Non-Resident permit · WI → TN
Is a Wisconsin Non-Resident Permit Valid in Tennessee?
No such permit issuedVerified 2026-08-08
The premise fails at the first step. Wisconsin issues no non-resident carry permit (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)), so reciprocity with Tennessee never comes into play for this permit type.
Why
- Wisconsin does not issue carry permits to non-residents (issued only to wisconsin residents (valid wi driver's license or id required) or active-duty military stationed in wisconsin (wi doj ccw faq)).
'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 (Wisconsin)
- Permit
- Wisconsin Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) License
- Issued by
- Wisconsin Department of Justice (Firearms Section)
- Issue policy
- Shall-issue
- Issued to non-residents?
- No — Issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ).
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
Tennessee's rules control while you're there. These are the ones travelers trip over most.
- 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 Wisconsin non-resident permit valid in Tennessee?
- The premise fails at the first step. Wisconsin issues no non-resident carry permit (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)), so reciprocity with Tennessee never comes into play for this permit type.
- 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 Wisconsin issue non-resident carry permits?
- No. Wisconsin issues carry permits to residents only (issued only to Wisconsin residents (valid WI driver's license or ID required) or active-duty military stationed in Wisconsin (WI DOJ CCW FAQ)). 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.
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
- Wisconsin DOJ — CCW Reciprocity (Out-of-State Licenses Recognized in Wisconsin) — accessed 2026-08-08
- Wisconsin DOJ — Concealed Carry Weapon License — accessed 2026-08-08
- Wisconsin DOJ — CCW Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) — accessed 2026-08-08