Permitless Carry in Tennessee
Tennessee stands out as a Second Amendment–friendly state that embraces both permitless carry and traditional handgun carry permits. Understanding concealed carry laws Tennessee is essential if you plan on exercising your right to self-defense while remaining law-abiding.
This article walks you through the key points—covering concealed carry training, self-defense statutes, gun-free zones, and CCW requirements by state comparisons. From who can carry and where, to the difference between the state’s Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) and Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP), you’ll get a comprehensive look at Tennessee’s firearms regulations.
Table of Contents
An Overview of Concealed Carry Laws Tennessee
Tennessee is a shall-issue state, meaning the Department of Safety & Homeland Security must issue a handgun carry permit to any applicant who meets statutory qualifications. Even better, Tennessee now allows permitless carry—commonly called constitutional carry—for individuals 18 or older who lawfully own a handgun and meet additional conditions. This arrangement offers a flexible framework while still giving gun owners the option to obtain a permit for broader reciprocity or to carry in specific places that permitless carriers can’t access.
Permitless Carry Basics
As of July 1, 2021, Tennessee law effectively allows open or concealed carry without a permit, provided you meet these criteria:
- Are at least 18 years old (per a January 2023 court order that ended the prohibition for 18- to 20-year-olds).
- Lawfully possess a handgun.
- Are in a place where you have a legal right to be.
- Have not been convicted of stalking.
- Have not been convicted of multiple DUIs within specific timeframes.
- Have no disqualifying mental health conditions or conservatorships.
- Are not otherwise federally prohibited from owning a firearm.
Tennessee Carry Permits - "Standard" and "Enhanced"
Tennessee offers two official handgun carry permits, each with its own training requirements and privileges:
Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP)
- Concealed Only: You must keep your firearm hidden.
- Cheaper & Shorter Training: Minimum 90-minute online course or acceptable equivalent in concealed carry training.
- Fewer Places to Carry: Some public parks and wildlife areas remain off-limits, unlike with the Enhanced Permit.
Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP)
- Open or Concealed: Enhanced permit holders can carry openly or concealed.
- 8-Hour Live-Fire Training: Requires a more extensive firearms safety course.
- Wider Carry Rights: You can carry in more locations, including certain state and local parks, natural areas, and WMAs (except where specifically posted or restricted).
Why Get a Permit if Permitless Carry Is Legal?
For many, especially those who travel outside Tennessee, having a recognized permit expands lawful carry in other states. Checking CCW requirements by state ensures you remain compliant when crossing state lines.
Steps to Getting a Tennessee Permit
- Determine Your Permit: Concealed-only (CHCP) or Enhanced (EHCP).
- Complete Required Training:
- CHCP: Shorter, often 90-minute online course.
- EHCP: An 8-hour, in-person course with live-fire practice.
- Apply Online: Fill out the official application via the Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s website.
- Visit a Driver Services Center: Provide proof of identity, residency, and undergo fingerprinting if needed.
- Await Processing: Typically takes up to 90 days. You’ll be notified by mail if approved.
Self-Defense & Stand Your Ground
Tennessee supports the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground, meaning law-abiding citizens have no duty to retreat if they reasonably believe deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent serious harm or death. These protections extend to your dwelling, residence, occupied vehicle, or place of business—assuming you are lawfully present and not engaged in a criminal act.
Defense of Property and Third Persons
- Defense of Property: You may use reasonable force to prevent trespass or unlawful interference with your property (or a third person’s property). However, deadly force is justified only if you also meet the statutory conditions for a deadly force encounter.
- Defense of Another: You may protect a third person if you reasonably believe immediate force is necessary to stop unlawful harm.
Self-defense law can get complicated and there are many hypotheticals. To help better educate people we have collected a number of resources on self-defense and Second Amendment law that you can find here.
Places You Can Carry
With permitless carry or an official Tennessee permit, you can lawfully carry in many areas, including:
- Vehicles: You can have a handgun in your vehicle if you legally possess the firearm and the vehicle.
- Roadside Rest Areas: Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) or recognized out-of-state permit required.
- State/National Parks, Forests, & WMAs: EHCP holders or those with reciprocal permits can generally carry.
- Bars/Restaurants Serving Alcohol: You can carry without a permit, provided you do not consume alcohol and the location isn’t posted “No Weapons.”
- Places of Worship: No specific ban under state law, but individual churches or religious facilities can post signs prohibiting firearms.
Employer Parking Lots
Tennessee law prevents employers from banning employees from keeping firearms locked out of sight in personal vehicles. The key is ensuring the firearm is secured in the trunk or glovebox and not readily visible.
Places Off-Limits
Even with a permit or under permitless carry, certain locations remain off-limits:
- Schools and School Buses: Public and private schools typically prohibit carry, although some allowances may exist for school employees who meet specific guidelines.
- Posted Properties: Businesses or private property owners can restrict firearms by posting legally compliant “No Weapons” signs. Violating these postings can lead to criminal penalties.
- Penal Institutions: Jails, prisons, and detention centers remain off-limits.
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Campgrounds: Day-use areas and developed recreation lands can be restricted.
- Under the Influence: You may not carry while consuming alcohol or under the influence of controlled substances.
Purchasing & Possessing Firearms
- Background Checks: Required only when purchasing from a federally licensed dealer; no checks are mandated for private transfers, but federal restrictions still apply. Issued Tennesse concealed carry licenses do not, however, exempt you from NICS checks when buying from an FFL.
- No Registration: Tennessee does not require handgun registration.
- No Waiting Period: You can take your newly purchased firearm home right away if you pass the background check.
- Minimum Age: Must be 18 to possess and transport a handgun, though certain restrictions may apply under federal law or when traveling outside Tennessee.
Ammunition Restrictions & Other Gear
Tennessee forbids explosive rounds designed to detonate on impact, unless you are active military. Otherwise, standard hollow points, FMJs, or other bullet types are legal, with no magazine capacity limits. Stun guns and Tasers are also legal without a permit, and pepper spray is allowed for self-defense.
Reciprocity & CCW Requirements by State
Tennessee honors all other states’ permits, making it easy for traveling gun owners. In turn, many states honor Tennessee’s EHCP or CHCP, though specifics vary. Always check updated laws in each destination state to confirm where your Tennessee permit is recognized and any local conditions that may apply.
Reciprocity Tip: Even if you only occasionally leave Tennessee, verifying other states’ CCW requirements by state can save you from unintended violations and legal issues.
Concealed Carry Training: Why It Matters
While no live-fire component is needed for the standard concealed carry training in the CHCP route, hands-on experience builds confidence. If you aspire to carry in more states or want to be better prepared for defensive scenarios, the Enhanced Permit offers deeper instruction, including range time.
Policing the Brass - Conclusion
Navigating concealed carry laws Tennessee may seem complex at first, but the state’s evolving legislation provides multiple pathways to lawful carry, from open constitutional carry to fully enhanced permits. By understanding your rights—and responsibilities—around self-defense, safe storage, and posted restrictions, you’ll be on track to carry with confidence wherever you go. HandgunLaw.us maintains not only a downloadable PDF for Tennessee’s gun laws, but other states as well.
And if you decide a permit is your best route, remember that thorough concealed carry training is invaluable for safety, skill development, and broader CCW requirements by state reciprocity.
Concealed Carry Laws Tennessee: Q&A Section
Carry Basics Questions
| CHEMICAL SPRAY/PEPPER SPRAY? | Yes. Tennessee has no specific statute prohibiting the purchase or use of chemical or pepper spray. |
| GUN PERMIT LICENSURE? | Tennessee issues handgun carry permits on a shall-issue basis through the Department of Safety & Homeland Security. |
| OPEN CARRY PERMITTED? | Yes. As of July 1, 2021, open carry is legal without a permit for anyone at least 18 years old (or older) who meets the seven permitless carry criteria. |
| TASERS OR STUN GUNS? | Yes. It is legal to own a taser or stun gun in Tennessee for self-defense, and no permit is required to possess one. |
| WEAPONS OTHER THAN HANDGUNS ALLOWED? | No. A Tennessee handgun carry permit (HCP) only covers handguns. Permitless carry provisions also apply solely to handguns. |
| AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS? | Yes. Ammunition with an explosive-filled hollow-nose cavity designed to detonate on impact is illegal unless you are state or federal military personnel. |
| MAGAZINE LIMITS FOR HANDGUNS? | No. Tennessee does not impose magazine capacity restrictions for handguns. |
| MINIMUM AGE FOR CONCEALED CARRY? | The minimum age to get a concealed carry permit in Tennessee is 18. |
| CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY? | Yes. As of July 1, 2021, permitless (constitutional) carry is allowed for those meeting Tennessee’s statutory conditions. |
Carry Location Questions
| CARRY IN RESTAURANTS THAT SERVE ALCOHOL? | Yes. You may carry without a permit in restaurants that serve alcohol as long as it’s not posted and you do not consume alcohol. |
| CARRY IN STATE/NATIONAL PARKS, STATE/NATIONAL FORESTS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS (WMAS)? | Yes, if you have an enhanced HCP or a permit from a state Tennessee honors. Permitless carriers may be limited. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1311(H)] |
| CARRY IN VEHICLE? | Yes. Anyone who lawfully possesses the vehicle and is not otherwise prohibited may carry a handgun concealed or openly. Firearms must be kept from ordinary observation if the person leaves the vehicle, locked in the trunk/glove box or in a container affixed to the vehicle. [Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-17-1307(g), 39-17-1313(a)] |
| CARRY/POSSESS AT A HOTEL? | Private businesses (including hotels) may limit or prohibit firearms on their premises. Check with the hotel about its concealed carry policy. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1359(b)] |
| CARRY AT ROADSIDE REST AREAS? | Yes, with an enhanced HCP or a recognized out-of-state concealed carry permit. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1311(H)] |
| STORE IN A VEHICLE IN AN EMPLOYEE PARKING LOT? | Employers cannot prevent employees from storing firearms or ammo in a locked vehicle, so long as the firearm is kept from ordinary observation in a locked compartment. [Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 50-1-312, 39-17-1313(a)] |
Key State Laws
| PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY? | No. Tennessee does not allow the public to access its concealed carry registry. |
| DUTY TO INFORM OFFICER YOU’RE CARRYING? | No. Tennessee does not require you to proactively inform an officer. However, if you are carrying with a permit, you must have the permit on you and display it if asked by a law enforcement officer. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(n)(1)] |
| RED FLAG LAW? | No. Tennessee has no red flag law in place. |
| “NO WEAPONS ALLOWED” SIGNS ENFORCED? | Yes. Property owners can post compliant “No Weapons” signs per Tennessee Code Ann. § 39-17-1359. Violating such signs may be a criminal offense if the sign meets statutory requirements. |
| TRIBAL LAND | Carrying on tribal land in Tennessee may vary by tribe and is not specifically covered by state law. Always check with tribal authorities before carrying on tribal lands. |
| CARRY WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR A CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE? | No. You may not carry a firearm if you are consuming alcohol or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1321] |
| NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING? | Yes. Non-residents on active military duty in Tennessee or those employed regularly in the state for at least six months with a valid home-state permit can apply. |
| BRANDISHING? | Tennessee law does not define “brandishing.” However, threatening or violent behavior in public with intent to cause alarm can be an offense under disorderly conduct. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-305] |
| DRIVER’S LICENSE LINKED TO CARRY PERMIT? | Yes. Tennessee driver’s licenses include concealed carry permit status. Law enforcement will see your permit info if they run your license. |
| PREEMPTION? | Yes. State law generally supersedes local firearms restrictions. Some local regulation is allowed for municipal employees or the discharge of firearms. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1314] |
Handgun Purchase & Possession Questions
| WAITING PERIOD? | No. Tennessee does not require a waiting period after purchasing a handgun. |
| PERMIT EXEMPTS FROM BACKGROUND CHECK? | No. A Tennessee carry permit does not exempt you from a background check for firearm purchases. |
| PURCHASE PERMITS? | No. You do not need a permit to purchase a handgun in Tennessee. |
| BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PRIVATE GUN SALES? | No. Private transfers do not require background checks. Federal and state restrictions still apply, and it’s advisable to keep a bill of sale. |
| MINIMUM AGE TO POSSESS AND TRANSPORT? | 18 years old. [Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1319] |
| POSSESS A HANDGUN ON MY PRIVATE PROPERTY WITHOUT A PERMIT? | Yes. You may keep a handgun at your home or place of business without a permit. However, landlords can prohibit tenants from possessing firearms in leased premises via lease clauses. |
| HANDGUN REGISTRATION? | No. Tennessee does not require handgun registration. |
Concealed Carry Reciprocity With Other States
| WHAT ARE ALL STATE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES DOES THE STATE OF TENNESSEE HONOR? | Tennessee honors all other states’ concealed carry permits. Since Tennessee also has permitless carry for certain individuals, anyone with a valid out-of-state permit can carry within Tennessee under that permit. |
| WHAT ARE ALL OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF TENNESSEE? | The following states honor permits from Tennessee (with various restrictions):
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| WHAT ARE ALL THE OTHER STATES THAT HAVE RESTRICTED RECIPROCITY WITH THE STATE OF TENNESSEE? | The following states require the permit holder be a Tennessee resident or meet other age/residency restrictions:
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| WHAT ARE ALL THE PERMITLESS CARRY STATES? | Permitless carry (constitutional carry) states listed, with minimum age requirements:
*Age restrictions can vary based on additional qualifications or military status. |
Concealed Carry License Information Questions
| WHAT DO YOU DO IF A PERMIT IS LOST OR STOLEN? | You may apply for a duplicate by completing an online application or a paper application from a Driver Services Center. Send the signed application and $5 fee to the TN Department of Safety & Homeland Security Handgun Permit Office. |
| HOW LONG ARE PERMITS VALID FOR? | The standard enhanced handgun carry permit (EHCP) is valid for 8 years. Lifetime permits are also available under certain fee structures. |
| LINK TO APPLICATION | You can find the online application via the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security website. |
| ARE NON-RESIDENT CONCEALED CARRY PERMITS ISSUED? | Yes, for active duty military stationed in Tennessee or out-of-state residents who regularly work in Tennessee for at least 6 months with a valid home-state permit. |
| WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU MOVE TO OR OUT OF TENNESSEE AND WANT OR HAVE A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? |
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| WHAT ARE THE FEES FOR A CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT? |
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| WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME? | Typically 90 days once the application is completed and background checks are processed. |
| WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR NAME OR ADDRESS CHANGES? | You must notify the state within 60 days. You can update your address online or write to the Handgun Permit Office. If you need a new card, submit a duplicate application with a $5 fee. |
| WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS? |
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| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS? |
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| WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR A CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE? |
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| WHAT IS THE CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT RENEWAL PROCESS? |
If more than 8 years have passed since expiration, a new application is required. |
| WHERE CAN I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? |
EHCP holders may have expanded carry rights in certain public areas. |
| WHERE CAN’T I CARRY A CONCEALED FIREARM? |
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| IS THERE A HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW? | Yes. Interfering with lawful hunting, fishing, or trapping is prohibited under Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-302. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE HUNTING? | Yes. Permit holders may carry handguns on TWRA-managed lands and private property, although separate regulations govern actual hunting with a handgun. |
| CAN I CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING? | Yes. If you have a permit, you may carry a handgun for personal protection while bow hunting. However, that handgun generally cannot be used to take game unless specifically allowed by TWRA rules. |
| WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS? | Tennessee has no banned knife types, and open/concealed carry is allowed without intent to commit a crime. However, carrying on school property is prohibited. |
| CAN I WEAR A COVID MASK AND CARRY CONCEALED? | Yes. Tennessee does not ban wearing a COVID-19 protective mask while carrying concealed, unless it’s used to intimidate or violate civil rights. |
| ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR LEO’S (LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS) OR RETIRED LEO’S? | Retired LEOs can carry under state or federal (LEOSA) guidelines. Tennessee offers two retirement carry options, one valid only in-state and another for nationwide carry under LEOSA, each with distinct renewal and qualification requirements. |
Legal Note
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, laws and regulations may change, and individual circumstances can vary. It is solely the reader’s responsibility to verify the accuracy and applicability of any information presented here. The author, publisher, and any affiliated entities assume no liability for actions taken by readers based on the content of this article. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified attorney.
