Tennessee Concealed Carry Quick Facts
- Permit Type: Shall Issue & Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry)
- Issuing Authority: Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
- Minimum Age Requirement: 18 years old
- Permit Validity: 8 years (for those who choose to obtain a permit)
- Application Fee: $65 for Concealed Carry Permit; $100 for Enhanced Carry Permit
- Processing Time: Up to 90 days
Latest Firearm News & Defensive Gun Uses in Tennessee
Tennessee Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry)
As of July 1, 2021, Tennessee law permits individuals 18 years and older who are legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry a handgun, openly or concealed, without a permit. This law applies exclusively to handguns and does not extend to long guns such as rifles or shotguns.
Tennessee Handgun Carry Permits
While permitless carry is legal, Tennessee offers two types of handgun carry permits for residents seeking reciprocity with other states or preferring to have a permit:
- Concealed Carry Permit (CCP):
- Training Requirement: Completion of a 90-minute online or in-person handgun safety course.
- Application Fee: $65
- Validity: 8 years
- Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP):
- Training Requirement: Completion of an 8-hour in-person handgun safety course.
- Application Fee: $100
- Validity: 8 years
- Benefits: Allows carrying in more locations and offers broader reciprocity with other states.
How to Apply for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit
To apply for a handgun carry permit in Tennessee:
- Complete the required training course for the desired permit type.
- Submit an application online through the Tennessee Handgun Permit Online Services.
- Schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and background check.
- Await processing, which can take up to 90 days.
Tennessee Open Carry Laws
- General Rule: Open carry of handguns is legal in Tennessee for individuals 18 years and older who are legally permitted to possess firearms.
- Restrictions: Open carry does not extend to long guns, and certain locations may prohibit open carry regardless of permit status.
Tennessee Concealed Carry in a Vehicle
- With a Permit: Individuals with a valid handgun carry permit may carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle.
- Without a Permit: Under permitless carry laws, eligible individuals may also carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit.
Tennessee Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Tennessee recognizes handgun carry permits from all U.S. states, provided the permit holder is legally allowed to possess a firearm. However, individuals should verify the specific laws of other states when carrying concealed firearms outside Tennessee.
Check the our Concealed Carry Maps for up-to-date information.
Prohibited Locations for Concealed Carry in Tennessee
Regardless of permit status, carrying firearms is prohibited in certain locations, including:
- Schools and universities
- Government buildings
- Courthouses
- Airports beyond security checkpoints
- Mental health facilities
- Establishments serving alcohol, if the individual is consuming alcohol
- Private properties where firearms are prohibited by the property owner
Recent Changes in Tennessee Gun Laws (2025 Updates)
Arming Teachers: In 2024, legislation was signed allowing public school teachers and staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds, provided they have a handgun carry permit, complete 40 hours of training, and receive authorization from school and law enforcement officials.
Permitless Carry Age Lowered: In 2023, a federal judge ruled that Tennessee’s permitless carry law must include individuals aged 18 to 20, expanding the law’s applicability.
Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit
Go To Another State’s Concealed Carry Page
To view a state’s concealed carry permit information click on the state. The state’s color represents whether a state is Shall Issue, May Issue, Constitutional Carry, or Right Denied.
Shall Issue to Residents Only:
California, Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Michigan, New Mexico
Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin
May Issue to Residents Only:
Delaware, Virgin Islands
May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York
Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming
Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia
Constitutional Carry and Does Not Issue Permits:
Vermont
Right Denied:
American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands
Disclaimer
We try to keep the information on this page as up-to-date as possible, but it is your responsibility to verify all information due to changing laws. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Website, emails, or any links within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between USA Carry LLC and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the views of USA Carry LLC.
