Indiana Concealed Carry Permit Information

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?

Featured Gun Stores:

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.

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  • Phil

    “What places are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Indiana?

    8. On an aircraft”

    Is this wording correct? I was certain that I’d read somewhere in the IC’s (and now can’t place where) that the wording was “Commercial Aircraft”. This ‘may’ seem like I’m splitting hair’s, but there is a HUGE difference between a GA “Private Aircraft” and a “Commercial Aircraft”.  Not to mention, does Indiana distinguish between a Delta or Southwest Airline “Commercial Aircraft” and Jim Bob’s Cropdusting and Commuter “Commercial Aircraft”? I know that there are some FBO’s that offer charter services (which fall under “Commercial Aircraft”) that wouldn’t care if their passengers are carrying.

    • Wksiddons

      schools, school busses.casinos, gov. buildings. airports, planes, river port auth.areas, state fairs.  search indiana gun carry laws and youll get a full list and answers for all questions

    • Nrhxxx

      It is commercial, but Jim Bob’s Cropdusting and Commuter is considered commercial.  It’s pretty much any aircraft you have to buy a ticket for. If you or a friend own a plane you can have it on there, just not one that you buy a seat on. 

  • Devildog501st

    You also can not carry in a school, court house or post office.

  • Mtg1208

    what happens if my parents address is my permanent address on my license, but they move out of state…what should i do in that case?

  • Treezy2010

    i have a gun permit but im 19 can i carry a concealed weapon?

    • Abgewichst

      As long as you have a Personal Protection carry permit, you may carry a handgun openly or concealed.

    • Truckie

      No. You must be 21, and have a valid LTCH (Unlimited) to carry a firearm. If your 19 the most you can hold is a Hunting, Target (Limited) License. Which only allows you to go hunting, or go to the range, with a rifle only.

      • DARQWEZ

        YOU ARE SO WRONG DUDE

      • Trltires

        its 18

      • theoutdoorsman

        thats not true. if your over 18 you can legally posses a shotgun or rifle without any kind of license. as far as carrying a hand gun bry9371 is correct with his reply.

      • David17wade

        not true im 20 a i have a carry permit, u jus got to be 21 to buy a handgun. you can be 18 a buy an assault rifle just not pistols.

      • fireman36

        Yeah.. you’re wrong. My (19 year old at the time) fiancee walked right in and applied for hers, and got it. And is now legally carrying my xd40 on a daily basis.

    • Bry9371

      As long as you have a weapons permit and are 18 years or older you are legaly allowed to carry a handgun. However you are not allowed to purchase a handgun until you are 21.

    • Devildogusmc08

      Yes you can carry in the state of Indiana at 18 with a valid license. However you can not purchase a handgun until you are 21. So the handgun you carry has to be “gifted” by someone over the age of 21 who legally purchased it. My father let me use one of his. And as stated above you can buy a rifle or shotgun at 18 and no license is necessary

  • Guest

    I have received my ccw however it has been misplaced is it still legal for me to carry a gun even though the paper itself is not on me?

    • Anonymous

      I would not even want to test that one…

      As far as I can tell, you can NOT carry without having the permit on your person.

    • Truckie

      If you are in Indiana, you would have an LTCH. And you are required to carry your license   and a government issued picture ID when ever you leave your privet property. Failure to present both will result in your arrest.

  • Apete

    Can u carry an extended clip in gary indiana

  • Trltires

    the price is 125 not what this says  this site is so inaccurate

    • Nrhxxx

      The price is $75 plus whatever local fees apply, which vary based on where you live.

    • Vdragulav

      it is totally accurate. I paid $75 to the state $50 local and for quicker trunaround $10.95 for the electronic fingerprinting which was also easier.  So yes you ar correct it cost $125 but they are referring here to state cost as local costs vary from county to county.

    • Tykerbell

      It there a site that has 100% facts about this. I would like to read more up on getting one ?

  • Old Fatr60

    i  have  a friend  that resides  in  In.  she  took  meds   for depression  several  years  ago.  is  there  a time  frame  on  the books  as  to weather  she  can apply  for  and  get a  carry  permit

    • http://twitter.com/MrKrakk MrKrakk

      I don’t know how accurate this is, but I was told 5 years.
      I think what they really look at is are you “mentally incompetent”.
      Ref:  IC 35-47-2-7Prohibited sales or transfers of ownership
           Sec. 7. (a) Except an individual acting within a parent-minor child or guardian-minor protected person relationship or any other individual who is also acting in compliance with IC 35-47-10, a
      person may not sell, give, or in any other manner transfer the ownership or possession of a handgun or assault weapon (as defined in IC 35-50-2-11) to any person under eighteen (18) years of age.    (b) It is unlawful for a person to sell, give, or in any manner transfer the ownership or possession of a handgun to another person who the person has reasonable cause to believe:        (1) has been:            (A) convicted of a felony; or            (B) adjudicated a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, if the person seeking to obtain ownership or possession of the handgun is less than twenty-three (23) years of age;        (2) is a drug abuser;        (3) is an alcohol abuser; or        (4) is mentally incompetent.

  • Stanley Turner

    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.

    So you cant carry your gun on youre person in you’re car? with a pa or florida permit?

  • Bypass97

    I’m in Ohio, travel into Indiana alot, both in car and motorcycle, so,if I’m inside Indiana in or on either vehicle, do I carry the hand gun on me, or take it off and carry on the seat or glove box, in Ohio I carry the revolver on me.

  • Youngn5

    I have just moved to Ohio but have not established Ohio residency yet by getting an Ohio drivers license.  I would like to get an Indiana carry license because you do not have to take a $120 class to get your license.  Can I get my Indiana carry permit and will it still be valid when I do establish Ohio residency in a month from now or am I just screwed and have to get an Ohio permit?

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Andreas-Wente/1404066696 Andreas Wente

      Ohio does not allow licensees from Indiana to carry in Ohio. You will be required to get an Ohio permit, or a non-resident permit from a state that has reciprocity with Ohio, such as Florida.

    • Arn=myVet0409

      If you are going to claim residency in Ohio you need to get an Ohio permit no State will let you carry as a resident with a out of state permit.

      • ArmyVet0409

        Yes my SN got messed up typed to fast

  • DC

    Indiana’s is a LICENSE TO CARRY HANDGUN. It allows to conceal or carry open as you are licensed to carry. It is NOT a concealed weapon permit.

    • Graske

      Did Gov. Mitch Daniels sign into law extending places to carry a weapon to include libraries?

  • 1vinnie

    I am a landowner in Indiana however I am not a resident. The land is cash rented. Is this considered business in Indiana?

  • David17wade

    can the weapon be loaded

    • http://twitter.com/MrKrakk MrKrakk

      Only if you have a license to carry, otherwise the seperate-and-lock rules apply.

  • Anthony

    Can I carry after I’ve done all my application process and have receipts and while I wait for my card in the mail?

    • Litjj201

      That would be a no.  Just because you have applied doesn’t not mean that you have the authorization to carry.  You must have the card with you any time you are carrying.

    • Darrin

      No, you have to have the permit on your person.

  • Hoosier

    Wow, one of the worst and most inaccurate information about Indiana I’ve seen posted.

    What sort of clowns cobbled this together and how can I trust any information on the other states with this one being so inaccurate?

  • Bill

    To Anthony,  Legally you can’t carry a handgun while waiting for your application to be processed and have it in your hands.  To carry legally you must have the Permit on your person.  Now if you want to go to the shooting range and don’t have your permit yet you can put the handgun in the trunk and go to the shooting range.  Should you get pulled over in the process MOST officers would OK the going or coming from the range,especially coming from and you have a receipt from said range that shows you have truly been there for shooting practice.  Again, it is not really legal but……………………………………..

  • Sonny

    my property is next to a school. I live in a rural area a farm outside of city or town limits. What or is there a distance I need to be away from the school to target practice in the fields.

    • http://twitter.com/MrKrakk MrKrakk

      Sonny,
      Your best source on this one would be to call ISP or DNR and ask them, get the name of the officer too when you ask. That’s a tricky situation, you don’t want to take our word for it.

  • BMC

    I am under 21 and have a permit. Can i legally conceal/ carry someone else’s firearm? (a firearm belonging to friend over the age of 21); or does it have to be signed over to me? I have researched and haven’t found a solid answer.  I really don’t want to find the answer out the hard way and be wrong. Thanks

    • http://twitter.com/MrKrakk MrKrakk

       
      Indiana doesn’t force you to register firearms, it’s not like a car title or silliness like that. It’s like a hammer with a serial number, you can buy and sell all day long, no paperwork required unless you buy from an FFL dealer who then must do a background check… but that still does not in any way “tag” you as the gun’s owner. Just make sure you know absolutely that the gun is NOT stolen in case it is ever checked (and the serial number cannot be defiled in any way)… very important. Other than that, yes your buddy can give you a gun (long as you aren’t a felon and your license is revoked).

  • Anon

    Prices are wrong on this.  You only included the state fees, there are local fees.  I will post them soon

  • Ryan Ritenour

    The map is confusing and may have gotten a former marine arrested in NY. Above the map there is a red box that says, “States that honor IN permits.” If someone would interpret that the red box is the same as the red states in the map, meaning all red states honor the IN permit, that person would be wrong. All of the red states shown do not honor the IN permit, as shown in the small portion in the bottom right of the map.

    Some needs to make a color change to this quickly before some else possibly misinterprets the map. Not sure if this is the website the former marine went to for his info, but it is a possibility. It’s the first place I came after reading his story, and when I first saw what I listed above, I was wondering for a moment, until I saw the small text at the bottom corner. What I had done was that I was using page down, and when I did that, the small text at the bottom of the map did not yet show up as it was below my page view. I realized after a few seconds that something didn’t see right so I scrolled down and noticed the index of colors.

    • Runawaygun

      This is 5th grade map reading..  THE MAP’S KEY tells you the correct information not the heading, he is a Marine so he should know how to read a map. We did lots of land nav in SOI.  Not to mention you are looking at maps 4 months past the arrest, which any information could have been changed/updated.  I spend 6 years in the Marine Corps, I’m a Police Officer now and a CCW supporter in a state that does not allow CCW’s at all.  BUT HE SCREWED UP.  IT IS HIS RESPONSIBILITY to verify any information found on any website PERIOD. If I had to worry about where I carried I would check the requirements with competent authority in the area we I would be traveling.  I’m not happy about his arrest, he was trying to do the right thing, it was legally justified.  The colors of the heading and states are clearly shaded differently.   

    • BMC

      the top of the map that reads “States That Honor IN Permit” is a tab, not a heading. It shows the states that do and do not honor IN permits, where as the blue “tab” next to it shows states where IN permits are honored.

  • Boredtech78

    What does “IN Res Permits Only” mean?

  • Chrisrubio78

    I have a question, I am 33 now. I was young and dumb, and was charged and convicted of selling drugs back in 2003 2004 ,will this affect me noq 8 years later. I’ve been clear from that mess for a long time .

  • guest

    So if I’m in an authorized place (not a school, library, post office, or airport etc.) I can openly carry a firearm correct……that being said

    What if I’m approached by an officer and he try’s to tell me that’s not allowed?

    Reason why I’m asking is I live in northwest IN and my buddy had a regular belt holster on but was wearing a jacket and got hot took it off then stopped at a gas station were a cop just so happen to be there. He asked my buddy if he was police or security of some sort  (which he is not) so he says no. The officer then tells him put his hand on the wall and surrender his fire arm. The officer then unloaded the weapon and dissembled it and handed it back to him in pieces and said you were not allowed to open carry in IN unless your police.

    What’s up with that?

    Is this just another police officer abusing power?

    How do I go about a situation like this without things getting ugly?

    • Anonymous

      I’d say the best thing to do (and I’m sure others will disagree), is to remain calm & polite. Allow the officer to feel you are not threatening (read questioning) his/her authority. Acquire his/her badge number. Leave the stop/scene as directed, with gun disassembled, if need be (put it back together as soon as practical and out of sight of said officer). At soonest convenience print up a copy of IN laws concerning concealed & open carry, take it to the police station that said officer works out of and ask to speak to his chief. Again, in a professional/polite manner have a discussion with the chief and show them the law. Show the chief that you are familiar with the laws concerning carry as they pertain to you, and ask that the officer also become more familiar with said laws.

  • CE

    I purchased a lifetime carry permit from Indiana.
    I have recently moved from Indiana to Illinois, and return to visit family in Indiana.
    Can I carry in Indiana?