Renewing your South Carolina CWP (concealed weapons permit) is easier than ever. SLED has partnered with a company called IdentoGO to process new permit applications and renewals. You can also process card replacement applications with them as well. To get to IdentoGO, point your browser here. Once there, click on the far left box – Schedule a New Appointment. Read the instructions on the screen and click “here“, then select CWP Renewal Application and click Go.
These are the things you’ll need.
- First and foremost, you’ll need your state issued South Carolina drivers license and your current CWP.
- You also need a social security number. If you don’t have one, you must call SLED at 803-896-7015.
- If you have a non-resident permit, you will need a completed copy of a SC Real Property Tax Form. You can obtain the form here. The form must be dated within 12 months of submitting your SLED application.
- If you have changed your name since obtaining your CWP, you’ll need to make sure that your state issued ID reflects the change.
- If you are a disabled veteran, you’ll need to provide a copy of your VA Disability Letter that indicates percentage of disability.
- Make sure you provide your Law Enforcement credentials if you are a retired law enforcement officer.
What’s nice about using this new online system to renew your SC CWP is you can upload electronic copies of the above required documents or, if you don’t have the means to do that, you can start the application process online and mail in the documents instead. The system only accepts PDF, JPEG, or PNG file formats to do this process 100% online. Have them ready before starting the renewal process. To use the mail-in option, you will print out the online renewal request form you filled out and mail it to SLED within 30 days of starting the application process. Not getting it all mailed in within 30 days will result in a denial. The address to SLED can be found here. Processing can take some time. It is not uncommon for SLED to get backed up. Because of this, you will want to process your renewal six months in advance.
Update: I have been receiving multiple reports that mailed in renewals are taking much longer than ever anticipated. I highly recommend that you renew your CWP strictly by using the online method. Not doing so could cause delays of upwards toward six to nine months. If you are not confident in using the internet or online forms like this, I recommend you find someone who is and have them assist you in processing your renewal online.
Update 10/27/24: The online renewal system seems to be down and has been down at least two weeks prior to this update. I will be in touch with SLED to see if they can get it fixed. Hopefully, by the time you read this, it will be fixed.
Be Safe,
Joe Shahoud
Joe Shahoud is the owner and lead instructor at Safe Family Defense LLC, a firearms training academy that serves the greater Columbia, SC area specializing in pistol, concealed weapons permits, personal defense, and general education in personal safety. Visit their classes page to see what is available and enroll.
Joe is also the owner of Safe Family Safes, an online retailer that specializes in fast-access smart gun safes and other gear essential to the concealed carry lifestyle.
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