New Year, New Laws!

Tennessee Handgun Permit Information

January 6, 2020 | Firearms

In Tennessee, a handgun carry permit (HCP) enables the permit holder to open or conceal carry (though concealment is highly recommended). Since 1996 Tennessee has had a “shall-issue” handgun permit law, however this month that all changes. Though handgun schools like myself have known of changes since the summer of 2019, Tennessee will have additional options to choose from beginning 1/1/2020.

Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (Effective 1/1/2020)

• 2019 Public Chapter 479
• Must carry Concealed at all times
• The fee for the permit will be $65
• Training requirements
• Must fill out CCP Proof of Training form to submit along with training proof
• The card will have an eight (8) year expiration date
• May not carry at any school or university (public or private)
• Name-based background check run every 5 years

The first is the conceal-only permit. The permit processing fee is $65 in addition to the online training cost. 

All online training vendors must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Of the 10 available to choose from online, most vendors I recognize as schools that have been teaching the 8-hour carry permit, not mystery websites. 

The online course is offered here via Shoot Point Blank.

Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit

• Effective 1/1/2020, the current handgun carry permit will be referred to as an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit.
• Application fee of $100 ($65 if active or honorably discharged military)
• Allows open or concealed carry.
• Permits will be issued for eight (8) years.
• The permit shall entitle the permittee to carry any handgun - which the permittee legally owns or possesses.
• The permittee shall have the permit in their immediate possession at all times when carrying a handgun and shall display the permit on demand of a law enforcement officer.

The second is the permit I have, and the curriculum I have been teaching for over eight years now. This is now known as the “enhanced” carry permit – which nothing has changed other than the new name. With this option, the permit holder can open or conceal carry as permitted, and he/she has the ability to travel with other states recognizing (and some having formal reciprocity). The permit fee for original 8-year permits is $100 and the 8-hour course is $75. After the handgun course is complete, a certificate is issued. 

Additionally, the State offers Lifetime permits (enhanced only), Retired Law Enforcement Lifetime, and Temporary (21-day) permits for those granted an Order of Protection, subject to eligibility*. 

For more details click here: https://www.tn.gov/safety/tnhp/handgun/permittypes.html

For my course offerings click to book online or contact me.

Enhanced Permit Information

Step 1

Register for a class here, or contact me to set up a group class.

Materials required: Pack snacks/lunch, pen and paper, photo ID, a working handgun, 50 rounds of ammunition. Handguns are available for rent. 

Step 2

After registering with us, please visit the TN Permit Application link here.

From there you will need to click on the handgun permits tab on the menu (in dark blue) to get started. Bring the application confirmation number with you to class.

Step 3

 AFTER completing the 8-hour course, the next step of your application is to go to the TN Department of Safety (full-service driver’s license center). You will need to:

1.  Provide your confirmation number and/or present the attached handgun safety certificate of completion
2.  Present your state-issued ID plus documents showing you are a US Citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident (see below)
3.  Pay the processing fee [$100 - 8 year, $65 Military 8 year, Lifetime $300, Military Lifetime $265, Retired Law Enforcement Lifetime $100]
4. Have your photo taken
5. Receive a handout on where to go to be fingerprinted
6. Wait for your permit to arrive in the mail 

Permit Processing Fees

Concealed Only

$65 – 8 year Concealed Only

Enhanced

Original 8 year $100

Renewal - $50

Military 8 year - $65

Renewal - $50

Lifetime - $300

Military Lifetime - $265

Retired Law Enforcement Lifetime - $100

Other

Temporary - $0*

References

1. Handgun Carry Permits. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tn.gov/safety/tnhp/handgun.html.