Open Carry in South Dakota
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
South Dakota permits open carry of firearms without a permit for most residents.
How South Dakota treats Open Carry
South Dakota allows any person legally allowed to possess a firearm to openly carry it in public without obtaining a permit first. The state does not require a license or background check for open carry of handguns or long guns. Some local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions, and certain locations like courthouses and schools remain off-limits. Permit-less carry has been the standard in South Dakota for many years.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.