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.
Tennessee Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - Tennessee passed a permit-less carry (both open and concealed) for anyone who passes the following conditions:
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Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Tennessee allows for permit-less carry as of 2021 where anyone who meets the constitutional carry requirements (see below) may open carry without a permit. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Tennessee allows for concealed carry within a vehicle so long as they're legally allowed to carry and own a handgun within Tennessee. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Tennessee allows for concealed carry within state parks so long as they have an enhanced HCP or a permit from a reciprocal state that Tennessee recognizes. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - Tennessee allows for concealed carry within restaurants or bars so long as you do not consume alcohol whatsoever. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ✅ Yes - Tennessee code requires you must obey the property owners wishes of no concealed carry within their property so long as the owner displays signage clearly within the entrance of the building. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - Tennessee is not a duty to inform state. However, if you're a permit holder you must have your permit on you at all times while carrying your firearm if you're in an area that would otherwise be off-limits for permit-less carry. |
Tennessee CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted Reciprocity with Tennessee
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Tennessee
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.
Reciprocity Agreements In Tennessee
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.
Tennessee: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- All areas of the state, except those listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- Any playground, civic center or other building facility, area or property owned, used or operated by any municipal, county or state government for recreational purposes
- Municipalities can ban carry in parks if there is a school event taking place in the park.
- Any room in which judicial proceedings are in progress
- Any public or private school building or bus
- Any public or private school campus, grounds, recreation area or athletic field
- Individual, business, or government meetings. Notice of such prohibition must be posted
- While under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Airports
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Tennessee: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, Tennessee allows for permit-less carry as of 2021 where anyone who meets the constitutional carry requirements (see below) may open carry without a permit.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, 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
Carry In State Parks
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
Carry In Restaurants
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.
Constitutional Carry
Yes, Tennessee passed a permit-less carry (both open and concealed) for anyone who passes the following conditions:
- Must be at least 21 years or older (or 18 if serving in the military)
- Must be able to legally own a firearm
- Must not have been convicted of stalking
- Must not have been convicted of DUI 2 or more times within 10 years or 1 time within 5 years.
- Must not have been hospitalized into a mental facility
No Weapon Signs Enforced
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.
Must Notify Officer
No, 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
Additional Resources
Tennessee Concealed Carry Laws
Tennessee Open Carry Laws
Tennessee Gun Permit Laws
