SUMMARY OF TN GUN LAWS AND MORE INCLUDING SELF DEFENSE FOR TN FROM USCCA
Tennessee is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons permits issued at the state level by the Department of Safety & Homeland Security.
There is no permit, background check or firearms registration required when buying a handgun from a private individual.
Tennessee prohibits the possession of a firearm “with the intent to go armed.” However, as of July 1, 2021, a law was passed creating a statutory “exception” which allows permitless open and concealed carry for anyone that at least 21 years old or older (or is at least 18 years of age and has been honorably discharged from military service or is active duty and has completed basic training) that may lawfully possess a handgun, is in a place where the person has a right to be and meets three additional criteria as defined in the table below. Some areas are off-limits, including government buildings and schools.
As of January 1, 2020, Senate Bill 705, created two levels of Tennessee concealed handgun carry permits. Applicants may obtain a concealed handgun carry permit (CHCP) by taking a 90-minute online course. The other option is an enhanced handgun carry permit (EHCP) which requires completion of an 8-hour live training course from certified instructors and allows permittees to carry a gun openly or concealed to more places. Non-residents may apply for a HCP if they work in the state on a regular basis and hold a valid concealed carry permit in their home state. They can only make an application after being employed for six months and then only within six months after the initial six-month work period. In terms of reciprocity, Tennessee honors all concealed carry permits from other states.
