Non-Resident permit · CT → TN
Is a Connecticut Non-Resident Permit Valid in Tennessee?
Recognized — and permitless carry appliesVerified 2026-08-08
Yes on both counts: permit reciprocity and permitless carry. Tennessee recognizes Connecticut non-resident permits and separately allows eligible adults for adults 21+ to carry without one.
Why
- Tennessee recognizes valid carry permits from every US state.
- Tennessee allows permitless carry for eligible adults 21+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.
'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.
The permit (Connecticut)
- Permit
- State Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers (Connecticut State Pistol Permit)
- Issued by
- Two-step - local police chief/chief executive officer issues a temporary state permit, then the DESPP Special Licensing and Firearms Unit issues the state permit
- Issue policy
- May-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- Yes — A bona fide US resident with no Connecticut residence who holds a carry permit or license issued by another state or subdivision may apply directly to the DESPP commissioner for a non-resident Connecticut permit (CGS 29-28(f)); DESPP requires that non-resident applicants already hold a home-state carry permit.
The destination (Tennessee)
- Recognition policy
- Honors permits from all states
- Permitless carry
- Yes (21+)
- Duty to inform
- No (present permit on demand)
- Magazine limit
- No state limit
Carry rules in Tennessee
Crossing into Tennessee swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.
- 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 Connecticut non-resident permit valid in Tennessee?
- Yes on both counts: permit reciprocity and permitless carry. Tennessee recognizes Connecticut non-resident permits and separately allows eligible adults for adults 21+ to carry without one.
- 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.
- Where does Tennessee publish its official reciprocity list?
- Tennessee publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.
Official sources
- TN Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security — Reciprocity — accessed 2026-08-08
- TN Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security — Handgun Permit FAQ — accessed 2026-08-08
- TN Dept. of Safety & Homeland Security — Handgun Related Laws — accessed 2026-08-08
- TN Public Chapter 108 (2021) — permitless carry, vehicle carry, display-on-demand — accessed 2026-08-08
- TN Public Chapter 356 (2025) — permit age lowered to 18 — accessed 2026-08-08
- CT DESPP - Connecticut State Pistol Permit — accessed 2026-08-08
- CT DESPP - Pistol Permit FAQ (non-resident application process) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Chapter 529 - Secs. 29-28 (permits) and 29-35 (carrying without permit prohibited) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Sec. 53-202w - Large capacity magazines (10-round limit) — accessed 2026-08-08
- CGS Sec. 53a-217b - Possession of a weapon on school grounds — accessed 2026-08-08