Click here to view the Indiana Concealed Carry Permit Reciprocity Map.
Does Indiana issue concealed weapon permits?
Indiana is a Shall Issue State and issues concealed handgun licenses to residents of Indiana as well as out-of-state/non-residents. Shall Issue means that the sheriff must issue you a permit even after meeting all requirements for an Indiana Handgun Permit. The relevant Indiana statute is IC 35-47-2-3 which you can read here.
Indiana handgun licenses are qualified or unlimited. A qualified license is issued for hunting and target practive. Unlimited licenses shall be issued for the purpose of the protection of life and property.
What does an Indiana concealed weapons permit look like?

Who issues Indiana Concealed Weapon permits?
Applications are made through the local police department; permits are issued by the Indiana State Police.
You may also apply for an Indiana Concealed Permit online here for certain counties. Check the list on the site before applying. At the end of the online application, you will be presented with a choice to schedule anappointment at an L1 Identity Solutions (INKLESS) site for fingerprints or complete the fingerprints at the Warsaw Police Department when you complete the application process andpay the local fee. L1 Identity Solutions charges a fee of $10.95 to process your fingerprints andstate fee payment. The advantage to L1 is that your application begins processing by theFirearms Licensing Section more quickly than a non-L1 application. The state fee can also bepaid online and with a credit card in the L1 process.
Are background checks required for an Indiana concealed weapons permit and does it count as a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check?
Yes background checks are required when applying for an Indiana concealed weapons permit. This does not serve as or exempt you from a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check.
How long is an Indiana concealed weapons permit valid for?
You may apply for a 4 year or lifetime Indiana concealed handgun license.
What is the processing time for an Indiana concealed weapons permit?
If the Indiana concealed handgun license form is completed properly and the applicant has no background problems, the license is routinely issued in 4 to 8 weeks. Please be aware that improperly completed applications and those with background problems may take longer.
How much does an Indiana concealed weapons permit cost?
A qualified license cost $5 for a 4 year license, $25 for a lifetime license, and $20 for a lifetime license if you already have a 4 year license.
An Unlimited License, which is what you need to carry concealed for the purpose of protection of life and property, cost $30 for a 4 year license, $75 for a lifetime unlimited lincense, and $60 for a lifetime unlimited license if you already have a 4 year license.
What are the requirements for an Indiana concealed weapons permit?
Must provide fingerprints, fill out one page application that includes personal information such as height, weight, race, hair and eye color, and reason for carrying (the two options for reason for carrying are personal protection and target shooting)
What are the required documents when applying for an Indiana concealed weapons permit?
The only required documents to apply for an Indiana concealed handgun license are the application and fingerprint cards.
How do I renew my Indiana concealed weapons permit and what is the cost?
How do you change a name or address on an Indiana concealed weapons permit?
You can complete the Duplicaate Handgun License Request and Notification of Name of Address Change Form and mail or fax it to the address or fax listed. You can let them only make the change in the database which is free. If you want a new license issued with the changes on it you must pay the $20 fee for a duplicate Indiana handgun license.
What do you do if your Indiana concealed weapons permit is lost, stolen, or damaged?
You can complete the Duplicaate Handgun License Request and Notification of Name of Address Change Form and mail or fax it to the address or fax listed. There is a $20 fee for a diplicate Indiana handgun license.
Do I need to inform Law Enforcement that I am carrying a concealed weapon in Indiana?
If approached by law enforcement for official business such as traffic stops or complaint related inquiries, it is recommended that you tell the officer in a non-threatening manner that you are carrying a weapon or have a weapon in the vehicle and that you have a valid permit. A law enforcement officer does have the right to inspect the permit. You can find a big discussion about informing LEO of concealed carry by clicking here.
What are the laws for carrying a firearm in an automobile in Indiana>
You may only carry a handgun in a vehicle with a Indiana hangun permit.
What places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Indiana?
1. In or On School Property.
2. On a school bus
3. In or on property that is being used by a school for a school function
4. Private School(IC 20*9.1*1*3) & (IC 35*41*1*24.7)
5. Head Start (IC 35*41*1*24.7)
6. Preschool (IC 35-41-1-24.7)
7. IC 35*47*9*1Allows the carry of firearms by persons permitted to possess and who are transporting a person to or from school or a school function.
8. On an aircraft
9. Controlled access areas of an airport
10. During annual State Fair 80 IAC 4-4-4 (Must lock in vehicle)
11. Shipping port 130 IAC 4-1-8 (Controlled by Indiana Port Commission)
12. A riverboat Casino
What are the laws involving alcohol and carrying a concealed weapon in Indiana?
We have found no Indiana state law that prohibits carrying a concealed weapons permit in a establishment that serves alcohol.
Does Indiana have a Stand Your Ground Law AKA Castle Doctrine Law?
Yes, Indiana is a Castle Doctrine state and has a stand-your-ground law. To view the exact laws click here.
What are the Indiana Open Carry laws?
Indiana open carry is legal with an Indiana Handgun License. The license does not specify what type of carry, only that is a “License To Carry Handgun” which you can see in the example permit above.
Are there any Indiana localites with varying laws?
East Chicago and Gary have assault weapons bans and Indianapolis prohibits the possession of weapons in city parks. Also, the city of Speedway has an old ordinance banning concealed carry (hasn’t been enforced since the state CCW law was enacted).
Other Indiana Firearm Resources:
Indiana Handgun License Application
Indiana Handgun License Notes
1. Indiana recognizes handgun carry permits from every state and foreign country, but only as long as the person holding the permit is not a resident of Indiana.
2. Anyone not residing in Indiana but has a place of business in Indiana is eligible to receive a license; the requirements are the same as they are for those who do reside in Indiana.
3. When carrying within the state of Indiana on an out of state permit, the permittee must carry in accordance with the terms of the permit; for instance, if the permit says “concealed handgun permit,” then it must be concealed. If it simply says license to carry handgun, it can then be carried either openly or concealed.
Please join the Indiana firearm discussions Indiana Firearm Forums.
These are the Indiana Concealed Weapons Permit Reciprocity Maps which allow you to view which states accept Indiana concealed weapon permits and which states Indiana allows. To view Concealed Carry Laws, Permits, and Regulations in another state, simply click on the state below.


