Updated September 14, 2023
A Tennessee firearm bill of sale is considered a legal document in the State of Tennessee that formalizes the legal sale and purchase of a firearm. The form provides information identifying the firearm being sold and purchased as well as details concerning the change of ownership. In order to be accepted as valid, the document must be notarized.
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Privately Selling a Firearm
Tennessee does not have any laws regulating the sale of a firearm between two (2) private parties. The only necessity is that both parties are legally allowed to own a firearm.
Prohibited from Buying
An individual is prohibited from owning and purchasing a firearm if that person:[1]
- Has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and is still subject to the disabilities of such a conviction;[2]
- Is, at the time of the possession, subject to an order of protection;[3] or
- Is prohibited from possessing a firearm under any other state or federal law.
Registering a Firearm
The formal government registration of privately owned firearms is prohibited in Tennessee.[4]
Concealed Carry
All Tennessee residents that wish to carry a concealed weapon in public are required to first obtain an Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit or a Concealed Handgun Carry Permit.
How to Apply
Applicants for either permit must be at least twenty-one (21) years old, or eighteen (18) years old and an active or honorably discharged U.S. military service member.
Step 1 – Submit an application for a concealed carry permit online with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Step 2 – Complete a Tennessee handgun safety course.[5]
Step 3 – Attach the following:
- Proof of adequate competence with a handgun;[6]
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency;
- Proof of identity; and
- Proof of full SSN.
Step 4 – Submit the application to the nearest Driver Services Center.
Step 5 – Submit a photograph at the Center.
Step 6 – Pay the application fee.
Step 7 – Submit the applicant’s fingerprints as instructed by the Driver Services Center.
Step 7 – Pass a name-based criminal history record check conducted by the department of safety.
Reciprocity
The state of Tennessee recognizes concealed carry permits from all U.S. states that offer them to their respective residents.[7]