Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about renewals, replacement cards, residency, permitless carry, training, reciprocity, and the roles of county sheriffs and the Secretary of State.
Cards and Expiration
Renewals and replacements
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1. Where do I renew my permit?
Renew through your local county sheriff's office. Contact an enhanced use-of-force instructor before renewing an enhanced permit because the required class must be completed every five years.
Find your county sheriff or review the current instructor roster (PDF).
2. What should I do if my name or address changes, or my permit is lost?
Send a written request to the Secretary of State by email or mail. Include your name, permit number, date of birth, old and new information when applicable, and your signature.
Email [email protected], or mail the request to Secretary of State, Attn: Permits, 500 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501. Call 605-773-3537 with questions.
3. How soon may I renew?
- Regular permits: beginning 90 days before expiration.
- Gold card permits: beginning 180 days before expiration and ending 30 days after expiration.
- Enhanced permits: beginning 365 days before expiration and ending 30 days after expiration.
Renew through the sheriff's office in your county of residence.
4. What happens to a restricted enhanced permit when the holder turns 21?
A holder of an unexpired restricted enhanced permit may request an unrestricted enhanced permit at no additional cost after turning 21. Email [email protected] or mail a written request to Secretary of State, Attn: Permits, 500 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD 57501. See SDCL 23-7-54.4.
Residency and Carry
Eligibility and carrying
5. Does South Dakota issue nonresident permits?
No. South Dakota recognizes valid concealed pistol permits from other U.S. states for people who may lawfully possess a concealed pistol.
6. How long must I reside in South Dakota before seeking a permit?
The legacy permit information states that an applicant must reside in the county of application for 30 days. Review current eligibility with the county sheriff and SDCL 23-7-7.1.
7. May I openly carry a pistol?
South Dakota allows permitless open carry and permitless concealed carry for residents and nonresidents who may lawfully possess a pistol.
8. Is there a limit to the amount of ammunition I may carry?
Contact the South Dakota Attorney General's Office for guidance at 605-773-3215.
9. May I hold regular, enhanced, and gold card permits at the same time?
Yes. A person may hold multiple permit types simultaneously.
10. What is the difference between regular, gold card, and enhanced permits?
Requirements, background checks, training requirements, and renewal periods differ. Review the permit-types comparison.
Courses and Other States
Training and travel
11. Who can answer questions about the enhanced course? Are out-of-state courses accepted?
An enhanced permit requires a qualifying South Dakota course. Online and out-of-state courses do not satisfy the statutory requirement. Contact the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation at 605-773-3331 or visit DCI concealed-permit training.
12. What is the difference between reciprocity and recognition?
Recognition means a state accepts another state's valid permits without a formal agreement. Reciprocity means two states have a written agreement to recognize each other's permits.
13. Which states recognize South Dakota permits?
Review the reciprocity and recognition information. Confirm current rules directly with the destination state before carrying.
14. Is a permit from another state transferable after moving to South Dakota?
No. An out-of-state permit cannot be transferred into a South Dakota permit. Contact the sheriff's office in your South Dakota county of residence about obtaining a South Dakota permit.
15. Can I take an online enhanced-permit course?
No. Under SDCL 23-7-58, the applicant must complete the qualifying handgun course with a South Dakota-certified instructor. Review the current instructor roster (PDF).
Privacy and Agency Roles
Records and assistance
16. How can I find out who has a concealed pistol permit?
Permit information is not a public record under SDCL 23-7-8.6. Law-enforcement agencies and the Secretary of State may access the information as provided by SDCL 23-7-8.10.
17. Can the Secretary of State help me obtain approval for a permit?
No. Applications are made through the sheriff's office in the applicant's county of residence. The sheriff's office conducts the required checks and determines whether to issue the permit. The Secretary of State produces the official permit card using information submitted by the sheriff's office. See SDCL 23-7-7.