Indiana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of Indiana

Indiana Reciprocity Map

Last Updated on March 11, 2024

Indiana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

6.7M

STATE POPULATION

967K

LICENSES ISSUED

14.47%

LICENSE PERCENTAGE

STATES HONORED

MINIMUM AGE TO CC

YEARS LICENSE VALID

RECIPROCATING STATES

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL CARRY

TBA

CC CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

Becoming a responsible citizen and firearm owner depends on clearly understanding the gun rights and state laws that apply to you. Indiana is home to 6.8 million people, and the state has distributed around 967,000 concealed carry (CC) licenses as of August 2021. This means that 14.21% of the population have their Indiana License to Carry a Handgun (LTCH), which is fee exempt as of July 1, 2020.

Understanding reciprocity – how your gun rights translate across state lines – is also essential to Indiana concealed carry. An Indiana concealed carry permit is currently honored in 31 states, and Indiana recognizes permits or licenses from 48 others. The minimum age for Indiana concealed carry is 18, and the license is valid for five years.

Those interested in obtaining an Indiana concealed carry license need an education partner they can trust. Concealed Coalition has trained over a million U.S. citizens on how to carry their weapons safely and effectively. Contact us to find online or local training to get your Indiana concealed carry license.

Summary of Indiana Gun Laws

Your Indiana Gun Rights

The ISP issues Indiana CC licenses. Indiana is a “shall issue” state, meaning it must issue an LTCH to any applicant who successfully meets the state’s requirements for firearm ownership. You must be 21 or older and an Indiana resident (or be regularly employed or have a business in the state) to buy a handgun. There is no license required to do so.

Gun rights can differ depending on where you are. This is what makes a working understanding of your home state’s rules so important. Indiana residents should always contact the Indiana State Police (ISP) for the latest information on Indiana concealed carry permit laws. Here are the current firearm laws for Indiana:

Open Carry in Indiana

Indiana sets a minimum age of 18 for open carry, and it is permitted with or without a license to carry from the state.

Concealed Carry in Indiana

CC is legal under the same requirements as open carry.

Self Defense Laws in Indiana

Indiana statute has strict rules on what constitutes the various uses of force, including where and how they can be applied. This is critically important knowledge for all firearms owners to help them act more confidently within the limits of the law.

Use of Force

Indiana residents may use reasonable force when under the reasonable belief that it’s necessary to defend themselves or others or prevent unlawful entry. They may legally use force to protect personal property, the property of a family member, or property the user is authorized to protect.

Use of Deadly Force

Deadly force is legal under the reasonable belief that it will prevent a felony or the serious bodily harm of the user or a third party. It’s also legal in defense of place and property but must be fully justified under the law.

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

Indiana does not place force users in legal jeopardy if they used that force to a reasonable level under reasonable circumstances. Thus, it’s vital to be aware of the broader legal definitions of acceptable use of force in Indiana before acting against an aggressor.

Firearms training is a reliable way to gain the situational and legal awareness that helps you judge when to apply force of any kind. Concealed Coalition has trained over a million people to become responsible, certified gun owners. Classes are available locally and online.

Indiana Gun Laws by Statute

Concealed Coalition is dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding gun ownership and promoting a culture of understanding, responsibility, and confidence. Our certified instructors are qualified across multiple states, and our online or local training classes provide convenient learning environments run by instructors who care.

Quick Links

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LAWS - THE BASICS

QUESTION

ANSWER

Does Indiana recognize constitutional carry?

Yes. Indiana became a permitless carry (or constitutional carry) state in 2023.

Is open carry permitted in Indiana?

Yes. Open carry is permitted with or without a concealed carry license.

If Indiana requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

Indiana is a shall-issue state with Licenses being issued by the Indiana State Police.

What is the minimum age in Indiana to get a concealed carry license?

18 years of age.

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Indiana with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

Yes. A concealed carry license in Indiana allows the carry of Tasers in addition to handguns.

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Indiana?

Tasers may only be carried by those with a CC license. Anyone 18 and older may own a stun gun, with no license necessary.

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Indiana?

Yes.

Does Indiana have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

There are no limitations in this regard.

Does Indiana have ammunition restrictions?

Any handgun ammunition with the capacity to pierce armor is prohibited under Indiana Code.

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN INDIANA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Where can't I carry a concealed firearm in Indiana?

Concealed carry laws in Indiana prohibit CC in:

Any location prohibited by federal law
Any location prohibited by state laws or regulations
Private properties or private businesses where the owner has requested that firearm carriers are not welcome
Courtrooms
Airports and charter or commercial aircraft
State fairs
Schools and school buses, unless by a designated school resource officer or with that educational body’s express permission
Riverboat casinos
Horse tracks
Department of Workforce Development
Institutions operated by Child Welfare Services
Ports operated by the Indiana Port Commission
Indiana State government locations

Firearms owners must never consider any list of restricted locations to be exhaustive. Call ahead to ask about an intended location’s firearms policy before visiting.

Where can I carry a concealed firearm in Indiana?

Places of worship are allowed for Indiana concealed carry, provided the owners do not prohibit weapons on their private property. Other accepted locations are listed later in this FAQ.

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Indiana?

Yes, Indiana concealed carry laws allow you to do so with restrictions. You must be the legal owner of the vehicle or a legal passenger. The firearm must be unloaded, not accessible, and in a locked location aboard the vehicle.

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Indiana?

Yes.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Indiana?

Yes, but with two exceptions.

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Indiana?

Yes, with a license, and if the property owner hasn’t prohibited it.

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Indiana?

Hotels are private businesses and can set their own rules. CC licensees should always check with the hotel to clarify their position in advance.

Does Indiana have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

Yes, but with restrictions.

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN INDIANA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Indiana?

There’s no duty to inform, but it’s good and cooperative conduct to volunteer the information to a law officer without being asked.

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Indiana? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

No, but individuals with an Indiana concealed carry license must respect private property owners or business owners who request that they leave their premises. Failure to do so could constitute trespassing.

Does Indiana have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Yes. Indiana prohibits local government from regulating firearms, accessories, ammunition, ownership, possession, carrying, transportation, registration, transfer, and storage.

Local authorities do have some powers. They may authorize employers to restrict employees from carrying firearms and ammo in the course of duty. They may not limit the locked and out-of-sight storage of a firearm in an employee’s vehicle. Additional local firearm powers are listed here.

Does Indiana have a red flag law?

Yes. This allows law officers and courts to potentially remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous, even when a crime has not been committed. This can be a protracted process when enacted.

Does Indiana state law define brandishing?

Indiana has no set legal definition of brandishing, but there are similar actions that are deemed criminal. These include pointing a firearm at someone if you’re not a law officer and being criminally reckless.

Does Indiana have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

State law doesn’t specifically address this.

Does Indiana issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

Yes, if the applicant has a place of business in Indiana or is regularly employed in-state.

Does Indiana allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

No.

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN INDIANA

QUESTION

ANSWER

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Indiana?

No.

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Indiana?

No. Private firearms transfers are not subject to a background check requirement, although federal and state purchaser prohibitions, including age restrictions, still apply.

Does my current Indiana concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

No.

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Indiana?

No.

Do handguns need to be registered in Indiana?

No.

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Indiana?

The minimum age is 18.

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in Indiana without a license?

Yes.

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in Indiana

Quick Links

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Indiana

An applicant must:

Be at least 18 years old
Have a “proper reason” to carry a handgun (“proper reason” can mean for the defense of oneself or the state of Indiana)
Be of good character and reputation
Be a citizen of the United States or a non-citizen of the United States who is allowed to carry a firearm in the United States under federal law; and
Be a proper person to be licensed. A “proper person” is someone who does:
- Not have a conviction for resisting law enforcement within the last 5 years
- Not have a conviction for a crime for which the person could have been sentenced for more than 1 year
- Not have a conviction for a crime of domestic violence, unless a court has restored the person’s right to possess a firearm
- Not be prohibited by a court order from possessing a handgun
- Not have a record of being an alcohol or drug abuser as defined by the state of Indiana
- Not have documented evidence which would give rise to a reasonable belief that the person has a propensity for violent or emotionally unstable conduct
- Not make a false statement of material fact on the application
- Not have a conviction for any crime involving an inability to safely handle a handgun;
  Not have a conviction for violation of the provisions of Article 47 within 5 years
- 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 23 years of age
- Not have 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
- Not have been the subject of a 90-day commitment or regular commitment
- Not have been found by a court to be mentally incompetent, including being found not guilty by reason of insanity or guilty but too mentally ill or incompetent to stand trial.
Not have been convicted of a felony
Not have been arrested for a Class A or Class B felony, 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
Not have had a license to carry a handgun suspended, unless the person’s license has been reinstated

Fees:

As of July 1, 2021,

5 year state license fee $0
Lifetime state license fee $0

There are fees for IDEMIA Electronic Fingerprinting and background checks.

Valid For:

An applicant has an option to obtain a License that is valid for 5 years or for a lifetime.

Processing Time:

60 days

Applications:

Download and complete the application.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry License:

Out-of-state residents who have a regular place of business or employment in Indiana qualify for a 4-year personal-protection firearm license. Your local agency will be the sheriff of the county in which you have a regular place of business or employment. The following documents will be required:

A notarized out-of-state affidavit form; and
Proof of employment on company letterhead.

The process is the same as for residents.

Name & Address Changes:

To update your name or address on your Indiana Handgun License, log in to the Indiana State Police Handgun Licensing Portal and follow the prompts to update your information.

Lost or Stolen Licenses:

To obtain a duplicate Indiana Handgun License, log in to the Indiana State Police Handgun Licensing Portal and follow the prompts to request your duplicate.

Residency Changes:

Moving to Indiana and interested in applying for a license? How soon can you apply?
Indiana issues licenses to residents and out-of-state residents who have a regular place of business or employment in Indiana only. You can apply for your license to the Indiana State Police once you have established your residence in Indiana.

Moving from Indiana and have an Indiana resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Indiana license remains valid?
If a person with an Indiana license to carry a handgun establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

Step One:

Complete a Handgun License Application online and, within 90 days, do the following:

Step Two:

Schedule an appointment to electronically submit your fingerprints.

Step Three:

Visit your local sheriff’s department or municipal police office with your application number and your payment.

Step Four:

Your application will be electronically transferred to the IN State Police for final review, and you will be notified if your application has been approved.

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Overview

Applicants can start their Indiana LTCH renewal online and complete it in only three steps. These involve visiting physical locations for fingerprinting and processing.

The online portion of the renewal can take place before or after the license has expired, but steps two and three must be completed within 90 days of step one. Renewals approved by the ISP have the new permit sent to the applicant by mail, and rejections can be appealed.

Step One:

Schedule an appointment to submit your fingerprints electronically at a location convenient to you.

Step Two:

Within 90 days you MUST visit your local law enforcement agency and bring your:

Handgun License Application Number
Local fee payment

Your application WILL EXPIRE 90 days after you submit the application online. If your application expires, you must update your status:

Sign in to the Indiana State Police Handgun Licensing Portal.
Follow the prompts for duplicate/status update.

Step Three:

If your application is approved, your license will be sent to you via U.S. Mail.

If your application is rejected, you will be notified via U.S. Mail and will receive instructions on how to file an appeal.

Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers and Retired LEOs

The federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) allows both active and retired law enforcement officers (LEOs and RLEOs) to CC anywhere in the U.S. with some restrictions. The Indiana Law Enforcement Agency (ILEA) provides courses and qualifications in line with LEOSA requirements.

Indiana Code 35-47-15-5 requires that RLEOs wishing to CC must complete a yearly firearms qualifications test, the demands of which must be in line with active officer certifications of the RLEO’s previous agency or to the state’s standard. RLEOs must achieve either state-issued certification of this firearms competency or endorsement from their previous agency, along with photo ID.

Firearms Training & Competency

The certified instructors at Concealed Coalition will teach you the applicable laws for your state and how to carry and fire a firearm safely. Training is available across the U.S. and online, so contact us to sign up or ask any questions.

Firearms training isn’t required for Indiana concealed carry. The more skills you can acquire, though, the more confident and capable you’ll become as a gun owner. There are many ways to achieve valuable qualification in Indiana, and these are:

NRA Training

The NRA offers many different kinds and levels of training at a wide range of locations, including classes focused on helping women gain firearm skills. Use the local training locator to find specific lessons of interest. Handgun safety should be one of the first skills you seek.

Hunter Safety Courses

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources runs both free hunter education classroom courses and online courses, which cost $19.95. Both offer valuable firearms and safety knowledge. It’s required for anyone in Indiana seeking their hunting license who was born after December 31, 1986, to be certified in hunter safety.

Firearms Safety Courses From Other Providers

Public and private institutions, individuals, colleges, or law enforcement agencies often provide firearms training. Contact the ISP with questions about the ability of an organization or individual to teach a firearms course. Here’s a list of what the state expects in terms of instructor qualifications.

A Firearms Training Course With a State-Certified Instructor

Concealed Coalition offers firearm training to help you gain a CC license. Our highly trained instructors provide actionable lessons based on their extensive practical experience to ensure you gain tested and reliable skills.

Shooting Ranges and Competitions

Indiana gun owners can gain a lot of experience and insight through participation in an organized shooting competition or visiting a firing range.

Get Certified for a Indiana Concealed Carry Permit Today

Our network of firearms professionals are holding training classes and in-person certification courses throughout Indiana. Use our certification locator to enroll in an upcoming firearms training course near you today, or visit our Indiana concealed carry permitting resource for online certification.

Did we miss something?

If you have any questions that you don’t see answered here — let us know! Just email [email protected] and we will be sure to get your question resolved promptly. Your feedback matters to us, and we greatly appreciate you helping us make this page the best possible resource for responsible gun owners! The information contained on this website is provided by Concealed Coalition as a service to its members and the public. The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Our goal is to provide thorough, up-to-date information regarding concealed carry laws, reciprocity, and requirements. We make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. At the time of publishing the information contained in this page was correct and up-to-date. However, laws are constantly changing, and as a result, nothing contained on this website should be considered legal advice. Please consult a lawyer should you require legal advice regarding concealed carry and gun laws in your state. Did you know our membership includes a pre-paid legal protection plan? Sign up today and gain access to 24/7 coverage from a team of legal experts.

*Legal protection plans available in select states.

Indiana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map & Gun Laws

Everything you need to know about owning a firearm in the state of Indiana

Indiana Reciprocity Map

Indiana Concealed Carry Reciprocity Overview

Summary of Indiana Gun Laws

Your Indiana Gun Rights

Open Carry in Indiana

Concealed Carry in Indiana

Self Defense Laws in Indiana

Use of Force

Use of Deadly Force

Protecting Yourself After Use of Force

Indiana Gun Laws by Statute

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LAWS - THE BASICS

Does Indiana recognize constitutional carry?

Is open carry permitted in Indiana?

If Indiana requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, how are those licenses issued?

What is the minimum age in Indiana to get a concealed carry license?

Can you concealed carry weapons other than handguns in Indiana with a concealed carry license (or under permit-less carry if applicable)?

Is it legal to own a taser or stun gun in Indiana?

Is it legal to buy or use chemical spray/pepper spray in Indiana?

Does Indiana have magazine capacity restrictions for handguns?

Does Indiana have ammunition restrictions?

CONCEALED CARRY LOCATIONS IN INDIANA

Where can't I carry a concealed firearm in Indiana?

Where can I carry a concealed firearm in Indiana?

Can you carry a concealed handgun in a vehicle in Indiana?

Can you carry a concealed firearm at roadside rest areas in Indiana?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forest and Wildlife Management Areas in Indiana?

Can you carry a concealed firearm in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol in Indiana?

Can you carry or possess a firearm on hotel property in Indiana?

Does Indiana have laws relating to storing firearms in private vehicles in an employee parking lot?

IMPORTANT GUNS LAWS IN INDIANA

Do you have a duty to notify a police officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Indiana?

Are "No Weapons Allowed" signs enforced in Indiana? If, yes, violating the sign would be considered to be a crime. If, no, violating the sign would not be considered a criminal offense.

Does Indiana have preemption laws related to concealed carry (i.e., Does state law supersede local laws regarding the possession of handguns)?

Does Indiana have a red flag law?

Does Indiana state law define brandishing?

Does Indiana have laws regarding carrying a concealed firearm while using alcohol or chemical substances?

Does Indiana issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents?

Does Indiana allow the public to access concealed carry registry information through public records law?

HANDGUN PURCHASE & POSSESSION IN INDIANA

Is a permit required to purchase a handgun in Indiana?

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Indiana?

Does my current Indiana concealed carry license exempt me from needing a background check when I purchase firearm?

Is there a waiting period after purchasing a handgun in Indiana?

Do handguns need to be registered in Indiana?

What is the minimum age to possess and transport a handgun in Indiana?

Can I possess/carry a handgun in my home in Indiana without a license?

Acquiring a Concealed Carry License in Indiana

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE INFORMATION

Concealed Carry Requirements to Register for a License in Indiana

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS

INDIANA CONCEALED CARRY LICENSE RENEWAL PROCESS

Concealed Carry for Law Enforcement Officers and Retired LEOs

Firearms Training & Competency

NRA Training

Hunter Safety Courses

Firearms Safety Courses From Other Providers

A Firearms Training Course With a State-Certified Instructor

Shooting Ranges and Competitions

Get Certified for a Indiana Concealed Carry Permit Today

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