Tennessee Formalizes Concealed Carry Rights for 18–20-Year-Olds
In a decisive move for gun rights, the state of Tennessee has formally lowered the minimum age for obtaining a handgun carry permit from 21 to 18. The change, enacted on May 8, 2025, through House Bill 1332, codifies into law a federal court ruling issued more than two years ago.
Back in January 2023, a U.S. District Court ruled that Tennessee’s prior age restriction was unconstitutional. The court found that barring 18- to 20-year-old adults from carrying under the state’s constitutional carry laws or from applying for a permit violated their Second Amendment rights. More details about that order can be read here.
Since that ruling, Tennessee had been under legal obligation to allow permit applications from adults in that age group. But until now, the state’s statutes still reflected the 21-and-older requirement. HB1332—now Public Chapter No. 356—resolves that disconnect by bringing the text of the law into alignment with federal precedent.
What the Law Now Says
Section 2 of the amended statute (TCA § 39-17-1351(b)) now states:
“…any resident of Tennessee who is a United States citizen or permanent lawful resident, as defined by § 55-50-102, who has reached eighteen (18) years of age, may apply to the department of safety for a handgun carry permit…”
The law also amends Section 39-17-1351(x)(1) by replacing “twenty-one (21)” with “eighteen (18).” This ensures consistency throughout the code regarding age eligibility.
The bill took immediate effect upon signing, with the legislature citing “the public welfare requiring it.”
Why It Matters
This move makes Tennessee one of a growing number of states to officially recognize the right of 18- to 20-year-old adults to carry concealed firearms—not just under constitutional carry, but also with a formal permit. That distinction is important: while Tennessee already allows permitless carry in many situations, obtaining a permit can offer additional benefits, including reciprocity in other states and faster background checks when purchasing firearms.
This change is part of a broader national shift. Across the country, federal courts have increasingly scrutinized age-based firearm restrictions in the wake of the Bruen decision (2022). Lawsuits in states like Texas, Minnesota, and Virginia have challenged similar age limits—and often succeeded. For a deeper dive into the legal and legislative battles over gun rights for 18- to 20-year-olds, see Legal Adults, Limited Rights: The Second Amendment Fight for 18–20-Year-Olds.
A Trend Across the States?
Tennessee’s update reflects a broader legal and legislative trend. Across the country, federal courts have increasingly scrutinized age-based firearm restrictions in the wake of the Bruen decision (2022). Lawsuits in states like Texas, Minnesota, and Virginia have challenged similar age limits—and often succeeded.
Gun rights advocates argue that if 18-year-olds can serve in the military, vote, and enter into legal contracts, they should also be trusted to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Opponents typically raise concerns about maturity and public safety, but courts have shown increasing skepticism of age-based prohibitions that lack historical justification.
Bottom Line
Tennessee has now aligned its statutory law with both federal precedent and constitutional principle. Adults aged 18 to 20 in the Volunteer State can apply for a concealed carry permit just like any other legal adult. It’s a long-overdue recognition that rights don’t start at 21.