Concealed CarryReciprocity Map

Tennessee Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map

Tennessee is a shall-issue, permitless carry state that allows both residents and non-residents to conceal or open carry with or without a CCW license so long as they meet certain requirements. The state does offer regular and enhanced concealed carry permits for reciprocity purposes. 

In Tennessee, permitless carry became legal in 2021, allowing anyone over the age of 18 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm to conceal carry without needing to obtain a permit. There are certain requirements you must meet in order to be eligible for permitless carry in Tennessee. 

To qualify for a Tennessee handgun permit, you must be at least 18 years old; be a citizen or legal resident of the U.S.; be a resident of Tennessee; complete a firearms training course; and meet all federal requirements. 

In Tennessee, open carry is also legal for anyone over 18 who is legally permitted to possess a firearm and meets the same requirements as permitless concealed carry. No permit is required for open carry in the state.

To learn more about Tennessee concealed carry law, read state statutes here, visit the TN Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s website, or contact state authorities. 

*Disclaimer: This Tennessee concealed carry reciprocity map is not legal advice. For the most up-to-date information, check your state laws or consult an attorney.

Tennessee Concealed Carry Laws at a Glance

Tennessee Concealed Carry FAQ

What is Reciprocity? 

Concealed carry reciprocity refers to a mutual agreement between two states to honor CCW licenses issued by one another. Depending on the state, concealed carry reciprocity can vary greatly. Some states simply accept permits from other states, while others do so with some added caveats. To learn more about this topic, check out “What is Concealed Carry Reciprocity”.

Which States Does Tennessee Offer Reciprocity To?

Tennessee allows permitless carry, meaning anyone 18 years or older can conceal carry in the state with or without a license – regardless of their state of residence – so long as they meet certain requirements.

Which States Honor the TN Carry Permit?

Gun laws vary from state to state. When traveling with firearms, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with the laws of the state you’re visiting. Before transporting a gun over state lines, always check the laws in that state to ensure you’re doing so legally. 

The following states offer Tennessee concealed carry reciprocity. Please note that while those marked with an asterisk do offer Tennessee reciprocity, additional rules and restrictions may apply. 

Is Tennessee a Constitutional Concealed Carry State?

Yes. As of 2021, anyone 18 years of age or older may conceal carry in Tennessee without a permit so long as they meet the following requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years of age. 

• Be legally permitted to possess a handgun. 

• Have never been convicted of stalking. 

• Have not been convicted of a DUI two or more times within the past 10 years, or once in the past five. 

• Having been deemed “mentally defective,” be committed to or hospitalized in a mental institution, or have a conservator due to mental incapacity. 

Requirements for a Tennessee Concealed Carry Permit

To obtain a TN CCW, you must meet certain eligibility requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Be a citizen or legal resident of the United States. 

• Be a resident of Tennessee. 

• Complete a firearms training course. 

• Meet all federal requirements.

There are also certain factors that make you ineligible to obtain a Tennessee handgun permit:  

• A felony conviction or being under indictment for a felony.

• A conviction or pending charges for domestic violence. 

• Being a fugitive from justice. 

• A dishonorable military discharge. 

• Having a restraining order filed against you. 

• Alcohol addiction. 

• Use of a controlled substance. 

• Having been in a rehab program or having been hospitalized for drug or alcohol use within the past 3-10 years (depending on circumstance). 

• Two or more DUI convictions within the past 10 years, or one in the past five. 

• Being deemed mentally ill or having been committed to a mental institution. 

• Having a court-appointed conservator for mental defects. 

• Having been found in court to be a danger to oneself or others due to mental illness within the past seven years. 

• A stalking conviction or pending charges for such. 

• Be receiving social security disability benefits for drug or alcohol dependence or for a mental disability. 

For a full, detailed list of concealed carry eligibility requirements in the state of Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s website. 

Can a Non-resident Conceal Carry in Tennessee?

Tennessee honors concealed carry permits from every U.S. state. However, regardless of your CCL status, non-residents may conceal carry without a permit as long as they are legally eligible to do so. Additionally, Tennessee concealed carry permits are issued to non-residents who regularly work in the state and have a valid permit from their home state. Non-resident permits are also issued to members of the U.S. Military who are stationed in the state.

Is Tennessee an Open Carry State?

Yes. In Tennessee, open carry is legal for anyone at least 18 years old who meets the same criteria as is required for permitless concealed carry. No permit is required for open carry in Tennessee. 

Where CAN’T You Conceal Carry in Tennessee? 

Even with a concealed carry permit, some locations are off-limits to concealed carry in Tennessee, including school property; higher education facilities; penal institutions; developed recreational lands on Tennessee Valley Authority property; anywhere while under the influence; airports; property that prohibits weapons; and anywhere it is federally prohibited. 

What is a Tennessee Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit? 

In addition to a regular concealed carry permit issued for reciprocity purposes, Tennessee offers an enhanced handgun carry permit. The enhanced permit requires an additional 8-hour live firearms training course and allows you to carry a gun in additional locations.

Where Can I Learn More About Tennessee Concealed Carry Laws? 

You can visit the TN Department of Safety & Homeland Security’s website for the most up-to-date information on permit eligibility or to apply for a Tennessee CCW permit. For the official laws regarding Tennessee concealed carry reciprocity and regulations, you can read state statutes here.