Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be fingerprinted for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit?

If you are applying for an original permit (Enhanced or Concealed) and have not had a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit before, you must be fingerprinted in order to be processed. Fingerprint results may only be used for the purpose given when you register and are not shared with other agencies.

New fingerprinting is not required for renewals, duplicates, upgrading from an 8-year to Lifetime, or upgrading from Concealed to Enhanced.

What is the minimum age for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit?

The minimum age requirement for a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit is 18.

If my handgun carry permit has expired, can I still renew?

You can renew your handgun carry permit up to one renewal cycle (8 years) past the expiration date by completing an application and paying the renewal fee. You may not legally carry a weapon on your person in certain areas while your permit has expired until you receive your new permit.

Please click How To Apply (tn.gov) for renewal instructions.

What states recognize Tennessee Handgun Carry Permits?

Currently, Tennessee has signed formal reciprocity agreements with several states. Persons with valid Tennessee handgun carry permits should contact the reciprocity state for information on carrying handguns prior to entering the reciprocity state.

Know before you go! You are strongly advised to check state and local laws regarding the carrying of handguns before you travel to another state. Many states honor Tennessee Handgun Carry Permits, however local laws and restrictions do apply.

Find more information on reciprocity, click here.

How do I obtain a Military Training Exception for the Enhanced handgun safety course required by T.C.A. § 39-17-1351 (e)(4)?

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security is mandated to require applicants submit proof of the successful completion of a department-approved handgun safety course. An applicant is not required to comply with the firing range and classroom requirements if the applicant can prove successful completion of handgun training of not less than four (4) hours as required by any branch of the military.

Military personnel who can prove they have completed four (4) hours of handgun training and who provide proof of that training may be exempt from taking the handgun safety course.

If you did not complete four (4) hours of handgun training or are unable to provide proof of the training under T.C.A. §39-17-1351 (e), you may still be exempt from the range portion of the Enhanced handgun safety course under T.C.A. § 39-17-1351(y).

An applicant shall not be required to comply with the firing range requirements of this section if the applicant:

(1) Is an active-duty service member or honorably discharged or retired veteran of the United States armed forces;

(2) Has a military occupational specialty, special qualification identifier, skill identifier, specialty code, or rating that identifies a service qualification in military police, special operations, or special forces; and

(3) Presents to the department a certified copy of the applicant's certificate of release or discharge from active duty, department of defense form 214 (DD 214), or other official documentation that provides proof of the service criteria required under this subsection (y).

*Please note, all other requirements must be met, including fingerprinting. Please see How To Apply (tn.gov) for requirements and instructions.

How do I receive a military discount?

To be eligible to receive the military discount fee, military personnel will need to provide their DD214, showing that they were honorably discharged, or provide their current, valid active-duty military ID. The fee is $65 for an 8-year Enhanced permit or $265 for a Lifetime Enhanced permit.

NOTE: The Department will also accept an NGB55 form from members of the National Guard who receive an honorable discharge; this form would take the place of a DD214. Completion of the requisite safety course or of the required military exemption information must be entered, and the Military Service block checked for processing, as appropriate.

Please note, all other requirements must be met, including fingerprinting. Please see How To Apply (tn.gov) for requirements and instructions.

What happens to my Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit if I move out of state?

Pursuant to T.C.A. § 39-17-1351, you must be a Tennessee resident to be eligible for a Tennessee handgun carry permit. If your residence changes to another state, the Tennessee handgun carry permit will be cancelled.

Statute does allow 8-year Enhanced Handgun Carry Permits for out-of-state resident gun permit holder who presents proof they are employed in Tennessee for at least 30 hours per week for at least six consecutive months. Non-resident applicants must also have a current valid handgun permit in their home state.

What does a retired police officer need to apply for a Retired Law Enforcement Officer Lifetime handgun carry permit?

The first step of applying for an original Tennessee handgun carry permit would be to complete the application online under the Handgun Permit tab.
- Please print this SF-1551 form — you will need to complete the top portion of the form and present it to your Human Resource Office or Chief Law Enforcement Officer to complete the bottom portion of the form. A letter from the law enforcement agency on letterhead stating years of service and confirmation of retirement in good standing may be submitted in lieu of Form 1551.
Once the form has been completed, you will visit a Driver Services Center. *
- You may schedule an appointment for your visit by scheduling a Driver License Appointment. At the Driver Services Center:
- Provide CERTIFIED PROOF of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency (Photocopies will not be accepted)
- Provide proof of full SSN
- Provide completed SF-1551 form
- Submit proof of handgun training:
  - If you currently have a Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit or your SF-1551 shows a retirement date within the past 5 years, additional proof of training will not be required.
  - Click here for a list of acceptable exemptions from the handgun safety course.
  - A list of certified handgun safety schools can be found through https://dl.safety.tn.gov/ under the Handgun Permit tab.
- Have photo taken
- If you do not currently have a Tennessee driver license, you must submit two proofs of Tennessee residency with your name and resident address - NO P.O. BOXES (Documents must be current and within last 4 months.)
- Present a photo ID to the Department at the time of filing the application.
- Once transaction is complete, the examiner will provide you with the instructions for being fingerprinted.

*If you have a Real ID compliant driver license, you may avoid the driver service center by emailing the following to handgun.permits@tn.gov:

o Completed SF-1551 form

o Completed and signed application. printable application

o Proof of handgun training:

A list of certified handgun safety schools can be found through https://dl.safety.tn.gov/ under the Handgun Permit tab.
Click here for a list of acceptable exemptions from the handgun safety course.

Once the transaction is complete, you will be emailed the instructions for being fingerprinted.

Who do I contact if I have been denied a gun purchase?

Gun purchase backgrounds and approvals are processed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s TICS Unit. Information regarding the appeal of a denied firearm purchase or transfer is located at https://www.tn.gov/tbi/divisions/cjis-division/firearm-background-checks.html.