A South Carolina Firearm Bill of Sale provides proof of purchase and the details of your gun sale in the state.
Private sellers should use this form to create an official record of the firearm sale, the purchase price, and other essential details.
There is no waiting period to purchase a firearm in South Carolina and a permit you must obtain before you carry your gun in public.
Firearm laws: South Carolina Code § 16-23-30(A), South Carolina Code § 23-31-510(1), SC Code § 16-23-20(12)
Restrictions: Yes
State permit to purchase: No
Registration of firearm: No
License to own: No
Assault weapon law: No
Magazine capacity restriction: No
Permit for concealed carry: Yes
Permit for open carry: Yes
How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Private parties are individuals who are not in the business of selling firearms. They are not licensed dealers and only want to sell, gift, or transfer firearms between one another.
For example, selling a firearm to a friend is a private party sale. A South Carolina firearm bill of transfer form can help you make the exchange correctly.
Requirements
There are minimal requirements to sell a firearm in South Carolina.
Restrictions
Under South Carolina Code § 16-23-30(A), the following persons are prohibited from purchasing a firearm:
- A person convicted of a violent crime in the United States, territories, possessions, or the District of Columbia
- Any person who is a fugitive from justice
- A person who is a drug addict, habitual drunkard, or has been adjudicated as mentally incompetent
- A person who is part of a subversive organization
- A person under the age of eighteen (18), unless they are entitled to use a firearm as part of their military service or while under the immediate supervision of a parent or adult instructor for purposes of firearm instruction
- A person adjudged unfit to carry or possess a firearm by a county court judge or circuit judge in South Carolina
Firearm Inheritance Laws
Firearms are a type of personal property. If owned directly by an individual, they can pass through the South Carolina probate process or a will.
If a trust owns the firearm, the transfer of that firearm is governed by the trust.
Registration
South Carolina does not require registration of firearms.
The state prohibits government agencies from requiring registration of privately owned firearms according to South Carolina Code § 23-31-510(1).
Background checks performed by firearms dealers are sent to law enforcement and national databases.
Transactions between private sellers are not typically sent to the police.
Concealed and Open Carry Permit
Open carry of a long gun is allowed without a permit in South Carolina. You will need a permit if you want to open carry a handgun or concealed carry any firearm per SC Code § 16-23-20(12).
You can apply for a Concealed Weapon Permit through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
How to Apply
A Concealed Weapon Permit will be issued to residents of South Carolina, at least 21 years old, not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm, and after completing a firearm safety course approved by the state.
Step 1 – Complete Application
Complete a Concealed Weapon Permit Application either online or through the mail.
Step 2 – Attach Documentation and Photo
Include the following in your application:
- Photocopy of current state-issued ID or DHS alien card;
- Two completed and signed fingerprint cards;
Step 3 – Pay Fees
All applicants must pay the $50 application fee (current as of June 2023).
Step 4 – Wait for Approval or Denial
It takes up to 90 days for the issuing agency to approve or deny your application.
Gun Reciprocity
Under South Carolina Code § 23-31-215(N), South Carolina recognizes concealed carry licenses from all states except:
- Alabama
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Indiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
South Carolina Firearm Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of a South Carolina firearm bill of sale.
