Is a Michigan Non-Resident Permit Valid in Tennessee?

Why

• Michigan does not issue carry permits to non-residents (michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid cpl from another state); active-duty military with michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in michigan, count as residents).

'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

Whatever your permit status, Tennessee law governs how you carry inside the state. The rules below matter most on a short trip.

• 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 Michigan non-resident permit valid in Tennessee?

A Michigan non-resident permit isn't something you can hold — the state doesn't issue one (michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in Michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid CPL from another state); active-duty military with Michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in Michigan, count as residents). The question for Tennessee is which resident or non-resident permits from other states it 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 Michigan issue non-resident carry permits?

No. Michigan issues carry permits to residents only (michigan residents only: applicant must have resided in Michigan for at least 6 months (waivable for emergency licenses and for new residents who hold a valid CPL from another state); active-duty military with Michigan as home of record, or permanently stationed in Michigan, count as residents). 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.