Tennessee Gun Laws
If you’re looking to obtain a legal firearm in Tennessee, here are some things about the permit process you should know:
Tennessee is a permitless-carry state that allows those 21 years old or, 18 years old in and in the military, to carry a loaded handgun on their person, openly or concealed, without having to possess a permit. There are two types of Concealed Handgun Carry Permits available in Tennessee. An Enhanced CHCP allows both concealed and open carry. A Concealed Handgun Carry Permit allows only concealed carry.
Is there a waiting period to buy a handgun in Tennessee?
No. There is no waiting period to buy a gun in Tennessee.
Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Tennessee?
No. A permit is not required to purchase a handgun, rifle or shotgun in Tennessee.
Do you need to register handguns in Tennessee?
No. Handguns do not need to be registered in Tennessee.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) in Tennessee?
Any Tennessee state resident at least 18 years of age can apply for a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP).
Is firearms training a requirement in Tennessee for a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP)?
Yes. A Concealed Handgun Carry Permit applicant in Tennessee must complete a firearms training/safety course.
What Are The Requirements To Obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) in Tennessee?
An applicant for a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of Tennessee
- Meet federal law requirements
- Complete a firearms-training course
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) in Tennessee?
- Determine which permit type you want and compete the online application at the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website safety.tn.gov.
- Complete a firearms-training course as required for the Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) or Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP).
- Schedule an appointment with Driver Services Center on the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website. Take proof of U.S. citizenship, a photo ID, proof of residency, and the fee to the appointment. You will be photographed and be given instructions on being fingerprinted when you submit your application. You will be notified in 90 days if your application has been approved.
How much does a Tennessee Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) cost?
The fee for a Tennessee Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) is $65. The fee for the Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) is $100.
Does Tennessee recognize concealed-carry pistol permits from other states?
Yes. Tennessee honors all concealed-carry permits from other states.
Is Tennessee a Constitutional Carry state?
Theoretically. Tennessee is not a Constitutional Carry state, but does allow permitless carry.
Is Tennessee an Open Carry state?
Yes. Tennessee allows permitless open and concealed carry for anyone 21 years old or older that may lawfully possess a handgun. However, there are exceptions.
Is Tennessee a Stand Your Ground state?
Yes. Tennessee is a Stand Your Ground state. There is no duty to retreat before defending yourself.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Tennessee?
Yes, magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Tennessee.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Tennessee?
Yes. Higher-capacity magazines are legal in Tennessee.
Does Tennessee have gun-storage laws?
No. Tennessee does not have a gun-storage law. It does, however, make it a crime for a parent or guardian to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly provide or permit any person under 18 years old to possess a handgun, if such parent or guardian knows of a substantial risk that such juvenile will use the handgun to commit a felony.
Is Tennessee a Red Flag state?
No, Tennessee does not have a red-flag law.
