Tennessee Gun Laws

Concealed & Open Carry

Tennessee adopted constitutional carry under HB 786, effective July 1, 2021. However, Tennessee's version is more restrictive than most constitutional carry states — it applies only to persons 21 and older (18 for military) who are not prohibited from possessing firearms and who are citizens or lawful permanent residents. Tennessee also issues an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) and a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) for those wanting reciprocity and access to additional carry locations.

Key statute: T.C.A. § 39-17-1307 — unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon. As amended by HB 786, provides permitless carry for eligible persons.

Who Cannot Carry

In addition to standard federal prohibitions, Tennessee's permitless carry law requires that the person: has not been convicted of stalking, has not been convicted of DUI within the past five years (or twice within the past ten years), is not the subject of an order of protection, and has not been adjudicated as a mental defective. These additional conditions make Tennessee's version more restrictive than most constitutional carry states.

Prohibited Locations

Tennessee prohibits carry in: schools and school grounds, judicial buildings, government buildings with posted prohibitions, any property where notice is posted prohibiting weapons, establishments that serve alcohol (unless the person has a valid EHCP and is not consuming alcohol), and hospitals and similar facilities (with posted notice).

Purchase Requirements

No permit is required to purchase a firearm. All FFL sales require a federal NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, and no assault weapons ban or magazine restriction.

Citations

T.C.A. Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 (weapons); HB 786 (2021).

Sources & official resources