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

 

How to Apply for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit

Original handgun permit applicants must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency.

The citizens of the state of Tennessee have the right to keep and bear arms for their common defense; but the General Assembly has the power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime. Any resident of Tennessee who has reached twenty-one (21) years of age may apply to the Department of Safety for a handgun permit. If the applicant is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm in this state pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. §39-17-316 or 39-17-1307(b), 18 U.S.C. 9 (g) or any other state or federal law and the applicant otherwise meets all of the requirements, the Department of Safety shall issue a permit to the applicant.

  • Permits will be issued on a three to seven year cycle, based on the applicant’s age, and will expire on a birthday that is divisible by five.
  • The permit shall entitle the permittee to carry any handgun - which the permittee legally owns or possesses.
  • The permittee shall have the permit in their immediate possession at all times when carrying a handgun and shall display the permit on demand of a law enforcement officer.

Applications for a new handgun carry permit may be picked up at any Driver Service Center location.

Applications for a new handgun carry permit can be processed at any full service Driver Service Center location.

NOTE: Applicant should consult Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 of the T.C.A. Codes for information on locations where handguns are prohibited, or check the list of Reciprocity States.

Even though a person has a permit and is authorized to possess or carry a firearm pursuant to T.C.A. 39-17-1315 or 39-17-1351, there are restrictions as to where firearms may be carried. Additional information pertaining to possession of and carrying a firearm are listed by Tennessee Annotated Code and subject matter. More information can be obtained online from the Tennessee Annotated Code lookup (this link is to LexisNexis site external to Tennessee Department of Safety website).


Handgun Permit Fees

  • The cost of the handgun carry permit varies according to the applicant’s date of birth and their next age divisible by five (age 30, 35, 40…etc).
  • Handgun carry permits will be issued on a three to seven year cycle, based on the applicant’s age, and will expire on a birthday that is divisible by five. The renewal fee will still be pro-rated at the same cost of $12.50 per year.
  • Accepted methods of payment for an original handgun carry permit are cash, money order, MasterCard, Visa and Discover Credit Cards. Checks are accepted for a renewal and duplicate handgun carry permits.

Handgun Carry Permit Fees by Years Issued

Number of Years for Permit Original Cost Renewal Cost
3 $102.50 $37.50
4 $115.00 $50.00
5 $127.50 $62.50
6 $140.00 $75.00
7 $152.50 $87.50
Lifetime $500.00 N/A

 
Public Chapter No 866, signed May 18, 2014 section 2 states

Any person, who has been honorably discharged from any branch of the United States armed forces or who is on active duty in any branch of the armed forces or who is currently serving in the national guard or armed forces reserve, and who makes initial application for a handgun carry permit shall be required to pay only that portion of the initial application fee that is necessary to conduct the required criminal history record check.

That being said someone out of service would need a DD214, someone still serving would have their current credential card identify them. This does not change the fact that they will still need to show proof of completion of an 8 hour handgun safety course or meet the exemption requirements. The current fee to run background checks is $68 so that is what the applicant must pay.
 

Handgun Carry Permit Fees by Age (example)

Age Number of Permit Years Original Cost Renewal Cost
21 4 $115.00 $50.00
22 3 $102.50 $37.50
23 7 $152.50 $87.50
24 6 $140.00 $75.00
25 5 $127.50 $62.50
26 4 $115.00 $50.00
27 3 $102.50 $37.50
28 7 $152.50 $87.50
29 6 $140.00 $75.00
30 5 $127.50 $62.50
N/A Lifetime $500.00 N/A

 

Child Safety

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

Download the Child Safety brochure.
 

Tennessee Code

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.
 

Handgun Carry Permit Information