The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is streamlining the handgun permitting process in the county.

Starting Aug. 15, those applying for a permit will be able to do so at www.BeaufortCountySheriff.org. In the past, residents applying for a handgun permit have made a couple of trips to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. Now they can do it from home, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office.

“We are trying to streamline this process as much as possible and make it much more convenient for those requesting permits. Right now our office can only receive permits during regular business hours. With this new process, permits can be applied for anytime day or night, holidays or weekends,” Sheriff Ernie Coleman stated in the press release.

Applicants can apply and pay for up to five handgun permits, with each permit priced at $5 each. A one-time convenience fee of $3 will also be charged.

Chief Deputy Charlie Rose said taking the technological step means time saved for both the applicant and sheriff’s office staff. In the past, the application would be picked up or filled out in the office and would pass through several people, starting with an initial contact that verified the application was filled out properly. Along the way, staff processing the application would often need more information, which would stall the process, according to Rose. With the online service, it’s the program that contacts the applicant for more information through text or email, and the applicant is responding to the program, Rose said.

“It’s going to be less taxing on the staff here so we can do more of them quicker,” Rose said. “If someone chooses to do it online, they can go through the entire process without ever coming into the office until it’s time to pick up the permits.”

Rose said Capt. Jeremy Hewitt is overseeing the program.

“We still have a sworn deputy who is looking at the records and making sure that all the information is there and everything checks out,” Rose said.

Those who do not have a computer or are less tech-savvy will still be able to apply for handgun permits at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. A computer will be set up in the lobby and office staff will be available to help walk applicants through the program. Coleman said the department will continue to take hard-copy applications for the next 30 days.

Those who wish to access the online application process can visit www.BeaufortCountySheriff.org, access the “Resources” dropdown menu and follow the gun permits link.