Tennessee Firearm Bill of Sale Form

A Tennessee firearm bill of sale is a document showing the parties and details involved in a gun sale in the state. The form provides new ownership and helps minimize risk for buyers and sellers.

Download: PDF or MS Word.

State Laws for Selling a Gun in Tennessee

Minimum Age to Purchase

Individuals must be at least 21 to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer and 18 to purchase a rifle or shotgun. Tennessee state law permits the private purchase of a handgun if the buyer is at least 18.

Permit for Purchase

An individual doesn’t need to acquire a permit to purchase a gun in Tennessee. However, any purchase from a federally licensed dealer will require a background check. Any private sale, including those that occur at gun shows and online, does not require a background check.

Register a Gun

Tennessee law specifically disallows state or local governments from maintaining registries of firearm ownership. [1]

Legislation passed in 2021 prevents recording the ownership and identities of firearms and firearm owners. [2]

Open Carry Permit

You can openly carry a handgun or long gun in Tennessee without a permit if you are lawfully in possession of the firearm and are in a place where you are lawfully present.

Concealed Carry Permit

You can also carry a concealed handgun or long gun in Tennessee without a permit. [3] However, the state still issues concealed carry permits for individuals who want one for reciprocity or other reasons.

The types of permits include a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit, an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit, a Lifetime Permit (for Enhanced Permit holders only), a Retired Law Enforcement Lifetime Permit, and a Temporary Permit. [4]

How to Apply

Tennessee is a “shall-issue” state, meaning that the state will issue a permit to anyone otherwise qualified. Tennessee issues handgun licenses for residents who wish to carry handguns in states with reciprocity with Tennessee.

Anyone over 21, a resident of Tennessee, a legal resident of the United States, and who has completed a firearms safety course may apply for a Tennessee concealed carry permit:

• Step 1 – Fill Out Application: Submit an online application for a concealed carry permit with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
• Step 2 – Get Trained: Pass a Tennessee handgun safety course. [5]
• Step 3 – Attach Documentation: You must submit the following with your application:
  • Proof of competence with a handgun [6]
  • Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of SSN
• Step 4 – Submit Application: Turn in your application to your local Driver Services Center.
• Step 5 – Take a Photograph: Submit a photo at the center.
• Step 6 – Pay Fees: All applicants must pay the application fee.
• Step 7 – Get Fingerprinted: Submit your fingerprints per the Driver Services Center’s instructions.
• Step 8 – Pass Background Check: You must pass a criminal history record check conducted by the state’s Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Gun Reciprocity

Tennessee recognizes all handgun permits issued by other states. [7] Currently, 36 states honor Tennessee’s concealed carry permit either with full or restricted reciprocity.

Restrictions on Firearm Ownership

Tennessee prohibitions on firearm ownership include: [3]

• Those convicted of felony “crimes of violence,” felonies involving the use of a deadly weapon, or felony drug offenses
• Those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes while under parole or probation
• Those prohibited from possessing firearms by state or federal law for any other reason
• Those adjudicated mentally incapacitated
• Those under 18 (handguns only)

Tennessee also prohibits some people from carrying but still allows possession if they have been convicted of misdemeanor stalking, had a single DUI within five years or two within ten years, or had been hospitalized in a psychiatric institution.