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.

Tennessee does not have a waiting period for firearms purchases nor does it have many restrictions on who can buy and possess a gun.

Firearm laws: 2021 TN HB 902, Tenn. Code § 39-17-1351(r)(1), Tenn. Code § 39-17-1307

Restrictions: Yes

State permit to purchase: No

Registration of firearm: No

License to own: No

Assault weapon law: No

Magazine capacity restriction: No

Permit for concealed carry: No

Permit for open carry: No

Table of Contents

How to Sell a Firearm Privately
Registration
Concealed Carry Permit
Tennessee Firearm Bill of Sale Sample

How to Sell a Firearm Privately

Tennessee does not restrict the sale or purchase of firearms by private individuals.

Private sellers are not required to carry out background checks on purchasers.

Requirements

Tennessee law prohibits the sale or transfer of a firearm to anyone the seller knows or has reason to believe may be underage or otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1316).

Restrictions

Tennessee prohibitions (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1307) on firearm ownership include:

Those convicted of felony “crimes of violence”, felonies involving use of deadly weapon, or felony drug offenses
Those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence (Tenn. Code § 39-17-1351(r)(1)) 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 (§ 39-17-1307(h)).

Firearm Inheritance Laws

Tennessee has no specific laws regarding the inheritance of firearms.

Tennessee makes it a criminal offense to sell, loan, or gift a firearm to a minor, an intoxicated individual, or with the intent of violating the requirements of Tenn. Code § 39-17-1316. § 39-17-1303).

Registration

Tennessee law specifically disallows state or local governments from maintaining registries of firearm ownership (2021 TN HB 902) (§ 39-17-1314(a)).

Legislation passed in 2021 (2021 TN HB 902) prevents recording the ownership and identities of firearms and firearm owners.

(§ 39-17-1314(a).)

Concealed Carry Permit

Tennessee allows the open and concealed carry of loaded handguns by individuals over the age of 21, otherwise eligible to possess firearms and legally present in the area where they are carrying (§ 39-17-1307).

Tennessee generally prohibits carrying firearms in public with the “intent to go armed,” but the term is not statutorily defined.

How to Apply

Tennessee is a “shall-issue” state. This means 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 application for a concealed carry permit online with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Step 2 – Get Trained

Complete a Tennessee handgun safety course. [1]

Step 3 – Attach Documentation

You must submit the following with your application:

Proof of competence with a handgun per § 39-17-1366(b)(4)(A)
Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
Proof of identity
Proof of SSN.

Step 4 – Submit Application

Turn in your application to the nearest Driver Services Center.

Step 5 – Take Photograph

Submit a photo at the Center.

Step 6 – Pay Fees

All applicants must pay the application fee.

Step 7 – Get Fingerprinted

Submit the applicant’s fingerprints as instructed by the Driver Services Center.

Step 8 – Pass Background Check

You must pass a criminal history record check conducted by the Department of Safety.

Gun Reciprocity

Tennessee recognizes all handgun permits issued by other states (§ 39-17-1351(r)).

Currently, Tennessee has a formal reciprocity agreement with these states that recognize Tennessee’s concealed-carry permits within their boundaries.