On July 1, 2022, the State of Indiana will no longer require a handgun permit to legally carry, conceal or transport a handgun within the state.  This law DOES NOT allow everyone to carry a handgun as Indiana law contains certain criteria which must be met for a person to legally carry within the state.

A person MUST NOT be a PROHIBITED PERSON as defined by IC 35-47-2-1.5.

  • A person who has been Convicted of a State or Federal offense Punishable By A Term Of Imprisonment Exceeding One (1) Year
  • A person who has been Convicted of a Crime of Domestic Violence (IC 35-31.5-2-78), Domestic Battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3) or Criminal Stalking (IC 35-45-10-5) (and Firearms Rights NOT Restored)
  • A person Restrained by an Order of Protection issued under IC 34-26-5 (does not include Workplace Violence Orders)
  • A Fugitive From Justice
  • A person under Indictment (felony charges filed by a prosecutor)
  • A person who has been adjudicated dangerous under IC 35-47-14-6;
  • A person who has been adjudicated a mental defective;
  • A person who has been committed to a mental institution.
  • A person dishonorably discharged from military service or the National Guard.
  • A person who renounces the person's United States citizenship in the manner described in 8 U.S.C. 1481.
  • A person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age, unless authorized under IC 35-47-10;
  • A person who is less than twenty-three (23) years of age and has an adjudication as a delinquent child for an act described by IC 35-47-4-5, unless authorized under IC 35-47-10;
  • An Alien.

 

If you are considering carrying a handgun and are not certain as to whether you fall under one of the above-mentioned categories, the Indiana State Police recommends you apply for a state-issued handgun permit:

  • The permit process is free
  • ISP will conduct the necessary background checks to help ensure compliance with IC 35-47-2-1.5 & IC 35-47-1-7
  • The online application can be found at this link ISP Firearms Licensing
  • It may be necessary to have a license to carry if you travel to another state which requires a handgun permit to legally carry and/or transport

 

If you are considering carrying a handgun and are not certain as to whether you fall under one of the above-mentioned categories, and you do not wish to apply for a free handgun permit:

  • ISP cannot verify your compliance with IC 35-47-2-1.5

It is recommended that you speak to an attorney to determine your personal compliance with IC 35-47-2-1.5 prior to carrying a handgun under this new law.

Residents of the State of Indiana must still follow state and federal laws pertaining to buildings and areas were possession of a handgun or dangerous weapon are prohibited or face legal ramifications. Private businesses reserve the right to deny possession of a handgun on and within their property.

If you wish to carry outside of the State of Indiana in a state and recognizes the Indiana Handgun Permit, you must obtain an Indiana Handgun Permit from the Indiana State Police. This permit is FREE.

To obtain a handgun permit for carrying on your person outside of the state of Indiana, follow the link below. This link will take you to the Indiana State Police Handgun Permit Application Portal:

https://firearms.ariesportal.com/

*There is no Indiana statute that prohibits carrying a firearm while wearing a mask.
Effective July 1, 2021 the lifetime license to carry a handgun (LTCH) will become fee exempt, per IC 35-47-2-4..
Effective July 1, 2020 the five-year license to carry a handgun (LTCH) will become fee exempt, per IC 35-47-2-4. The five year and lifetime LTCH may be applied for and held concurrently.
The five-year and lifetime LTCH will NOT qualify as an alternative to the NICS background check requirement. The language is in place in the statute to create the groundwork needed for the NICS exemption however the NICS check is governed Federally. Only the ATF can certify the five-year LTCH to qualify as an alternative to the NICS requirements. Currently there is no additional information on if or when the Indiana five-year LTCH may become an alternative to the NICS background check.