Is a Alabama Non-Resident Permit Valid in Tennessee?

Why

• Alabama does not issue carry permits to non-residents (alea: alabama issues concealed carry permits only to alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence).

'A facially valid handgun permit, firearms permit, weapons permit or license issued by another state shall be valid in this state according to its terms' — handguns only; the permit must be in the holder's possession at all times while carrying; new Tennessee residents must obtain a TN permit within six months.

Carry rules in Tennessee

Your Alabama habits may not match Tennessee's law. Check these three areas before you carry there.

• No proactive duty. A permit holder carrying where only the permit allows it must have the permit in immediate possession and display it on demand of a law enforcement officer (TCA 39-17-1351(n)(1) and 39-17-1366(e) as amended by Public Chapter 108, 2021).
• Tennessee sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Tennessee allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Permit holders and permitless-qualified carriers under TCA 39-17-1307(g) may transport and store firearms in their motor vehicle in any public or private parking area, kept from ordinary observation (locked in trunk/glove box/interior when unattended) (TCA 39-17-1313).

Off-limits places in Tennessee

• School buildings, buses, campuses and school activities (TCA 39-17-1309)
• Certain public parks, playgrounds and civic centers (TCA 39-17-1311)
• Any carry while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances (TCA 39-17-1321)

Frequently asked questions

Is a Alabama non-resident permit valid in Tennessee?

There is nothing to recognize: Alabama issues permits to its own residents only (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). If you don't live in Alabama, look at states that do sell non-resident permits and check which of those Tennessee honors.

Do I have to tell police in Tennessee that I am carrying?

No proactive duty. A permit holder carrying where only the permit allows it must have the permit in immediate possession and display it on demand of a law enforcement officer (TCA 39-17-1351(n)(1) and 39-17-1366(e) as amended by Public Chapter 108, 2021).

Does Tennessee limit magazine capacity?

Tennessee sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Tennessee without any permit?

Tennessee allows permitless concealed carry from age 21 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does Alabama issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Alabama issues carry permits to residents only (aLEA: Alabama issues concealed carry permits only to Alabama residents, via the sheriff of the applicant's county of residence). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.