Tennessee Open Carry Laws (2026)

Open Carry in states bordering Tennessee

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

• AlabamaPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Alabama without a permit for anyone who is not prohibited from possessing one. Alabama's constitutional carry applies to both open and concealed carry.

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: alea.gov · Full Alabama rule →

• ArkansasPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit for anyone 18 or older who may lawfully possess one. It is a crime only if you intend to use it unlawfully against a person. A loaded firearm may not be carried into a publicly owned building or facility (Class C misdemeanor), and a private owner who says no can have you charged with trespass.

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: dps.arkansas.gov · Full Arkansas rule →

• GeorgiaPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is allowed in Georgia without a license for any lawful weapons carrier, and no permit is required.

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →

• KentuckyPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal in Kentucky without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess one.

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: wp.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →

• MississippiPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal in Mississippi without a permit for anyone 18 or older who can lawfully possess one.

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov · Full Mississippi rule →

• MissouriPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal under state law and needs no permit, but cities and counties may ban it by ordinance. Where banned, you may still carry openly with a Missouri permit, or a recognized out-of-state permit, kept on you and shown when an officer asks. Without a permit, carrying a firearm into a church, government building, polling place on election day or school is a crime. The statutes state no open carry age; treat 19 (18 for military) as the minimum.

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →

• North CarolinaPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun needs no permit in North Carolina if you are 18 or older and not otherwise prohibited. The state ban covers concealed carry only. Local governments may ban guns in public buildings, and carrying a gun to the terror of the public is still a crime. Place restrictions apply, and anyone under 18 generally cannot carry a handgun.

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: ncdoj.gov · Full North Carolina rule →

• VirginiaPermitted

  Open carry of a handgun is legal without a permit unless a law bars it. …

  Verified Oct 12, 2026 · Source: vsp.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →