Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How Do I Obtain a Handgun Carry Permit?

To obtain a handgun carry permit in Tennessee, you must first successfully complete a handgun safety course offered by a handgun safety school that is certified by the Department of Safety.

You should then make application at any full service Driver Service Center. You will need to bring with you the original copy of your safety course completion certificate, proof of US Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency, photo identification such as your Driver License, and $115 NON-REFUNDABLE permit fee. This fee may be paid in cash, money order or with a certified check. If there are no problems with the application and you meet all eligibility requirements, you should receive your permit within 90 days of the date you submit your application.

When your application is processed at the Driver Service Center, you will be given instructions on being fingerprinted.

Effective July 1, 2005, all handgun permit applicants seeking a new, renewal or replacement permit must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency.

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).

Question 2

Can I renew my handgun carry permit before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your handgun carry permit up to six (6) months before your expiration date by completing an application and paying the $50.00 renewal fee. You may renew in person at any full service driver services center or by mail to:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Handgun Permit Office
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243-1000

[NOTE: You will need to provide CERTIFIED PROOF of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency to renew your permit in person or via mail.]

Question 3

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

You can renew your handgun carry permit up to six (6) months past the expiration date by completing an application and paying the $50.00 renewal fee. You may not legally carry a weapon while your permit has expired until you receive your new permit.

You may renew in person at any full service driver services center or by mail to:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Handgun Permit Office
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243-1000

[NOTE: You will need to provide CERTIFIED PROOF of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency to renew your permit in person or via mail.]

If your permit has been expired more than six (6) months past the renewal date you will need to start the complete process again.  This includes completing a handgun safety course, paying the $115 fee, being fingerprinted and undergoing a background check.

Question 4

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.

Question 5

How do I Renew a Handgun Carry Permit?

• Your handgun carry permit will expire four (4) years from the date it is issued.
• Renewals can be submitted up to six (6) months prior to the expiration date. Any person whose handgun carry permit expires and such person applies for a renewal within six (6) months from the date of expiration, such person shall only be required to comply with the renewal provisions. However, you may not lawfully carry a weapon until you receive a new permit.
• If the handgun carry permit has been expired greater than 6 months past the expiration date,  the applicant will have to start the complete application process.  This includes completing a handgun safety course, paying the $115 fee, being fingerprinted and undergoing a background check.
• The renewal fee for a handgun carry permit is $50.00. Permit Holders whose permit have not expired and are renewing their permit, may legally carry their handgun with the receipt provided from their application.  Permit Holders whose permit have expired and are renewing their permit, cannot lawfully carry a handgun until they receive their new permit.
• A permit holder can submit a Renewal Application at any full service Driver License Center or renew by mail. To receive a renewal application by mail call toll-free 1-866-849-3548.
• Complete and sign your application. Mail the application, CERTIFIED PROOF of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency (no photocopies; documents will NOT be returned) and the $50.00 fee payable by check or money order to the following address:
  Tennessee Department of Safety
  Handgun Permit Office
  1150 Foster Ave.
  Nashville, TN 37243-1000
• Incomplete applications cannot be processed.
• FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.