South Carolina Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the South Carolina hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website or a South Carolina–approved agent.

Types of South Carolina Hunting Licenses

South Carolina Resident

A resident is a person who permanently resides in South Carolina and has a valid South Carolina driver’s license or ID card. Non-resident full-time students who attend an institution in South Carolina and active-duty military members may receive resident privileges. Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for more information about residency requirements.

All South Carolina hunters age 16 or older must have a resident hunting license. Additional permits and tags may be required.

Non-Resident

All non-residents age 16 or older must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional permits and tags may be required.

Youth Hunting License

South Carolina residents and non-residents under the age of 16 are not required to have a hunting license. However, they must have permits and tags to hunt specific game species.

South Carolina residents ages 16 to 17 may purchase the Junior Sportsman License.

Senior Hunting License

South Carolina residents age 64 or older may be eligible for the Senior Lifetime License. They must be a resident of South Carolina for at least 180 days.

Disability License

South Carolina residents with a disability may be eligible for the Disability Recreational Hunting and Fishing License. Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed for at least 30 days in South Carolina may purchase a resident hunting license. In addition, active-duty military members who are South Carolina residents but stationed elsewhere are not required to have a hunting license while on leave. However, they must purchase permits and tags to hunt specific game species.

Resident veterans with a disability may be eligible for the Disability Recreational Hunting and Fishing License. Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for more details.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the South Carolina Migratory Bird Permit and the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

Hunting licenses may be good for one or three years from the date of purchase. South Carolina residents are able to purchase a lifetime hunting license.

Where to Buy a South Carolina Hunting License

• Visit the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website.
• Call 1-866-714-3611.
• Visit a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources office or an approved license agent.