How to Obtain a Handgun Carry Permit in Tennessee
Car-jackings, robberies, and even murders occur on a daily basis, so many people feel a growing need to carry a gun in order to protect themselves. In fact, there are hundreds of thousands of individuals in the state of Tennessee who are licensed to carry a handgun. The right to bear arms is a constitutional one but it must be done in a lawful manner. If you are a Tennessee resident and want to exercise your second amendment right, the following steps will walk you through the process of obtaining your handgun carry permit.
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Instructions
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Make sure you meet the legal requirements to carry a handgun. According to state law, you must be at least 21 years old, a citizen of the United States and a resident of Tennessee.
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Learn to use a gun. Although it can take time and practice to become skilled at shooting, but at a minimum you should know how to load and unload the weapon, how to engage and disengage the safety mechanism and how to fire the gun. Many shooting ranges offer classes or even private lessons for beginners.
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Pass a handgun safety training course. You must complete an 8-hour state approved training course that are available at gun ranges all across Tennessee. To pass the course, you will be required to take a written exam and to show satisfactory skill during the handgun firing qualification. You can call (866) 849-3548 to find an approved course near you.
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Submit your application. Go to any full service driver license service center in Tennessee to fill out and submit the handgun carry permit application. In addition, you must bring proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), a photo ID, and proof of completion of the handgun safety training course.
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Pay the application fee. At the time of application, you must submit your application fee by cash, certified check or money order. Fees are subject to change. See the Resources section to check on current fees.
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Pass a background check. After you submit your application, you will be required to undergo fingerprinting. Your fingerprints will be submitted electronically to TBI, FBI, and your county sheriff. To pass the background check you must not have ever been convicted of a felony, been ruled as mentally incapacitated, been dishonorably discharged from the military, been convicted of a DUI in the last five years, been convicted of two DUIs in the last ten years, have been in rehab in the last ten years, or currently be the subject of a restraining order.
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Receive your permit. Within 90 days of passing the background check, you will be issued a Tennessee handgun carry permit.
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Tips & Warnings
A Tennessee handgun carry permit is valid for 4 years from the date it is issued.
You do not have to have a permit to keep a gun in your home.
There are several states that do not recognize Tennessee handgun carry permits. If you are travelling, be sure to check handgun laws for any state you are travelling through.
You must carry your permit anytime you are carrying your handgun.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo courtesy of Stock Photo Exchange
