*** PLEASE HAVE COPIES OF ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS READY TO UPLOAD BEFORE YOU BEGIN ***

Alternatively, you may skip the upload step and mail physical copies to SLED.

Examples of documents you may need, depending upon individual circumstances. This may include a scanned copy of your Driver's License, Property Tax Forms, Military ID, or etc.

For New CWP Applications, you will be required to schedule a session to have your fingerprints taken with IdentGo. A link will be provided at the end to schedule an appointment.

CWP New or Renewal by Mail

• Mark the box that applies to your situation (Disabled Veteran, Retired/Former Military, Active Military, Retired Law Enforcement, or Active Law Enforcement).
• For a new application, enter new in the Applicant Type space and leave the CWP number space blank.
• If renewing, enter Renewal in Applicant Type space and write your CWP number in the space provided.
• Fill in your full name (Last name, first name, middle name, suffix).
• Fill in your residential address (where you live currently).
• Fill in your mailing address (where you would like your permit mailed once ready).
• Fill in your social security number, driver license number and your alien number (if you have one).
• Fill in your date and place of birth in the space provided (state is fine).
• Fill in your race, sex, height (ex: 6'2"), weight, eye color, and hair color.
• Fill in your home phone, business phone, cell phone, and email (not all are needed to process your application.
• If you are a new CWP applicant, you will need to submit all of the proper documentation along with your application. Please see the FAQs for any questions concerning the proper documents that are needed.
• If you are a new CWP applicant, we will need (2) completed and signed fingerprint cards submitted along with your application.
• If you are filling out a renewal application, you DO NOT have to submit any fingerprint cards.
• If you are filling out a renewal application, you DO NOT have to fill in your training date, instructor cert. number, or student number as it is NOT needed to complete your renewal application.
• If you are filling out a renewal application, you DO NOT need to have an instructor signature or date (as you are just renewing your permit).
• 14. Check the appropriate boxes indicating South Carolina residence status, required training completion, and federal applicable question(s).
• 15. Sign and date your new and/or renewal application at the bottom of the application in the space provided.
• Make certain to also provide a copy of your current South Carolina driver license (making certain that it is current & the address that you have listed on the application you filled out matches such).
• If you are a Disabled Veteran, or Retired Law Enforcement you must provide documentation proving such status.
• Please mail your renewal to the address provided below, and mark it as noted:
  

  SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED)
  Attention CWP Renewal PO Box 21398 Columbia, SC 29221

• The link for the CWP paper new and renewal application is below:
  

CWP Forms

CWP Statistics

Concealed Weapon Permit Statistics for 2025
Active Permits on December 31, 2025…...…………………..........………………. 480,965
Permits Issued in 2025…………………………………………………...............….. 69,550
Permit Applications Denied in 2025…………....………………………….............…. 1,056
Permits Revoked in 2025……………………………………………...…..............….. 1,426
Total Historical CWP Applications and Permits on December 31, 2025.............…. 753,010

Instructor Section

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) implemented a new Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) system on May 1st, 2018. SLED in partnership with IdentoGo by IDEMIA, has developed the SLED EasyPath system. This streamlined system allows SLED to process CWP's as required by statute, while offering applicants a new online renewal process and adding a new online permit replacement feature as well.

In the next phase, SLED will implement a new online CWP registration and electronic fingerprinting capture system that will be available starting January 8th, 2019. This phase will allow applicants for a NEW SC CWP to begin the application online and set up an appointment at an available IdentoGo site. At the IdentoGo site they can submit their CWP application documentation and have their fingerprints taken and sent to SLED electronically. SLED will continue to process all submitted applications received from the IdentoGo appointments made online(UNAVAILABLE) and any applications made by mail. 
 

If your students wish to continue to schedule their NEW CWP application onsite appointment, or start an online permit renewal, or permit replacement application then they should click this link(UNAVAILABLE), but if they wish to submit a paper application and mail it directly to SLED , then they should click here. 

*Please let your students know that they can begin a new CWP application online and schedule an appointment with an Idemia physical location where they will have their fingerprints taken and submit their application documents. Idemia will submit their documents electronically to SLED and SLED will process the application and review the applicants's backgrounds. If they have any questions, they should call the SLED Regulatory Department office directly at: 
803-896-7015 

Instructor Forms

State Gun Laws

Please note the above image is not sized in accordance with statutory requirements and should be used as visual representation only. These images are not suitable for printing or use as actual signage. Please review Section 23-31-235 of the S.C. Code of Laws for sign requirements.

Does My Out of State CWP Authorize Me to Carry in South Carolina?

This section is currently being revised due to the new H. 3594 - Consitutional Carry Law.