How to Get a Permit to Carry a Concealed Weapon in Tennessee

Tennessee is a "shall issue" state. A carry and conceal weapon (CCW) permit will be issued to anyone who qualifies but will not serve as a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check. The issuing authority is the Department of Public Safety or the Handgun Carry Permit Office. The following steps will show how to obtain a CCW license in Tennessee.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Have a CCW permit from any state or be a police officer from any state. Tennessee recognizes CCW permits from all other states unless you have been a resident of Tennessee for six months. In this case, you need to get a CCW permit in Tennessee.
2. Be 21 years of age and a resident of Tennessee.
3. Complete a handgun safety course certified by the Department of Public Safety within the six months before applying for the CCW permit.
4. Obtain an application form from any driver's license station. Submit the completed application, a handgun safety course certification, a photo identification and the permit fee in cash or a certified check to any driver's license station.
5. Receive your permit or be denied in 90 days. Renew the permit every four years by paying the renewal fee. You must keep your permit on your person at all times when carrying a concealed weapon and present the permit upon demand by any law enforcement officer.
6. Refrain from carrying a concealed weapon in bars, courtrooms, public schools or any building with a posted sign banning firearms.