<P> Tennessee State Constitution, Article I, Section 26, reads: </P> <P> That the citizens of this state have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime . </P> <P> State supreme court rulings and state attorney general opinions interpret Section 26 to mean regulation cannot and should not interfere with the common lawful uses of firearms, including defense of the home and hunting, but should only be aimed at criminal behavior . Andrews v. State (1870) and Glasscock v. Chattanooga (1928) defined the meaning of regulating arms . "Going armed", carrying any sort of weapon for offense or defense in public, is a crime, except carrying a handgun for defense is allowed with a state - issued permit . </P> <P> A license is required to carry a loaded handgun either openly or concealed . Such permits are issued through the Department of Safety to qualified residents 21 years or 18 years old if the applicant is active duty, reservist, guardsman, or honorably discharged from their branch of service, DD - 214 must mention' pistol qualification' in order to be exempt from 8 hour safety course must have a valid military ID . The length of the term for the initial license is determined by the age of the applicant . If renewed properly and on time, the license is renewed every 5 years . Tennessee recognizes any valid, out - of - state permit for carrying a handgun as long as the permittee is not a resident of Tennessee . Nonresidents are not issued permits unless they are regularly employed in the state . Such persons are then required to obtain Tennessee permits even if they have home state permits unless their home state has entered into a reciprocity agreement with Tennessee . Permittees may carry handguns in most areas except civic centers, public recreation buildings and colleges . Businesses or landowners posting "no carry" signs may prohibit gun carry on any portion of their properties . </P>

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