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Handgun Carry Permits

Handgun Carry Permits are issued by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

In October of 1996, the Department of Safety began issuing handgun carry permits pursuant to Public Chapter 905. Prior to this change, handgun carry permits were issued by local sheriff's offices.

TCA §39-17-1351 makes a facially valid handgun permit, firearms permit, weapons permit or license issued by another state valid in this state according to its terms and shall be treated as if it is a handgun permit issued by Tennessee. This does not authorize any firearm or weapon other than a handgun.

If a person with a handgun permit from another state decides to become a resident of Tennessee, the person must obtain a Tennessee handgun permit within six (6) months of establishing residency in Tennessee.

Tennessee does not accept certificates of training from any on-line or internet course as training requirement fulfillment.

Contact:
Program Director, Lisa Knight
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 251-8590

Child Safety

The department advocates the storage of firearms so they are not accessible to children and other unauthorized users.

Click here to download the Child Safety brochure.

Application for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit Supplemental Instructions

QUESTION 13(A) – Have you ever been adjudicated as a mental defective or have you been committed to or hospitalized in a mental institution?

Under 2009 Public Chapter 578, effective January 1, 2010, the applicant should answer ‘yes’ if he or she has been judicially committed to or hospitalized in a mental institution pursuant to title 33 (otherwise known as ‘involuntary commitment’).

An applicant who was voluntarily committed is legally able to answer ‘no’ to Questions 13(A).

A person who was judicially/involuntarily committed and who answers ‘no’ to Question 13(A) is making a false statement under penalty of perjury.

T.C.A.§39-17-1351(c) (12) That the applicant has not been adjudicated as a mental defective, has not been judicially committed to or hospitalized in a mental institution pursuant to title 33, has not had a court appoint a conservator for the applicant by reason of a mental defect, has not been judicially determined to be disabled by reason of mental illness, developmental disability or other mental incapacity, and has not, within seven (7) years from the date of application, been found by a court to pose an immediate substantial likelihood of serious harm, as defined in title 33, chapter 6, part 5, because of mental illness;

 

Click here to access a free online version of The Tennessee Code. To find a particular statute, enter the statute number (i.e. 39-17-1351) into the search box at the top left of the page and click the 'search' button. That will give you a direct link to the statute you want to read.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do I Obtain a Handgun Carry Permit?
  • Can I renew my handgun carry permit before it expires?
  • If my handgun carry permit has expired can I still renew?
  • What States Recognize Tennessee Handgun Carry Permits?
  • How do I Renew A Handgun Carry Permit?
  • Does Tennessee require a handgun be concealed?
  • Where can handguns not be carried?
  • How Do I Obtain Military Training Exception for the eight hour handgun training course required by TCA 39-17-1351?
  • How do I obtain law enforcement and armed security guard EXCEPTION for the eight hour handgun training course required by TCA 39-17-1351?

Applying for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit
General Information on applying for a handgun carry permit in Tennessee

Qualifications/Requirements
Qualifications that must be met before applying for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit

Handgun Carry Permit Application Requirements
For Persons Holding a Handgun Carry Permit from Other States and Applying for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit

Renewing your Handgun Carry Permit
How to renew your Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit

Change your Handgun Carry Permit Address
By law if you move, you are required to notify us of your new address within sixty (60) days

Replace a Lost Permit
if you have misplaced or lost your handgun carry permit, you will need to apply for a duplicate

States with Mutual Recognition of Handgun Possession Privileges
Tennessee's recognition of out-of-state handgun carry permits and Reciprocity information

Handgun Safety School and Instructor Information
How to become a state certified handgun safety school or certified handgun instructor

Firing Range Requirements
Tennessee requirements for firing ranges

Safety Program Rules
Department of Safety Approved Handgun Safety Program Rules

Handgun Carry Permit Related Laws
List of laws related to Handgun Carry Permits in the Tennessee Code

Handgun Carry Permit Forms and Publications
Application for State Certified Handgun Instructor
Application for State Certified Training School
Handgun Safety School Class Roster
Petition for Appeal - Handgun Permit
Order for Surrender of Handgun Carry Permit
Waiver Form
Steps for Handgun Permit Application