Tennessee gun laws
Last verified November 1, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Gun laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every rule with the state's agency or statutes before you carry or travel.
Carry
- Permitless (constitutional) carry: Yes, for eligible adults 21+
- 21+ (18+ military) may carry without a permit under T.C.A. 39-17-1307.
- Open carry: Not confirmed. Check with Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- Permits: Tennessee permit guide
Vehicle transport
Not confirmed. Check with Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Places where carry is banned
THP refers carriers to T.C.A. Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 for prohibited locations and notes that restrictions apply even to permit holders. Source
Magazines and assault weapons
- Magazine capacity limit: No statewide limit
- Assault-weapon restrictions: No statewide ban
Duty to inform
Not confirmed. Check with Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Stand your ground and castle doctrine
No duty to retreat in any place you're lawfully present (stand your ground).
Red-flag law
No extreme risk protection order law.
Reciprocity
Tennessee honors facially valid handgun permits from other states.
Honors permits from every state.
Sources
Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.