Beeler v Slatery and the issuance of permits to those 18-20 years old.

On April 21st, 2021, Beeler, Ogle, and the Firearms Policy Coalition brought complaint to the courts in Tennessee challenging the prohibition on the right of individuals between the ages of 18 and 20 from carrying in public places, even under the then recently passed permitless carry laws.  Ultimately, both parties agreed on a settlement that would require the state to issue permits to those 18-20 year olds with the court rendering that such implementation MUST be in place no later than June 27th, 2023.

In the motion of joint settlement filed with the Eastern District Court of Tennessee, both parties agreed that the state will not enforce the challenged framework which currently prevents 18-20 year olds from carrying handguns or being issued permits based on their age alone.  They agreed that the state will adapt their current systems of issuance for Enhanced and Concealed permits to allow 18-20 year olds to pursue these options in the same manner that those over the age of 21 currently do.

This agreement is slated to go into full effect no later than 90 days from the date of the court’s ruling on March 27th, 2023.

For more information about this settlement, and to view the full case docket, please visit https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/59846981/bassett-v-slatery/

For those under the age of 21 but at least 18, you will proceed with obtaining your Concealed Carry Permit in the same manner prescribe to all others who take this course.  Print your certificate, print and fill out a proof of training form, and then take both of those items along with your proof of citizenship or permanent residency (Birth Certificate or valid US Passport) to your nearest full service driver services center.

**PLEASE NOTE** Your local office may not yet be fully aware of the implementation of this.  If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the TN Handgun Permit Unit at 615-251-8590