Is a Arkansas Non-Resident Permit Valid in Tennessee?

Why

• Arkansas does not issue carry permits to non-residents (requires arkansas residency for 90+ continuous days (§ 5-73-309(2)); exception — active-duty us armed forces members and their spouses are exempt from the residency requirement).

'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

Recognition is only half the question. Once you're inside Tennessee, its carry rules apply to you exactly as they do to locals.

• 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 Arkansas non-resident permit valid in Tennessee?

No such permit is issued. Arkansas restricts its carry permits to residents (requires Arkansas residency for 90+ continuous days (§ 5-73-309(2)); exception — active-duty US Armed Forces members and their spouses are exempt from the residency requirement), so this page exists to say exactly that and point you to alternatives that Tennessee does recognize.

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 Arkansas issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Arkansas issues carry permits to residents only (requires Arkansas residency for 90+ continuous days (§ 5-73-309(2)); exception — active-duty US Armed Forces members and their spouses are exempt from the residency requirement). 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.