Does South Dakota Honor Washington CCW Permits?

What This Means for You

If you hold a valid Washington concealed carry permit, you may legally carry a concealed firearm in South Dakota — subject to South Dakota's laws on where carry is permitted, what locations are off-limits, and what you must do if approached by law enforcement. Your permit type and any restrictions on it (resident vs non-resident, enhanced vs standard) may further limit what's recognized.

Always Follow South Dakota's Rules

Reciprocity only addresses recognition of your permit. Once you cross the state line into South Dakota, you are bound by South Dakota's carry laws — including no-carry zones (schools, courts, government buildings, posted private property), duty-to-inform rules during law-enforcement encounters, magazine capacity limits, and any restrictions on locations like restaurants serving alcohol.

Note on open carry: Reciprocity covers concealed carry only. South Dakota may have entirely different rules for open carry; review South Dakota's open-carry guide before traveling.

Restrictions to Watch For in South Dakota

• No-carry zones: <p>In South Dakota, firearms are generally prohibited in the following locations, even for those with a concealed carry permit:</p><ul><li>Schools and school property</li><li>Courthouses and other government buildings</li><li>Polling places on election days</li><li>Certain private property where the owner has prohibited firearms</li></ul>
• Permit-type nuances: <p>South Dakota is a permitless carry state, meaning residents can carry concealed handguns without obtaining a permit. However, the state does offer an optional concealed carry permit, which can be useful for reciprocity with other states and may be required in certain situations, such as carrying in other jurisdictions or on federal lands.</p><p>The application process for a South Dakota concealed carry permit involves completing a background check, firearm safety training, and paying a fee. The permit is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.</p>
• Vehicle carry: <p>In South Dakota, individuals may carry loaded handguns in their vehicles without a permit. This includes both handguns and long guns, as long as they are transported in a manner that makes them readily available for use. There are no specific requirements for the firearm to be unloaded or stored in a particular way, as long as it is legally possessed.</p>

Reverse Direction

The reverse question — "Does Washington honor South Dakota CCW permits?" — has its own answer: Yes. See the Washington ← South Dakota page for details.