Training Begins for New South Dakota Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit

The first training has started for South Dakota’s new enhanced concealed carry permit that will allow its holders to legally carry handguns in states not covered by South Dakota’s standard reciprocity agreements. 

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced in July that rules for the enhanced concealed carry gun permit had been approved by the Interim Rules Committee and the initial training class would be launched Sept. 23 at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre. 

Under the new rules, instruction for the state’s enhanced concealed carry classes are provided by National Rifle Association certified instructors and the Division of Criminal Investigation. 

During its 2015 session, the South Dakota Legislature enacted the new option in order to allow qualified South Dakotans to meet the requirements of neighboring states of Minnesota, Nebraska and others that were not part of the 26-state reciprocity under the standard concealed-carry law. 

The new enhanced permit course includes instruction on South Dakota law relating to firearms and the use of force, the basic concepts of safe and responsible handgun use, self-defense principles and live-fire training of at least 98 rounds of ammunition. 

Fee for the training and course, established by the SD Division of Criminal Investigation, is $150. 

South Dakota’s current permit law remains in place for which South Dakota has reciprocity with the following 26 states that recognize its current concealed carry permit, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. 

The next enhanced concealed carry class is projected for the January/February time frame, according to the Secretary of State’s office. 

For specific information regarding the training instructors or classes, contact the Division of Criminal Investigation at (605) 773-3331.