Gun laws in South Dakota


Gun laws in South Dakota regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms and ammunition in the state of South Dakota in the United States.

Summary table


Subject/LawLong GunsHandgunsRelevant StatutesNotes
State permit required to purchase?NoNo
Firearm registration?NoNo
Owner license required?NoNo
Permit required for concealed carry?N/ANoSouth Dakota is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry. Permitless carry is legal as of July 1, 2019.
Permit required for open carry?NoNo
State preemption of local restrictions?YesYes
Assault weapon law?NoNo
Magazine Capacity Restriction?NoNo
NFA weapons restricted?NoNo
Background checks required for private sales?NoNo

South Dakota is a "shall issue" state for concealed carry. Permitless carry is legal as of July 1, 2019. The local county sheriff shall issue a permit to carry a concealed pistol to qualified applicants. A temporary permit shall be issued within five days of the application. Concealed carry is not permitted at any public elementary or secondary school or in a school vehicle, in any courthouse, or in any establishment that derives over half of its income from the sale of alcoholic beverages which are ingested on site. For non-residents, South Dakota recognizes valid concealed carry permits from any other state.
Open carry is legal in South Dakota and does not require a concealed pistol permit.
When buying a handgun from a Federal Firearms License holder, an application to purchase a handgun must be filled out by the buyer and submitted to the FBI NICS by the seller. Beginning June 1, 2009, anyone who passes the federal background check will be able to take possession of any firearm immediately, per SB0070.
South Dakota has state preemption of firearms laws. Units of local government may not restrict the possession, transportation, sale, transfer, ownership, manufacture, or repair of firearms or ammunition or their components. Preemption was further strengthened in 2019 by preventing local governments from restricting, prohibiting, imposing a tax, license requirement, or license fee on any of the above actions, plus the storage and purchase of firearm, ammunition, or components. It also mandates the attorney general to seek injunctive relief from any locality that violates preemption.
Firearms manufacturers, distributors, and sellers are not liable for injury caused by the use of firearms.