South Carolina CWP Online Application: What Students Need to Know
If it is time for you to renew your South Carolina Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP), the process will most likely be different from when you originally applied or renewed the last time. But no stress! Because, we have the guidance you need right to make it as painless as possible right here.
South Carolina has a new online system for applying for your Concealed Weapons Permit. The new SLED Services Portal can be found at:
https://applicants.sled.sc.gov
The system allows you to complete your CWP renewal online and upload the required documents. If you are applying for your permit for the first time, there is an option to schedule your fingerprint appointment with IdentoGO.
The process is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.
Before You Begin
We have provided a step-by-step document that walks you through the online application process. It is a very helpful resource and should make the process easier to follow.
That said, SLED may update or change parts of the application system from time to time. The document we provided is the best information currently available, but you should always follow the instructions shown on the official SLED application website.
Have Your Documents Ready
During the application process, you will come to a point where SLED asks you to upload the required documents.
You do not necessarily need a scanner to do this. Pictures taken with your phone are acceptable. Just make sure the pictures are clear, readable, and show the entire document. If you have access to a scanner, even better.
My recommendation is to have everything you think you may need ready before you begin the application. It will make the process much easier.
Before uploading, make sure each image is easy to read and includes the full document. Blurry, cropped, or incomplete images may cause problems with your application.
Pay Close Attention to the Fingerprint Step
If applying for the first time, fingerprints will be required for your application. The online system will give you the opportunity to schedule an appointment with an agency by the name of IdentoGO.
Fingerprints are not required for renewals.
IdentoGO will electronically submit your fingerprints to SLED, where they will be connected to your digitally submitted CWP application.
Pay very close attention when you reach this part of the process.
You only get one opportunity to go through this step from within the application. You cannot simply go back later and repeat it if you make a mistake.
Sometimes things can get a little goofy when setting up the IdentoGO appointment. If IdentoGO asks you for a service code, the code you need is: 2BF3BR
Write that down before you start.
Understanding Your Student Number
This is another part of the application that can cause some confusion.
If you are simply renewing your CWP, you do need to worry about a student number. It is not required.
But, if you recently completed a CWP class, your instructor should have provided you with a Student Number.
Your Student Number should be made up of three pieces of information:
- Your instructor’s instructor number
- The year you completed your training
- Your unique four-digit student number
On the application you filled out in class, it may look something like this: iiiiiiiii-yyyy-ssss
Where iiiiiiii is your instructor’s number, yyyy is the year, and ssss is your student number.
For example, if your instructor’s number was 201802220 and you completed your class in 2026, your Student Number might look like this: 201802220-2026-1234
However, when you enter the Student Number into SLED’s online application system, enter the entire number without the hyphens.
Using the example above, you would enter: 20180222020261234
That distinction is important.
Take Your Time
The new online system should make the CWP application process easier, but don’t rush through it.
Have your documents ready, carefully enter the information from your application, and pay particular attention when you reach the IdentoGO fingerprint section.
Before submitting anything, take a minute and review your information. A few extra minutes checking your application can save you a lot of aggravation later.
And, most importantly, for those of you renewing, be sure to print, screenshot, or save whatever you can to prove you processed your renewal. Keep a copy of that in your vehicle and file a copy away at home. That is the only proof you will have of the renewal.
When 5 months have passed and you are still walking around with an expired permit, you’ll be able to use this to prove you are in compliance. SLED doesn’t move very fast.
You can access the new SLED CWP application system here:
https://applicants.sled.sc.gov
If you run into problems or have questions about your application, contact SLED directly: Phone: 803-896-7015
Email: [email protected]
Stay 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 LANCE Tactical, an up and coming brand of products essential to the defense-minded individual, and an online retailer that specializes in fast-access smart gun safes and other essential gear.
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