Reciprocity, Training, and Special Circumstances
Review permit recognition when traveling, enhanced-permit training, federal law-enforcement provisions, and guidance for active-duty military members and spouses.
Travel With a Permit
Reciprocity and recognition
Confirm another state's current requirements before carrying
Concealed-weapons permit holders are responsible for checking with the proper authorities before carrying in another jurisdiction. Laws and recognition rules can change without notice to the Secretary of State.
Open the reciprocity grid (PDF)
South Dakota recognizes valid concealed pistol permits issued by other U.S. states for people who may lawfully possess a concealed pistol. South Dakota does not issue nonresident permits, and permits from another state cannot be transferred into a South Dakota permit.
State-by-State Rules
Open carry and constitutional carry
South Dakota allows permitless open carry and permitless concealed carry for residents and nonresidents who may lawfully possess a pistol. Other states have different rules.
Enhanced Permits
Qualifying handgun course
A qualifying handgun course must be taught by a National Rifle Association-certified instructor who also holds a current South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation certificate on the use of force.
Required course subjects
- South Dakota law relating to firearms and the use of force.
- Safe and responsible handgun use.
- Self-defense principles.
- Live-fire training that includes at least 98 rounds of ammunition fired by the student.
See SDCL 23-7-58. DCI develops the use-of-force instruction and course standards described in SDCL 23-7-59.
Certified instructors
Review the current list of enhanced concealed-pistol use-of-force instructors.
Open the instructor roster (PDF) →Division of Criminal Investigation
Contact DCI at 605-773-3331 for specific information about instructors or classes.
Visit DCI concealed-permit training →Federal Provisions
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act
The federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004 authorizes qualified active and retired law-enforcement officers carrying agency-issued photographic identification to carry a concealed firearm, subject to statutory limitations. It does not supersede state laws allowing private-property restrictions or prohibiting firearms on state or local government property, and it excludes machine guns, silencers, and destructive devices from its definition of firearm.
The amendments expanded covered agencies and personnel and clarified definitions for qualified active and retired officers.
Residency and Deployment
Active-duty military members and spouses
Active-duty military personnel, and spouses of active-duty military personnel, with South Dakota as their home of record are considered to have met the residency requirements described in SDCL 23-7-7.1(6) and SDCL 23-7-7.5.
A military member whose regular concealed-carry permit expires while deployed outside the member's state of residence may complete the military renewal application and have a unit commander or commanding officer attest to the member's identity.
The application and supporting documents are mailed to the sheriff of the member's South Dakota county of residence for the background check. If approved, the temporary permit is forwarded to the military member. See SDCL 23-7-8.12.