South Dakota is a constitutional carry state, which means that a permit isn’t required for anyone 18 years of age or older to carry a concealed firearm.

Although a permit isn’t required, there are three types of concealed carry permits available in South Dakota:

1. Regular
2. Gold Card
3. Enhanced

Obtaining a permit allows residents to concealed carry in 31 states, with Gold adding Wisconsin and Enhanced adding an additional 7 states. Gold and Enhanced also allow the permit holder to bypass the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) when buying a firearm out of state.

Residents can apply for any of the three permits by following the steps below.^[2]

1. Complete Concealed Pistol Permit Application. This form is only available from the sheriff’s office in the county where the applicant lives.
2. A background check will be performed on the applicant. If they are applying for a Gold or Enhanced permit, a fingerprint background check is also required.
3. Enhanced Permit applicants are required to successfully complete a qualifying handgun course (current list of course instructors). Proof of completion must be provided with the permit application.
4. If the applicant passes the necessary background checks, they will be given a permit after paying the necessary fee.