Do I need a permit to carry in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 18 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.

Where can I check Tennessee's official rules?

Check Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Handgun Permit Reciprocity. The controlling law is Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1); § 39-17-1307(g).

Carry laws · 2026

Tennessee concealed carry laws, backed by the statute

At a glance

Carry rule: Permitless at 18
Minimum age: 18
Non-resident permit valid here?: Yes
Statute: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1); § 39-17-1307(g)

Carrying in Tennessee

Tennessee lets adults 18 and older carry concealed without a permit.

That rule stops at the Tennessee line. If you travel, the law of the next state applies.

The Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit expands carry locations and reciprocity.

Source: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1); § 39-17-1307(g). Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Handgun Permit Reciprocity. Reviewed Q3 2026.

Does a non-resident permit work in Tennessee?

A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.

Yes. Tennessee recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1); § 39-17-1307(g). The state's own rules about where and how you carry still apply to you.

Getting Tennessee's own permit

Tennessee does not require a permit at home. An optional permit is still useful, because other states may honor it when you travel.

Common questions

Do I need a permit to carry in Tennessee?: No. Tennessee allows concealed carry without a permit for eligible adults 18 and older. Some places stay off limits under state and federal law.
Does Tennessee honor out-of-state permits?: Yes. Tennessee recognizes a valid out-of-state permit under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1); § 39-17-1307(g).
Where can I check Tennessee's official rules?: Check Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Handgun Permit Reciprocity. The controlling law is Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1); § 39-17-1307(g).

Not sure where you stand?

Check your state's rules in 30 seconds. Free, no signup.

Check your state's rules →

Sources and verification

TN: Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1351(r)(1); § 39-17-1307(g). Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Handgun Permit Reciprocity.

Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.