Polk County, Tennessee, residents have a new gun carry permit to choose from, as of January 1, 2020.
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS) has created a new firearm permit called Concealed Handgun Carry Permit (CCP). The handgun must be carried concealed at all times, although the firearm may not be carried at any school or university whether public or private.
The fee for the permit, which is good for eight years, is $65 and the permitee must meet specific training requirements and submit the CCP Proof of Training form along with the proof of training.
Representatives say firearms training accepted for the CCP include active or honorable discharged military, prior Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit, active law enforcement, and certain training classes such as a hunter safety course or an organization specializing in firearms training.
Online courses may qualify if they are taught by TDOSHS approved instructors that meet certain qualifications, lasts at least 90 minutes, requires a test and has a printable certificate.
The carry permit Tennessee residents were familiar with is now called the Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit. It still allows a person to open carry or concealed carry any handgun he or she legally owns or possesses.
The application fee is $100 ($65 if active of honorable discharge military) and is issued for eight years. The permit holder must have “the permit in their immediate possession at all times when carrying a handgun and shall display the permit on demand of a law enforcement officer” according to TDOSHS representatives.
The training requirement options for the Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit include an 8-hour handgun safety course certificate, Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission (POST) certification, The Law Enforcement Training Academy (TLETA), Armed Guard, Department of Corrections or proof of military handgun training.
Visit www.tn.gov/safety/tnhp/handgun.html to learn more about the handgun carry permits and their requirements.