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South Dakota Transporting Firearms Laws (2026)
Permitted: No permit is needed to carry a pistol in a private vehicle in South Dakota, concealed or not, if you are 18 or older and may lawfully possess it.
No permit is needed to carry a pistol in a private vehicle in South Dakota, concealed or not, if you are 18 or older and may lawfully possess it. Residents and visitors are treated alike. On public elementary or secondary school premises, only someone holding a South Dakota concealed pistol permit may keep a pistol in a vehicle. Without one, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Official source: sdlegislature.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Transporting Firearms in states bordering South Dakota
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IowaConditional
At 18 or older, you may carry or transport a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit, loaded or unloaded, openly or concealed, unless Iowa law bars you from carrying. …
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
- MinnesotaConditional
With no Minnesota permit or recognized out-of-state permit, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and fully enclosed in a closed, fastened case made for firearms. The handgun statute does not list a closed trunk by itself, so use the case even in the trunk. A permit holder may carry it in the vehicle under the permit.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
- MontanaPermitted
Montana has no prohibition on carrying a handgun in a motor vehicle, loaded or unloaded, and no permit is needed.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dojmt.gov · Full Montana rule →
- NebraskaPermitted
In Nebraska, a person 21 or older who is not a prohibited person may carry a concealed handgun, including in a vehicle, with no permit. People under 21 may not carry concealed, except those 18 or older who are armed forces members or peace officers. You must inform an officer on contact unless the handgun is unloaded, kept separate from ammunition, and in a case. The State Patrol also asks travelers from states Nebraska does not recognize to transport guns unloaded, encased and inaccessible to passengers.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: statepatrol.nebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
- North DakotaConditional
In North Dakota you may not keep or carry a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle unless an exception applies. A loaded handgun is allowed if you are 18 or older, not a prohibited person, and carry a valid driver's license or state ID, or if you hold a North Dakota license or a recognized out-of-state license. Otherwise, carry the handgun unloaded and in plain view or secured. Breaking the vehicle rule is an infraction.
Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ndlegis.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
- WyomingPermitted
In Wyoming, anyone 21 or older who may lawfully possess a handgun may carry it concealed in a vehicle without a permit.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: wyomingdci.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →
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