South Carolina Firearms Private-Sale Legal Guide

Last updated 2026-05-03. This guide is informational only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.

Background-check rules

No background check required for in-state private sales.

Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) prohibits private sales to residents of other states.

Permit to purchase

• Handgun: not required
• Long gun: not required

Waiting period

None.

Magazine capacity limit

No state magazine limit.

Assault-weapon ban

No state assault-weapon ban.

NFA items

• Suppressors: legal with NFA stamp
• Short-barrel rifles: legal with NFA stamp

Registration

No state-level registration.

Red flag law

No state red flag law.

Privately-made firearms ("ghost guns")

No state-specific PMF restrictions beyond federal law.

Citation

S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23

Required platform notice

Federal law generally requires private firearm transfers to occur between residents of the same state. Buyer and seller are solely responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local firearms laws. This platform does not facilitate, broker, or witness any sale.