Tennessee Enhanced Handgun Carry Permit Class in Hixson
Enhanced Carry Permit Class: $65
This is the class Tennessee requires before you can receive your State of Tennessee enhanced handgun carry permit. The enhanced permit is also recognized in 34 other states, so you can legally carry there as well. Reciprocity changes, so check the current list before you travel.
What the 8-hour class covers: Tennessee laws on owning and carrying a firearm, the laws on the use of deadly force in Tennessee, the parts and operation of your handgun (loading, unloading and making safe), and the fundamentals of marksmanship: stance, grip, aiming, trigger control and breath control.
How you are tested: you take a written test and a shooting qualification test, and you need 70% or higher to pass. Our instructors are NRA and State of Tennessee Department of Safety Handgun Carry Permit Unit certified, with law enforcement experience.
This class is not for beginners. It is a testing class, not a teaching class. You must already know how to load, unload and make safe your firearm, and how to shoot, before you come.
New to shooting? Start with a private lesson first.
How to sign up for the class: three steps
Step 1: Sign your waiver online
Sign our waiver before you come. Click the link below, or scan the QR code with your phone. It takes a few minutes and saves time on class day.
(You will need to take a photo of your driver’s license.)
Step 2: Get your Tennessee application number
Register on the Tennessee Department of Safety site to get your application (confirmation) number, then print or save it: dl.safety.tn.gov. Need step-by-step help? Follow our carry permit sign-up instructions.
Step 3: Book and pay in advance. Class dates and start times are listed on our booking page. There are no walk-in classes, and your spot is not confirmed until payment is received. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
What to bring: your Tennessee application number, your driver’s license or passport, your handgun and 50 rounds of ammunition. No handgun? You can rent a pistol from us for $15 (ammunition not included; rental guns must be shot with our range ammunition). You can buy any ammunition you need at the store. Eye and ear protection are available free of charge to students. If you cannot get your application number online, come 20 minutes early and we will help you complete it.
Where to go: the class is held in our Tactical Center at 4844 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN, next door to the store at 4824 Hixson Pike. Please park on the side of the store next to the Tactical Center.
New to the process? Read what to expect at our carry permit class in Chattanooga.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Tennessee enhanced handgun carry permit class, and how do I sign up?
The class is $65, paid in advance. There are no walk-in classes, so book ahead on our Book Training page, where class dates and start times are listed. Your spot is not confirmed until payment is received. For the steps, see how to sign up for the carry permit class.
Is the carry permit class right for a beginner?
No. This is a testing class, not a teaching class. You need to already know how to load, unload and make safe your own firearm, and how to shoot. If you are new to shooting, start with a private lesson and come back for the carry class when you are comfortable.
How long is the class, and what is the test?
The class takes 8 hours. It covers Tennessee laws on owning and carrying a firearm, the laws on the use of deadly force, the parts and operation of your handgun, and the fundamentals of marksmanship. You then take a written test and a shooting qualification test, and you need 70% or higher to pass.
What should I bring to the class?
Bring your Tennessee application (confirmation) number, your driver's license or passport, your handgun, and 50 rounds of ammunition. Please arrive 15 minutes early. If you do not have internet access to get your application number, come 20 minutes early and we will help you complete it.
Where is the class held, and where do I park?
The class is held in our Tactical Center at 4844 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN, next door to the Shooter's Supply store at 4824 Hixson Pike. Please park on the side of the store next to the Tactical Center.
What ID do I need?
A driver's license or a passport. We accept either.
Can I rent a pistol for the class?
Yes. A pistol rental is $15 (ammunition not included), and rental guns must be shot with our range ammunition. You can buy any ammunition you need at the store. See our rentals page.
Do you provide eye and ear protection?
Yes. Eye and ear protection are available free of charge to students, and plenty are for sale if you would rather buy your own.
Can I sign the waiver ahead of time?
Yes, and it saves time on class day. Sign your waiver online before you come. You will need to take a photo of your driver's license as part of it.
How many states honor the Tennessee enhanced handgun carry permit?
The enhanced permit is recognized in 34 other states. Reciprocity changes, so check the current Tennessee Department of Safety list before you travel.