Tennessee carry status overview
Tennessee is a permitless carry state. HB 786, signed by Governor Bill Lee and effective April 8, 2021, allows Tennessee residents and non-residents 21 years of age or older who are legally eligible to possess a handgun to carry it concealed or openly without a permit.
Active duty military members and honorably discharged veterans may qualify at 18. Two types of handgun carry permits remain available and are recommended for residents who travel to other states requiring a permit for reciprocity.
| Permitless carry | Yes — effective April 8, 2021 (HB 786) |
| Governing law | Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1307 |
| Minimum age | 21 years old18+ for active duty military with orders or honorably discharged veterans |
| Open carry | Yes — permitted for eligible persons |
| Vehicle carry | Allowed without permit for eligible persons |
| Permits available | Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) and Concealed Carry-Only Permit |
Tennessee carry permits
Tennessee offers two permit types through the Department of Safety and Homeland Security:
| Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) | Allows both open and concealed carry. Requires 8-hour course and range qualification. Honored in the most states for reciprocity. |
| Concealed Carry-Only Permit | Allows concealed carry only. Requires online safety course. Lower cost. Honored in fewer reciprocity states. |
| Issuing agency | Tennessee Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security |
| EHCP fee | $100 (initial, 8-year validity) / $65 renewal |
| Concealed-only fee | $65 (initial) / $50 renewal |
| Application | tn.gov — Handgun Permits ↗ |
| Background check | Yes — TBI and FBI NICS |
Recommendation: If you plan to travel, the EHCP is the stronger choice — it is honored in more states and permits both open and concealed carry in Tennessee.
Vehicle carry in Tennessee
Any person 21 or older who is legally eligible to possess a handgun may carry it in a vehicle without a permit under Tennessee's permitless carry law. The firearm may be loaded and accessible. A permit is not required.
Prior to April 8, 2021, a permit was required for loaded carry in a vehicle. SB 765/HB 786 removed that requirement for eligible persons.
Prohibited locations in Tennessee
- K–12 school buildings and grounds
- School buses
- Public parks (if posted with prohibition signs)
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Police, sheriff, and highway patrol stations
- Detention facilities and jails
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Establishments serving alcohol for on-premises consumption (bars)
- Places of worship (unless authorized by the governing body)
- College and university campuses
- Gaming facilities
- Any place prohibited by federal law
- Private property with posted prohibition notice
Note on parks: Tennessee law allows counties and municipalities to post prohibition signs in public parks. The absence of a sign generally means carry is permitted. Always check current local postings.
Frequently asked questions — Tennessee
Does Tennessee require a permit to carry a handgun?
No. Since April 8, 2021, Tennessee law allows any person 21 or older who is legally eligible to possess a handgun to carry it concealed or openly without a permit. You must not be prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
What is the difference between the EHCP and the Concealed Carry-Only Permit?
The Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) requires an 8-hour course including range qualification, allows both open and concealed carry, and is honored in more reciprocity states. The Concealed Carry-Only Permit requires only an online safety course, is cheaper, but only permits concealed carry and is honored in fewer states. For most residents who travel, the EHCP is the better investment.
Can I carry in a bar or restaurant in Tennessee?
Generally not in an establishment whose primary purpose is selling alcohol for on-premises consumption (bars). Restaurants that serve alcohol but are primarily food service establishments are treated differently. EHCP holders may carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol as long as it is not posted with a prohibition and the carrier does not consume alcohol. When in doubt, leave your firearm secured in your vehicle.
Can I carry in Tennessee state parks?
Potentially yes, but it depends. Tennessee law allows local governments to post prohibition signs in public parks. If a park has no prohibition sign posted, carry is generally permitted. State parks operated by TDEC are generally open to carry unless posted. Always verify signage at the specific park before carrying.
Does Tennessee honor out-of-state carry permits?
Yes. Tennessee recognizes valid handgun carry permits from all other states and jurisdictions (T.C.A. § 39-17-1351). Additionally, as a permitless carry state, any person 21+ who is legally eligible may carry in Tennessee without any permit from any state.