For educational reference only. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with Tennessee's official issuing authority before carrying a firearm. This is not legal advice.
Permitless (Constitutional) Carry State
Tennessee allows eligible residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. A voluntary permit is still available and provides reciprocity benefits in other states. Effective April 8, 2021. Applies to Tennessee residents 21+ who are legally eligible to possess a firearm.
CCW Permit Guide
Tennessee Concealed Carry Permit 2026
Tennessee concealed carry requirements: permit fees, training hours, reciprocity states, prohibited locations, and official application information.
Tennessee enacted permitless carry in 2021. Eligible residents 21+ may carry concealed or openly without a permit. The Handgun Carry Permit (HCP) is still available and provides reciprocity benefits.
Permitless Carry
Shall-Issue State
Open Carry Allowed
2026 CCW Quick Facts
Reference 2026
Resident Fee
$100
Optional permit
Validity
8yr
Renewal required after expiration
Training
8 Hours
8 hours training (4 hours classroom + 4 hours range) for voluntary HCP
Processing
60
typical processing time
Permit Details
Tennessee CCW Permit Requirements
Official requirements for obtaining a Tennessee concealed carry permit or weapon license.
Issuing Authority
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
- Official Site
Permitless Carry
Constitutional Carry - eligible residents may carry without a permit
Effective April 8, 2021. Applies to Tennessee residents 21+ who are legally eligible to possess a firearm.
Issue Standard
Shall Issue - the issuing authority must issue a permit to any qualified applicant who meets the requirements
Open Carry
Allowed
- no permit required for open carry
Resident Fee
$100.00
Permit Valid
8 years from issuance date - renewal required
Minimum Age
21 years old (resident permit)
Background Check
Required - FBI NICS background check required for permit application
Processing Time
60
Duty to Inform
No Requirement - no legal duty to proactively disclose, though voluntary disclosure is generally recommended
Training Requirements
Tennessee CCW Training Requirements
Training Required
Tennessee requires completion of an approved firearms training course before a permit will be issued.
Minimum training time: 8 hours. Approved training types: 8 hours training (4 hours classroom + 4 hours range) for voluntary HCP.
Reciprocity
States Whose Permits Tennessee Honors
Tennessee recognizes concealed carry permits from the following states (34 states):
Verify current status before traveling. Each state's carry laws still apply.
Prohibited Locations
Where You Cannot Carry in Tennessee
Schools and school zones, public parks (unless permit), government buildings, courthouses, police stations, bus/airline terminals, places of worship during services (unless authorized), establishments primarily serving alcohol, casinos
Note: Federal law also prohibits carry in federal facilities, federal courthouses, and other locations regardless of state law. Always check both state and federal restrictions.
Important Notes
Tennessee-Specific CCW Information
Tennessee HCP is valid for 8 years — longer than most states. Permitless carry applies to residents only; non-residents must have a permit from a state Tennessee honors. Tennessee does not issue non-resident HCPs.
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed carry laws in Tennessee are subject to change through legislation and court decisions. Always verify current requirements with Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security or a qualified firearms attorney before carrying a firearm.