Tennessee Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Can non-residents carry a handgun in Tennessee with a permit issued by another state?

1. Yes, Tennessee honors all out-of-state permits

2. No

3. Yes, but only if the state has a reciprocity agreement with Tennessee

4. Yes, but the individual must apply for a Tennessee permit within 30 days

The correct answer is: Yes, Tennessee honors all out-of-state permits

The correct answer is that Tennessee does honor certain out-of-state handgun permits, but the situation is a bit more nuanced than simply recognizing all out-of-state permits. Tennessee has established a system of reciprocity with specific states, meaning that if a non-resident holds a permit from a state with which Tennessee has a reciprocity agreement, they may carry a handgun in Tennessee. It's important to note that not every out-of-state permit is accepted; thus, if a non-resident's permit originates from a state without a reciprocity agreement, then that permit would not be valid for carrying in Tennessee. While the first choice may sound straightforward, understanding the requirement for that reciprocity agreement is key to knowing under what conditions a non-resident can lawfully carry a handgun in Tennessee. In summary, the rules governing handgun carry permits are based on the state of issuance and the existing agreements between those states and Tennessee, rather than a blanket acceptance of all out-of-state permits.