Article 1, Section 26 of the Tennessee Constitution states that, “citizens of this State have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.”

A Tennessee permit is not required to purchase rifles, handguns, shotguns or long guns.

Any person wanting to obtain a handgun must present the licensed dealer with current identification and other information.  A criminal history background check is conducted in this regard.  A fee is collected to cover the cost of the background check.  The background check does not apply to transactions between licensed manufacturers, importers, dealers, or collectors.  As per the laws of Tennessee, it is unlawful to sell, loan or gift a firearm to a minor or to an intoxicated person[i].

The main government office that deals with issues relating to firearms are:

Tennessee Department of Safety,

Attn: Handgun Carry Permit Office,

1150 Foster Ave,

Nashville, Tennessee 37249-1000.

Phone: (866) 849-3548.

and

Attorney General,

P.O. Box 20207,

Nashville, Tennessee 37202.

Phone: (615) 741-3491.

Fax: (615) 741-2009.

[i] Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1303