of State
Attn: Permits
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
Downloads and Related Information
Resources
South Dakota Firearm Laws
Review the current firearm-law handbook provided with this section.
Open the firearm handbook (PDF) →Reciprocity and recognition
Review maps, training information, military guidance, and law-enforcement provisions.
View reciprocity and training →Frequently asked questions
Find answers about renewals, replacement cards, residency, permitless carry, training, and privacy.
Read pistol permit FAQs →