Tennessee is a shall issue state. Applicants for a Tennessee concealed carry permit must be 21, or 18 with military service (active duty or honorably discharged only). Those trying to obtain a lifetime permit to carry must be 21. Applications should be submitted to the sheriff of the county of residence. Within 90 days the applicant shall be issued or denied a permit. The cost for a permit is $100. Unless the applicant is approved for a lifetime permit, the permit will expire 8 years from date of issuance. Additionally, applicants must prove completion of training, including classroom and live fire exercises. Nonresident permits are offered for the purposes of employment within the state. Tennessee accepts concealed carry permits from all other issuing authorities. However, those with a TN handgun permit whether lifetime or not, is accepted in 37 other states.
This information was last updated in February 2019.
Table of Contents
Tennessee Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept TN License
# of Years Valid*
Minimum Age*
# of Days To Get A Permit
Reciprocity Map for Tennessee
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept a Tennessee concealed carry permit or those states that Tennessee will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Tennessee Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Colorado – Resident Permit ONLY
- Delaware – Resident Permit ONLY
- Florida – Resident Permit ONLY
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Michigan
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania – Resident Permit ONLY
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Tennessee Will Honor The Following States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Tennessee honors concealed carry permits issued by any other authority.
How To Apply for a Tennessee Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Tennessee?
Tennessee is a shall issue state. A handful of criteria is laid out in TN code that would warrant immediate denial of an application.
“The department shall issue a permit to an applicant not prohibited from obtaining a permit under this section no later than ninety (90) days after the date the department receives the application“
Relevant Code(s):
What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in TN?
Generally, the minimum age to obtain a Tennessee concealed carry permit is 21 years old. Only those who are lawful permanent residents of the state who are 21 years and older are eligible for a lifetime permit.
However, exceptions are made for individuals applying for a handgun permit who are 18, provided they are either active duty or veteran status who was honorably discharged.
Relevant Code(s):
Who issues a concealed carry permit in Tennessee?
Residents of Tennessee should apply with the department of public safety to obtain a handgun carry permit.
Relevant Code(s):
How long is a Tennessee concealed carry permit good for?
Tennessee concealed carry permits are valid for a period of 8 years. However, the department will run a criminal history check every 4 years. Additionally, any applicant who is 21 and a lawful permanent resident of the state can apply for a Tennessee lifetime handgun permit.
“[…] a permit issued pursuant to this section shall be good for eight (8) years and shall entitle the permit holder to carry any handgun or handguns that the permit holder legally owns or possesses.“
“Any resident of Tennessee who is a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident, as defined by § 55-50-102, who has reached twenty-one (21) years of age, may apply to the department of safety for a lifetime handgun carry permit.“
Relevant Code(s):
Does TN issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Tennessee does issue nonresident permits, but it appears to be only for those employed within the state and living outside of Tennessee. Furthermore, the applicant must also be the holder of a concealed permit from another state. Additionally, the 6 month period of employment does not include any time taken off for vacation, sick, or other leave. Finally, the applicant must be gainfully employed within the state, meaning at least 30 hours a week.
“If a person who is a resident of and handgun permit holder in another state is employed in this state on a regular basis and desires to carry a handgun in this state, the person shall have six (6) months from the last day of the sixth month of regular employment in this state to obtain a Tennessee handgun carry permit. […] shall not apply if the state of residence of the person employed in Tennessee has entered into a handgun permit reciprocity agreement with this state […]“
Relevant Code(s):
How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
The application for a Tennessee handgun permit must be processed within 90 days. Upon application, a copy will be submitted to the sheriff of the applicants county of residence. Within 30 days the sheriff will validate any answers on the concealed carry application. Similarly, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will have 30 days to file their findings. If an applicant will be issued a denial, they will be informed within 10 days of receipt of the sheriff’s and TN Bureau of Investigation reports.
Relevant Code(s):
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
The cost to obtain a TN handgun permit is $100. According to Tennessee code, this will cover all costs associated with processing the application and issuing the permit.
“the department shall charge an application and processing fee of one hundred dollars ($100)“
Relevant Code(s):
What are the accepted forms of competency training?
Tennessee does require proof of competency and training in order to get a handgun permit. Part of the application is submitting evidence that the person has completed handgun training. The training must consist of both classroom instruction and live fire exercises. Therefore an online only course is insufficient for obtaining a TN handgun permit.
However, those with prior law enforcement or military experience may submit this in lieu of live fire training. The documentation must be from no more than 5 years preceding the application.
The hourly duration of classroom instruction is not listed in the general requirements. Nor is there any specified amount of range activity. Furthermore, the only qualifying factor for instruction is that the class must be “a department approved handgun safety course.”
“The course shall include both classroom hours and firing range hours; provided, that an applicant shall not be required to comply with the firing range requirements if the applicant submits proof to the department that the applicant has successfully passed small arms qualification training or combat pistol training in any branch of the United States armed forces.“
Relevant Code(s):
Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Tennessee
Is Tennessee an Open Carry State?
Tennessee is an open carry state, but only by those with a handgun permit.
“A person commits an offense who carries, with the intent to go armed, a firearm or a club. It is a defense […] By a person authorized to possess or carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1315 or § 39-17-1351“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
A licensed individual is permitted to posses a concealed handgun in their vehicle. However, during transportation and while parked in an area that allows firearms, the weapon must be concealed as described in the below excerpt. Furthermore, if the licensee is not in the vehicle, the weapon and/or ammunition must be locked in the trunk, or other secure fashion and not visible.
“[…] a person is carrying or possessing a firearm, loaded firearm, or firearm ammunition in a motor vehicle or boat […] Is not prohibited from possessing or receiving a firearm [and] Is in lawful possession of the motor vehicle or boat“
“The firearm or ammunition being transported or stored in the motor vehicle:
(A) Is kept from ordinary observation if the permit holder is in the motor vehicle; or (B) Is kept from ordinary observation and locked within the trunk, glove box, or interior of the person’s motor vehicle or a container securely affixed to such motor vehicle if the permit holder is not in the motor vehicle.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
You are allowed to carry a concealed pistol into Tennessee state parks, provided you have a permit to carry a concealed handgun.
“Persons possessing a handgun, who are authorized to carry the handgun pursuant to § 39-17-1351, while within or on property designated by the federal government as a national park, forest, preserve, historic park, military park, trail or recreation area […]“
Relevant Code(s):
Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Tennessee allows those with a permit to carry a concealed handgun to carry into a restaurant, provided, they are not under the influence of alcohol.
“[…] Notwithstanding whether a person has a permit […] it is an offense for a person to possess a handgun while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance […]”
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Nothing expressly forbids an individual with a permit to carry concealed from carrying into a place of worship. Therefore it is legal for an individual with a Tennessee concealed carry permit to carry into a church.
However, the code also provides a means for establishments to prohibit the carrying of firearms on premises. While those with a concealed carry permit are not subject to these prohibitions, it is advised that you obey any posted signage to avoid unnecessary confrontations.
“(a)(1) Except as provided in § 39-17-1313, an individual, corporation, business entity, or local, state, or federal government entity or agent thereof is authorized to:
(A)Prohibit the possession of weapons by any person who is at a meeting conducted by, or on property owned, operated, or managed or under the control of the individual, corporation, business entity, or government entity […] (a)(1) shall apply to any person who is authorized to carry a firearm by authority of § 39-17-1351“
“[…]nothing in this section shall authorize an entity of local government or a permittee thereof to enact or enforce a prohibition or restriction on the possession of a handgun by a handgun carry permit holder on property owned or administered by the entity unless the following are provided at each public entrance to the property:“
- Metal Detector
- Security Officer trained to conduct inspection of individuals
- Open to the public and any bag, package, and other container carried by the person is inspected
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Financial institutions are not expressly addressed in Tennessee code. Therefore, it is legal to carry into a bank. Those with a Tennessee concealed carry permit are permitted to carry concealed even when posted signage prohibits the carrying of weapons. However, to avoid complications, it is recommended that you obey any posted signage.
“[…] an individual, corporation, business entity, or local, state, or federal government entity or agent thereof is authorized to:
(A) Prohibit the possession of weapons by any person who is at a meeting conducted by, or on property owned, operated, or managed or under the control of the individual, corporation, business entity, or government entity; or
(B) Restrict the possession of weapons by any person who is at a meeting conducted by, or on property owned, operated, or managed or under the control of the individual, corporation, business entity, or government entity by allowing a handgun to be carried in a concealed manner only by persons authorized to carry a handgun pursuant to § 39-17-1351.“
“(2) The prohibition in subdivision (a)(1) shall apply to any person who is authorized to carry a firearm by authority of § 39-17-1351.“
Relevant Code(s):
Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Licensed individuals may be permitted to carry into a hospital or other medical facility, provided that they do not prohibit firearms on premises.
Unlike churches and banks, a special section of the prohibition of firearm section is dedicated to certain types of facilities. Below is the excerpt:
“(g)(1)[…]nothing in this section shall authorize an entity of local government or a permittee thereof to enact or enforce a prohibition or restriction on the possession of a handgun by a handgun carry permit holder […] Subdivision (g)(1) does not apply to: (A) Facilities that are licensed under title 33, 37, or 68;“
Title 33 pertains to “Mental Health and Substance Abuse.” “Health, Safety, and Environmental Protection” are addressed in Title 68. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not carry concealed into any establishment that is licensed under either of these titles to avoid complications.
Relevant Code(s):
The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.
