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Tennessee is a “Shall Issue” state and it’s considered a gun friendly state where there’s no requirement for purchase approval of firearms. You can submit an application for a conceal carry permit online or at a driver service center, which are processed by the Department of Safety.
If you’re a non-resident you can only obtain a conceal carry if you work in the state regularly.
New applicants must complete an 8 hour training course, with exemptions for military personal.
| Open Carry Permitted? | Yes! |
| Carry In Vehicle? | Yes! |
| Carry In State Park? | Yes! |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes! |
| Constitutional Carry? | No |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | Yes! |
| Must Notify Officer? | No |
Tennessee honors all concealed carry permits from other states provided the person carrying a handgun has the permit in their possession whenever carrying a firearm.
Tennessee has signed reciprocity agreements with 19 other states. A full list of the states that have reciprocity agreements with Tennessee can be found on the government website.
NO – WITHOUT A PERMIT Without permit – No With a Permit – Yes You can only open carry a handgun if you have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Open carry is not common in cities and mainly used as a carry method in rural areas.
YES – WITHOUT A PERMIT It is legal to carry a handgun openly or concealed in a vehicle that is privately owned, this includes boats and RVs. No permit is required and the firearm can be located anywhere in the vehicle but not on your person. The Law 39.17.1307 – Unlawful carrying
YES
It is legal to carry in the following areas; State Parks: YES State/National Forests: YES – 39.17.1311 (H) State Wildlife Management Areas: YES – 39.17.1311 (H) Road Side Rest Areas: YES
YES In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol “Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
YES
Tennessee gun laws give the force of law to “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs.
NO – MUST INFORM OFFICER There is nothing in Tennessee gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. The law does require that you carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun and display it to an officer if he requests a person to do so. The Law 39.17.1351 – Handgun carry permits