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INFORMATION ON THE TENNESSEE HANDGUN CARRY PERMIT



TENNESSEE HANDGUN SAFETY COURSE
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The course is an 8 hour course and is generally run on Saturdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost of the course is $75.00. Prepayment of the course is required to ensure a slot for class registration. This course is designed by the state to take the student through the steps needed to obtain a TENNESSEE HANDGUN CARRY PERMIT. Half of the class is spent in the classroom covering various topics with: videos, lecture, and discussion. There is a written test on which a score of 70% or better is required to pass. The test is multiple choice and true/false and covers basic, common sense firearms safety and handling material covered during the classroom portion. There are restroom breaks and a break for lunch. The range qualification consists of firing 50 rounds of ammunition. A score of 70% or better is required to pass. We strongly recommend applicants qualify with the gun and ammo they intend to carry, but there is no requirement to do so. You may qualify with a .22 and carry a .44! But, this NOT recommended. It is recommended that the student bring their own firearm (See Equipment Requirement Page). Due to the time requirements placed on us, by the state, we do not have time to make you a proficient shooter, if you are not already competent. Before carrying a handgun for personal protection, we very much recommend that you, AT THE VERY LEAST, take a Basic Firearms Safety & Handling class, if you have never had professional training.
Click here to sign up for the Tennessee Handgun Safety Course
The information presented is correct, to the best of our knowledge and belief. You should contact an Attorney or the Department of Safety for legal interpretation. Permits are issued ONLY to residents of Tennessee and are valid in all 95 counties, subject to restrictions, which are covered in our class. See Pending Bill and Legislative Updates for the most current information.
Sponsored by: Tennesssee Firearms Association, Inc.

FIRST TIME TENNESSEE HANDGUN CARRY PERMIT
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Effective July 1, 2005, the state law regarding obtaining a handgun carry permit changed. Following are the requirements for obtaining this permit:
  • Provide CERTIFIED PROOF of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency (no photocopies).
  • You must have an original certificate of completion of a certified handgun safety course.
  • The course must have been completed within the previous six months of making application.
  • You must have your fingerprints taken. This will be performed by a Driver License Examiner for the purpose of conducting a TBI and FBI Criminal History Records Check.
  • You must have a photograph taken. A Driver License Examiner will also do this.
  • You must pay the appropriate fee with the completed application form. The fee is $115.00 for an original application. Only cash or certified check made payable to the TN Department of Safety will be accepted.
  • Dodd & Associates will provide applications to you.
  • The fee is non-refundable.
  • Be aware of the DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW. If you have a MISDEMEANOR conviction, you may not be eligible for the permit. The conviction "may" void your current permit, deny you the right to purchase additional firearms and could jeopardize your current ownership of firearms. Check with your attorney to see how this might affect you.
The state anticipates a minimum of 60 days to process applications and issue the applicant's permit. The actual processing time will be dependent on the response of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigations to perform the fingerprint check.

RENEWAL OF TENNESSEE HANDGUN CARRY PERMIT
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Prior to expiration of the applicant's handgun carry permit, the applicant must:
  • ALL handgun permit applicants seeking a new, renewal, or replacement permit must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency.
  • Submit a fully completed application.
  • Have a photograph taken by a Driver License Examiner.
  • Submit the proper fee of $50.00
  • Even if you are one day late, you will have to apply as a NEW applicant!

Applicants must be 21 years of age and a resident of Tennessee, must not be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm in this state or any other state or by federal law, must also meet all other requirements related to the application. After issuance, the permit will be valid for 4 years and shall entitle the permit holder to carry any handgun(s), which the permit holder legally owns or possesses. The permit holder must have the permit with him when carrying a handgun and display the permit on demand of a law enforcement officer. Prior to expiration of the permit, it will be the permit holder's responsibility to apply for renewal.

Any permit issued before October 1, 1996, by County Sheriffs will remain valid until the date of expiration. However, current permit tees may "trade in" their two-year permit cards to DOS after October 1, 1996 in exchange for a four-year permit. The process will be handled as if it were a renewal, i.e., a $50.00 charge will accompany the filing of a renewal application, and the new card will have an expiration date extended by two years giving the permitted a four year total.

It is no longer a requirement that the firearm to be carried be specified by make, model, and serial number. The training certificate will require the make, model, and caliber (not serial number) of the firearm used for qualification. An insurance bond is no longer required.


Click Here to Visit The Tennessee Department of Safety Website

Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit Reciprocity


 

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