South Carolina Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 16, 2026
South Carolina offers some of the most diverse hunting in the Southeast — from whitetail deer in the upstate hardwoods to waterfowl along the coastal marshes. Before you head afield, though, you need to make sure your licensing is in order.
Getting your paperwork wrong can cost you your privileges, so understanding exactly what the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) requires is the first step to a successful season. This guide walks you through every layer of the state’s licensing system, from who needs a license to how to buy one and keep it valid.
Who Needs a Hunting License in South Carolina
A hunting license is required to hunt in South Carolina. The general rule is straightforward: if you are 16 years of age or older and you want to hunt any game species in the state, you must carry a valid license. That applies whether you are a lifelong Palmetto State resident or visiting from out of state.
All licenses, permits, stamps, and tags must be in the possession of the license holder while engaging in activities for which license documents were issued. Identification indicating name and address must also be in the possession of the privilege holder. That means you cannot leave your license at home or in the truck — it must be on your person in the field.
Persons hunting on their own lands are required to have all applicable licenses, permits, stamps, or tags in their possession. Owning the property where you hunt does not exempt you from the licensing requirement.
Important Note: South Carolina’s licensing system layers multiple documents. A base hunting license alone is often not enough — species-specific permits and tags are required on top of it for deer, bear, turkey, and other regulated game.
Beyond the base license, small game requires a hunting license only, but if you are hunting deer, bear, or turkey, a hunting license, big game permit, and additional tags are required. Additional tags or permits are required for commercial fur trapping, nongame fish devices, shrimp baiting, migratory birds, deer, bear, turkey, and alligator.
If you plan to hunt on public land, there is one more layer to consider. For deer, bear, and turkey, you also need a big game permit. If you hunt on Wildlife Management Area land, you need a WMA permit too. You can learn more about how these rules interact with specific seasons on our South Carolina hunting laws page.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina provides a few important exemptions from the standard licensing requirement. Knowing who qualifies can save you money and simplify your planning.
No child under 16 years of age is required to obtain a hunting or fishing license unless that child engages in the taking of game or fish for commercial purposes or possesses any nongame fishing devices. However, this exemption does not extend to tags. Children under 16 do not need a basic hunting license, but they still need required tags for species like deer, bear, and turkey.
Military personnel also receive special consideration. Active duty or military personnel who are residents of SC stationed outside of the state and home on leave may, upon presentation of their earnings and leave statement (which must declare SC as their home state), be allowed to fish and hunt throughout the state without purchasing a hunting, freshwater fishing, or saltwater fishing license. Permits are still required to hunt big game, migratory birds, migratory waterfowl, and on WMA lands.
If you are a resident of South Carolina receiving disability benefits, you may be eligible for a free hunting and fishing license. You can check eligibility and apply directly through SCDNR.
- Youth under age 16 — no license required, but species tags still apply
- SC-resident active duty military on leave — no base license required (permits still required)
- SC residents receiving qualifying disability benefits — may be eligible for a free license
- SC residents age 64 and older — eligible for a discounted lifetime license
Keep a reliable License and Certification Wallet Holder with you in the field to keep your license, tags, and hunter education card organized and protected from the elements.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in South Carolina
Your residency status determines which license tier you fall into — and the price difference between the two is significant. Getting this wrong is one of the most common and costly mistakes hunters make.
A resident is a person who is a domiciled (permanent) resident of South Carolina. Proof of residency at license vendors is your unexpired State of South Carolina Driver’s License or Identification Card. Residency is determined based on the date of issue of your SCDMV-issued driver’s license or identification card.
A person licensed by another state as a resident for any purpose is not eligible to apply for, obtain, or hold any South Carolina resident license, permit, or tag. This is a firm rule — you cannot hold resident privileges in two states simultaneously.
Military personnel and their dependents stationed in SC for thirty days or longer, or who are domiciled in this state, are eligible for resident privileges. Valid military identification must be presented when applying.
Students enrolled full time in a SC educational institution are eligible for resident privileges. A valid student ID must be presented when applying for privileges.
Pro Tip: If you recently moved to South Carolina, get your SC driver’s license or state ID before purchasing a hunting license. That document is the standard proof of residency accepted at license vendors.
A nonresident is a person who does not meet the definition of resident. Any person who lawfully acquires a resident South Carolina license, permit, or tag and who then transfers their residency outside of this state may continue to use the privileges until they expire. However, if the licensee applies for privileges not covered by the license and no longer meets the requirement for a resident, they must purchase the additional licenses as a nonresident.
International visitors are also accommodated. Upon presentation of a passport or any international government-issued documentation, an international customer may purchase hunting and fishing licenses without having to provide a social security number. Nonresident license fees apply.
Types of Hunting Licenses in South Carolina
The type of license you need depends on the type of activities you participate in and whether you are a resident or nonresident of South Carolina. The state structures its licensing system in tiers, starting with a base hunting license and adding permits and tags depending on what and where you hunt.
SCDNR offers a variety of licenses, both resident and nonresident, to include temporary, annual, and 3-year privileges for hunting and fishing. There are SC resident combination and sportsman licenses that offer both hunting and fishing privileges together.
Here is a breakdown of the primary license and permit types available:
| License / Permit Type | Who It Covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | Residents and nonresidents age 16+ | Base license required for all hunting activity |
| Big Game Permit | Anyone hunting deer, bear, or turkey | Required in addition to base license |
| WMA Permit | Anyone hunting on Wildlife Management Area land | Required for public land access |
| Combination License | Residents only | Bundles hunting and fishing privileges |
| Temporary / Short-Term License | Nonresidents | Available in 3-day and 10-day options |
| 3-Year License | Residents and nonresidents | Multi-year option available for some privileges |
| Lifetime License (Senior) | SC residents age 64+ (180+ days residency) | Covers hunting, fishing, big game, WMA, and waterfowl |
| Disability License | Qualifying SC residents with disability benefits | Free license — apply through SCDNR |
The senior lifetime license is a notable option for older hunters. A person who has been a resident of SC for 180 days or longer and has reached the age of 64 may apply for a Lifetime License for $9.00. The license is valid for Freshwater Fishing, Freshwater Set Hook, Saltwater Fishing, State Hunting, Big Game, WMA, and Migratory Waterfowl. Lifetime Licenses are available through the mail or in person at DNR offices in Aynor, Columbia, Charleston, Clemson, Florence, and York and DNR at the SC State Farmer’s Market.
If you are planning a dove hunting season in South Carolina or a turkey hunting season, make sure you understand which additional permits apply to those specific species before you purchase.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in South Carolina
South Carolina keeps resident license costs relatively low while charging substantially more for nonresidents. The figures below reflect the 2025–2026 license year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026) as published by SCDNR and third-party sources. Hunters should still check the final fee pages before paying because state pricing pages can be updated.
According to huntinglicenseusa.com (as of April 2026), the SC hunting license costs $25 for residents (statewide) or $225 for non-residents (hunt + big game).
| License / Permit | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | $12 | $125 (annual) |
| Big Game Permit (deer, bear, turkey) | $6 | $100 |
| WMA Permit | Included with some licenses | $76 |
| Nonresident 10-Day License | N/A | $75 |
| Nonresident 3-Day License | N/A | $40 |
| Turkey Tags (set) | $5 (3 tags) | $100 (2 tags) |
| Resident Buck Deer Tags | Included (3 free tags with Big Game Permit) | $50 (first tag), $20 (additional) |
| Senior Lifetime License (age 64+) | $9.00 | N/A |
| Duplicate License | $3.00 | $3.00 |
Source: SCDNR official pricing pages and huntinglicenseusa.com as of April 2026 / huntinglocator.com as of February 2026. Verify current fees at dnr.sc.gov before purchasing.
Nonresident hunters usually underestimate the total cost because the base license is only the first step. Non-residents need a hunting license ($125), Big Game Permit ($100 for deer/turkey/bear), and WMA permit ($76) — a total investment around $301 for access to over 1 million acres of public hunting land.
Common Mistake: Buying only the base hunting license when targeting deer or turkey. You must also purchase the Big Game Permit and the appropriate tags — the license alone does not authorize you to harvest big game.
Duplicate licenses are issued upon affidavit from the licensee that the original license was lost or destroyed and payment of a $3.00 fee. Duplicate and replacement tags are issued only through SCDNR offices. No duplicates are issued for federal duck stamps — a new stamp must be purchased.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in South Carolina
Beyond the base license and big game permit, South Carolina requires additional documentation for several species and hunting situations. Understanding these add-ons before your trip prevents last-minute problems in the field.
Migratory Bird Permit (HIP)
A harvest information permit survey must be completed to obtain the Migratory Bird Permit. This permit is required of those age 16 and older hunting migratory birds in the state. Dove hunting requires a Migratory Bird Permit beyond your regular hunting license. This permit includes HIP registration and is typically issued at no additional cost when you purchase your hunting license.
Migratory Waterfowl Permit and Federal Duck Stamp
A Migratory Waterfowl Permit, in addition to a state hunting license, migratory bird permit, and Federal Duck Stamp, is required of those age 16 and older hunting waterfowl (brants, ducks, and geese) in the state. A Federal Duck Stamp and South Carolina Migratory Bird Permit are required for all waterfowl hunting. The Federal Duck Stamp must be signed across the face and carried while hunting.
Hunters 64 years of age or older who hold a SCDNR lifetime hunting, lifetime combination, Senior license, or Gratis license are not required to obtain a migratory bird permit. Hunters who hold a SCDNR lifetime migratory waterfowl hunting add-on, Senior license, Gratis license, Catawba license, or Disability license do not need to obtain an annual migratory waterfowl permit — the migratory waterfowl permit is included in each of these licenses.
Deer, Bear, and Turkey Tags
Tags are required to hunt deer, bear, and turkey. Residents get 3 free buck tags with their Big Game Permit. Non-residents pay $50 for the first tag and $20 for additional tags. Residents get a set of 3 turkey tags for $5. Non-residents pay $100 for a set of 2 turkey tags. All hunters, including youth, must have turkey tags.
Alligator Tags
A lottery is required for alligator tags. New for 2025, slot tags allow harvest of alligators between 4 and 8 feet in length, with restricted methods. Traditional tags are still available for larger alligators.
WMA Permit
If you plan to hunt on any of South Carolina’s Wildlife Management Areas, a WMA permit is required in addition to your base license and any applicable big game permit. With over 1.1 million acres of public land available and some of the longest seasons in the Southeast, there is something here for every type of hunter — but access to that land requires the right paperwork. For bow hunting on South Carolina WMAs, additional restrictions may also apply.
A quality pair of Hunting Binoculars is one of the most useful tools you can bring to any South Carolina hunt, whether you are glassing fields for deer or scanning marsh edges for waterfowl.
Hunter Education Requirements in South Carolina
South Carolina enforces a mandatory hunter education requirement tied to your date of birth — not your age at the time of application. This applies to everyone, regardless of how long they have been hunting.
All residents and nonresidents born after June 30, 1979, must successfully complete a SCDNR-approved hunter education course and present the certificate of completion before a hunting or combination license can be obtained. A hunter education card alone is not a valid hunting license.
The course covers wildlife management, conservation, firearms safety, hunting ethics, and regulations. All hunters born after June 30, 1979 must complete hunter education. Free online and in-person courses are available.
The licensee must have the hunter education certification in their possession while hunting. Completing the course and then leaving your card at home still puts you out of compliance — carry it with you every time you go afield.
South Carolina accepts qualifying certifications from other U.S. states and Canadian provinces. If you completed a hunter education course in another state or province, that certification is generally valid in South Carolina — you do not need to retake the course.
Key Insight: The hunter education requirement applies to both residents and nonresidents. Out-of-state hunters who were born after June 30, 1979, must present proof of completion from their home state or complete a South Carolina-approved course before purchasing a license.
If you are preparing to take the course or helping a new hunter get ready, a Hunter Education Course Study Guide can help you review firearms safety, wildlife identification, and regulation basics before the exam.
For more information on hunter education, you can contact SCDNR directly at 800-277-4301 or visit the official hunter education section of the SCDNR website.
How to Buy a Hunting License in South Carolina
South Carolina offers several convenient ways to purchase your hunting license, permits, and tags. Through the Go Outdoors SC system, customers can purchase their hunting and fishing licenses, renew their boats, apply for lottery hunt opportunities, and complete electronic harvest reporting requirements.
Online (Recommended)
The easiest way to buy your South Carolina hunting license is online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. You will get your license instantly and can start hunting right away. The official portal is at GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com. Due to fraudulent websites, please ensure that when buying licenses, permits, and tags from SCDNR the URL address is https://license.gooutdoorssouthcarolina.com.
The online process follows these steps:
- Visit GoOutdoorsSouthCarolina.com and create an account or sign in
- Select your hunting license type and any applicable big game licenses
- Purchase deer and turkey tags if needed
- Pay with a credit or debit card
- Print your license or save it digitally
In Person
Licenses are also available at Walmart, sporting goods stores, and SCDNR offices. SCDNR offices are located in Aynor, Charleston, Clemson, Florence, York, and SCDNR at the SC State Farmer’s Market.
By Phone
You can also call SCDNR at 803-734-3886. A service fee may apply for phone purchases.
By Mail
If you prefer to submit a mail-in application, SCDNR provides the applications on their website.
Important Note: Nonresident deer tags must be purchased directly from SCDNR — they are not available at retail stores like Walmart or sporting goods chains.
The disclosure of your social security number or alien identification number is required to obtain SC hunting and fishing licenses. This complies with SC Code of Laws Section 63-14-1080 and Federal law 42 USCA 666(a)(13), which requires a licensing agency to provide this information to the Child Support Enforcement Unit. Additionally, if you become noncompliant with your child support payments, all recreational and commercial hunting and fishing license privileges will be revoked. Once you become compliant with DSS, you will be required to purchase a new license at the current price.
Once you have your license and tags sorted, make sure you are visible and safe in the field. A Hunter Orange Safety Vest is required during certain firearm seasons in South Carolina and is a smart safety choice for any hunt. You can also review our South Carolina hunting laws guide for more on blaze orange requirements and other field regulations.
License Validity and Renewal in South Carolina
Understanding when your license expires — and when new licenses go on sale — helps you avoid gaps in your privileges, especially if you hunt across multiple seasons.
Commercial licenses and nongame fish tags are valid from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Standard annual hunting licenses follow the same July 1 through June 30 license year. Hunting tags for deer, bear, and turkey, migratory bird permits, migratory waterfowl permits, nonresident alligator hunting fees, and shooting preserve permits are valid for the season indicated on your license.
Privileges for various licenses may expire on different dates if not purchased at the same time. If you buy your hunting license in October and add a migratory bird permit in November, those two documents may have different expiration dates. Keep track of each item separately.
On June 16, 2026, permits, tags, and commercial licenses valid through June 30, 2027, will go on sale. Nongame fish tags purchased before June 16, 2026, will expire June 30, 2026. Mark that date on your calendar if you want to be ready for the 2026–2027 season as early as possible.
It is the responsibility of each person engaging in any hunting or fishing activity to verify they have a valid license, permit, or tag for that activity. SCDNR places the burden of compliance on the hunter — not knowing your expiration date is not a valid defense.
For lifetime license holders, deer tags and turkey tags must be requested once. After the initial request, tags will be mailed annually. Make sure your address on file with SCDNR is current so your tags reach you before the season opens.
If you lose your license, duplicate licenses are issued upon affidavit from the licensee that the original license was lost or destroyed and payment of a $3.00 fee. Duplicates are available at all license sales vendors and SCDNR license offices. No duplicates are issued for federal duck stamps — a new stamp must be purchased.
South Carolina’s licensing system rewards planning. Knowing your residency status, the species you intend to hunt, and the land you will be hunting on before you log into the portal makes the checkout process straightforward and ensures you leave with every document you need. If you are also planning a fishing trip while in the Palmetto State, check out our guide to fishing license requirements in North Carolina or explore requirements in other nearby states like Alabama and Georgia.