How do I get a concealed carry permit in Tennessee?

Q: How do I get a concealed carry permit in Tennessee?

Tennessee operates a tiered concealed carry system under T.C.A. § 39-17-1307 and § 39-17-1351 . Permitless carry was added by HB 1184 (2021) . 1. Permitless Carry (§ 39-17-1307(g)) - Adults 21+ (or 18+ honorably discharged veterans / active military ) not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed or openly without a permit. 2. Permit Options - Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP) : shorter training (no live-fire); concealed only. - Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP) : 8-hour course with live-fire; broader carry rights and best reciprocity. 3. Eligibility (§ 39-17-1351) - At least 21 years old . - Tennessee resident. - U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. - No felony conviction (some non-violent convictions waivable after 15 years). - No DUI or specified misdemeanor in past 5 years. - No commitment for mental health treatment. 4. Training Requirement - CHCP : 90-minute online course (no live-fire). - EHCP : 8-hour Department of Safety-approved course with classroom + live-fire. 5. Application - Apply online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) . - Submit fingerprints at an approved IdentoGO location. 6. Fees - CHCP: $65 . - EHCP: $100 (8-year). 7. Processing - 90 days by statute. 8. Restricted Locations (§ 39-17-1359) - Schools, courthouses, parks (some), polling places, jails, public meetings, and posted private property. 9. Reciprocity - Enhanced permit honored in 30+ states ; concealed-only permit honored in fewer states. 10. Renewal - Valid 8 years ; renewal $50 (CHCP) or $50 (EHCP), no re-training required. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Tennessee operates a tiered concealed carry system under T.C.A. § 39-17-1307 and § 39-17-1351. Permitless carry was added by HB 1184 (2021).

1. Permitless Carry (§ 39-17-1307(g))

Adults 21+ (or 18+ honorably discharged veterans / active military) not prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry concealed or openly without a permit.

2. Permit Options

Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CHCP): shorter training (no live-fire); concealed only.

Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit (EHCP): 8-hour course with live-fire; broader carry rights and best reciprocity.

3. Eligibility (§ 39-17-1351)

At least 21 years old.

Tennessee resident.

U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

No felony conviction (some non-violent convictions waivable after 15 years).

No DUI or specified misdemeanor in past 5 years.

No commitment for mental health treatment.

4. Training Requirement

CHCP: 90-minute online course (no live-fire).

EHCP: 8-hour Department of Safety-approved course with classroom + live-fire.

5. Application

Apply online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS).

Submit fingerprints at an approved IdentoGO location.

6. Fees

CHCP: $65.

EHCP: $100 (8-year).

7. Processing

90 days by statute.

8. Restricted Locations (§ 39-17-1359)

Schools, courthouses, parks (some), polling places, jails, public meetings, and posted private property.

9. Reciprocity

Enhanced permit honored in 30+ states; concealed-only permit honored in fewer states.

10. Renewal

Valid 8 years; renewal $50 (CHCP) or $50 (EHCP), no re-training required.

This is legal information, not legal advice.