Indiana Concealed Carry Permit Information

Indiana Concealed Carry Quick Stats

Indiana License to Carry a Handgun Example

Indiana Handgun License
Indiana Handgun License

Indiana Concealed Carry FAQ’s

Does Indiana have Constitutional Carry?

Yes, the Constitutional Carry law went into effect on July 1, 2022.

Does Indiana issue concealed carry 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 practice. Unlimited licenses shall be issued for the purpose of the protection of life and property.

Out-of-state/non-residents must have a place of business or regular employment in Indiana to obtain a license and it is limited to the 4 year license. You should contact your local sheriff for more details.

Indiana became a shall issue state in 1980.

Who issues Indiana Handgun Licenses?

Indiana Handgun Licenses are issued by the Indiana State Police. You can visit their Handgun License homepage here.

As of October 1, 2014, all applications are made online. There are no more paper applications.

Are background checks required for an Indiana Handgun License?

Yes, background checks are required when applying for an Indiana handgun license.

Does having a concealed weapon license or permit exempt you from the background check when purchasing a gun Indiana?

No. Having an Indiana Handgun License does not serve as or exempt you from a National Instant Criminal System (NICS) check.

How long is an Indiana Handgun License valid for?

There are two different types of Indiana Handgun Licenses, a 4 year license and a lifetime license.

What is the processing time for an Indiana Handgun License?

The processing time for an Indiana Handgun License is approximately 60 days from the date they receive your application.

You can check the status of your application online here.

How much does an Indiana Handgun License cost?

The initial fee for a four year license is a $10 local fee and a $30 state fee. $5 of the local fee and the entire state fee is refunded if no license is issued. There is also a $9.99 fee for using MorphoTrust Electronic Fingerprinting.

The initial fee for a lifetime license is a $50 local fee and a $75 state fee. $30 of the local fee and the entire state fee is refunded if no license is issued. There is also a $9.99 fee for using MorphoTrust Electronic Fingerprinting.

The fee for a lifetime license is a $40 local fee and a $60 state fee with a current valid license. $30 of the local fee and the entire state fee is refunded if no license is issued.

A processing fee of $1.00 plus 2% of the transaction amount is added to the price of the service as well.

What are the requirements for an Indiana Handgun License?

To obtain a Indiana Handgun License, you must be 18 years of age or older, must provide fingerprints, and fill out the online 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).

Other requirements:

  • Have a proper reason to carry a handgun
  • Be of good character and reputation
  • Be a proper person to be licensed
  • Be a citizen of the United States or not a citizen of the United States but is allowed to carry a firearm in the United States under federal law
  • does not have a conviction for resisting law enforcement under IC 35-44.1-3-1 within five (5) years before the person applies for a license or permit under this chapter;
  • does not have a conviction for a crime for which the person could have been sentenced for more than one (1) year;
  • does not have a conviction for a crime of domestic violence (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-78), unless a court has restored the person’s right to possess a firearm under IC 35-47-4-7;
  • is not prohibited by a court order from possessing a handgun;
  • does not have a record of being an alcohol or drug abuser as defined in this chapter;
  • does not have documented evidence which would give rise to a reasonable belief that the person has a propensity for violent or emotionally unstable conduct;
  • does not make a false statement of material fact on the person’s application;
  • does not have a conviction for any crime involving an inability to safely handle a handgun;
  • does not have a conviction for violation of the provisions of this article within five (5) years of the person’s application;
  • does not have an adjudication as a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, if the person applying for a license or permit under this chapter is less than twenty-three (23) years of age;
  • has not been involuntarily committed, other than a temporary commitment for observation or evaluation, to a mental institution by a court, board, commission, or other lawful authority;
  • has not been the subject of a:
    • ninety (90) day commitment as a result of proceeding under IC 12-26-6; or
    • regular commitment under IC 12-26-7; or has not been found by a court to be mentally incompetent, including being found:
      • not guilty by reason of insanity;
      • guilty but mentally ill; or
      • incompetent to stand trial.

If you are deployed with the Military, in most cases you will have to wait to get home because you have to get fingerprinted and visit your local law enforcement agency for approval. You may try contacting your local law enforcement agency to see if they can accommodate you while on leave.

What can cause an Indiana Handgun License application to be denied?

The following can cause an Indiana Handgun License application to be denied:

  • Convicted of a felony
  • Had a previous handgun license that was suspended unless it has been reinstated
  • Under the age of 18
  • Under the age of 23 if the person has been adjudicated a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult
  • Arrested for a Class A or Class B felony for an offense committed before July 1, 2014, for a Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 felony for an offense committed after June 30, 2014, or any other felony that was committed while armed with a deadly weapon or that involved the use of violence, if a court has found probable cause to believe that the person committed the offense charged. In the case of an arrest under this subdivision, a license to carry a handgun may be issued to a person who has been acquitted of the specific offense charged or if the charges for the specific offense are dismissed. The superintendent shall prescribe all forms to be used in connection with the administration of this chapter.

How do I renew my Indiana Handgun License and what is the cost?

You can renew your license using the online form starting 365 days before the expiration date on the license. If it has already expired it is no longer valid but you can still renew the permit. If you submit a renewal within 30 days of the expiration date, the license is automatically extended until the application has been approved or denied.

The renewal fee for a four year license is a $10 local fee and a $30 state fee. $5 of the local fee and the entire state fee is refunded if no license is issued.

The fee for a lifetime license is a $40 local fee and a $60 state fee with a current valid license. $30 of the local fee and the entire state fee is refunded if no license is issued.

How do you change a name or address on an Indiana Handgun License?

You have 60 days to update your Indiana Handgun License once your name or address has been changed. To change your address or other changes, use the online form here to request the update. There is a $20 charge for a duplicate license.

What do you do if your Indiana Handgun License is lost, stolen or damaged?

To report your licenses as lost, stolen or damaged, use the online form here. There is a $20 charge for a duplicate license.

If I get arrested or convicted, do I have to notify the Indiana State Police about the arrest or conviction?

Yes, if arrested, convicted or any other change that may affect your status as a proper person or otherwise disqualify you from having a license you must notify the superintendent in writing within 30 days.

Can I transfer another state’s concealed carry permit or license to Indiana?

Indiana does not allow you to transfer another state’s concealed carry permit or license to Indiana. You must apply for a new Indiana Handgun License.

Does Indiana accept any other state’s concealed carry permits or licenses?

Yes, Indiana accepts all permits and licenses that are issued by other states as long as the licensee is not a resident of Indiana.

Do I need to inform Law Enforcement that I am carrying a concealed weapon?

There is no Indiana law that requires you to inform Law Enforcement that you are carrying a concealed weapon. 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.

Does Indiana issue Indiana Concealed Weapon Licenses to resident aliens with a green card?

No. Indiana does not issue Handgun Licenses to lawful permanent resident aliens that have been deemed so by Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

How does a resident of Indiana apply for Indiana Concealed Weapon License?

First, you must fill out the online application form here. You will also receive instructions on scheduling your fingerprinting as well as pay the state fee.

You will then schedule your electronic fingerprinting with MorphoTrust.

Then visit your local law enforcement agency to obtain an approval and pay the local fee. You will have to provide them with your application id.

Your application will then be forwarded to the Indiana State Police for final review. You will receive your license in the mail if approved or receive a denial letter if denied. If denied, you can file an appeal here.

How does a non-resident of Indiana apply for an Indiana Handgun License?

The application process for non-residents of Indiana is the same as it is for residents of Indiana. You can find out how to apply in the question above.

What are the laws for carrying a firearm in an automobile in Indiana?

You may carry concealed in a vehicle with an Indiana Handgun License or a recognized state’s permit or license. Without a recognized license or permit, the firearm must be securely encased, unloaded and not readily accessible such as in the trunk.

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

The following is a list of places that are off-limits when carrying a concealed weapon in Indiana:

  • In or On School Property.
  • On a school bus
  • In or on property that is being used by a school for a school function
  • Private School(IC 20*9.1*1*3) & (IC 35*41*1*24.7)
  • Head Start (IC 35*41*1*24.7)
  • Preschool (IC 35-41-1-24.7)
  • 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.
  • On an aircraft
  • Controlled access areas of an airport
  • During annual State Fair 80 IAC 4-4-4 (Must lock in a vehicle)
  • Shipping port 130 IAC 4-1-8 (Controlled by Indiana Port Commission)
  • A riverboat Casino[/toggle]

Does Indiana have a Stand Your Ground Law AKA Castle Doctrine Law?

Indiana is a Castle Doctrine state and does have a stand-your-ground law.

Home protection; use or threatened use of deadly force; presumption of fear of death or great bodily harm.

On April 26, 2005, SB-436 was signed into law and took effect on October 1, 2005.

What are the laws involving alcohol and carrying a concealed weapon in Indiana?

There is no law the states you cannot drink alcohol while carrying concealed.

USA Carry always recommends not to carry a firearm while drinking alcohol.

You are allowed to carry a concealed weapon in any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to such purpose.

Does Indiana have laws for No Gun signs?

Properties that display a No Gun sign do not have the force of law in Indiana unless that property is specifically mentioned in the State Law as being off limits to permit holders.

If you are asked to leave a property then you must leave. Refusing is breaking the law and you can be charged.

Are you allowed to carry concealed in Indiana State Parks, State & National Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and/or Road Side Rest Areas?

State Parks: YES*
State Forests YES
National Forests YES
WMA’s: YES
Road Side Rest Areas: YES

* Concealed carry is not allowed in Falls of the Ohio State Park.

I am an Indiana resident but am currently deployed with the Military. Can I still obtain an Indiana Handgun License?

If you are deployed with the Military, in most cases you will have to wait to get home because you have to get fingerprinted and visit your local law enforcement agency for approval. You may try contacting your local law enforcement agency to see if they can accommodate you while deployed.

Relevant Links

What are the Indiana Open Carry laws?

Visit our Indiana Open Carry page for more information.

Changelog
1/20/2015 – Format updated along with all information.

Go To Another State’s Concealed Carry Page

To view a state’s concealed carry permit information click on the state. The state’s color represents whether a state is Shall Issue, May Issue, Constitutional Carry, or Right Denied.

Shall Issue to Residents Only:
California, Colorado, Georgia, Guam, Michigan, New Mexico

Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, MinnesotaNevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin

May Issue to Residents Only:
Delaware, Virgin Islands

May Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York

Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents Only:
Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, Wyoming

Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue to Residents and Non-Residents:
Arizona, Arkansas, FloridaHawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, KentuckyMaine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia

Constitutional Carry and Does Not Issue Permits:
Vermont

Right Denied:
American Samoa, N. Mariana Islands


Disclaimer

We try to keep the information on this page as up-to-date as possible, but it is your responsibility to verify all information due to changing laws. The information on this page is for informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Website, emails, or any links within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between USA Carry LLC and the user or browser. The opinions expressed at or through this site are the opinions of the individual author and may not reflect the views of USA Carry LLC.

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“Permits issued to Residents and Non-residents”

You can only get an Indiana LTCH as a non-resident of you have a regular place of business in the state (IC 35-47-2-3 a.3). Indiana does not issue licenses to non-residents otherwise. There is also no “good reason” requirement as stated in this article.

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