Whether you’re new to owning a firearm or have had a gun for home defense for years, getting a concealed carry license may seem daunting. It doesn’t have to be. There are many reasons and ways to carry a concealed weapon, but the first step is knowing the laws. Applying for a CCW varies by state. Read about the process for getting a Indiana License to Carry a Handgun (LCH) below.

Similar to license requirements, states vary greatly in their processes for how an applicant obtains a concealed carry license, what their permits/licenses are called, whether licenses include photographs, whether fingerprinting is required, license duration, license costs and turnaround times. Some states allow an applicant to complete an application online, while others require an in-person visit to the office of the respective issuing authority. There are even states that require the applicant to provide a list of non-related character references.

Concealed Carry License Basics

Indiana is a shall-issue state with concealed weapons licenses issued at the state level by the Indiana State Police. Shall-issue means licensing authorities in Indiana are compelled to issue a license as long as an applicant meets the basic requirements set out by state law. A permit is not required to purchase a pistol, and background checks are not required to buy a handgun from a private party. There is no waiting period after purchasing a handgun, and there is no state firearm registry.

Both open carry and concealed carry are legal in Indiana for residents with an Indiana License to Carry a Handgun (LCH) and for non-residents with any valid state license to carry. The Indiana LCH is valid for open, concealed and locked-case carry. Indiana offers an LCH that is valid for five years as well as for a lifetime. The minimum age is 18 years old, and there is no requirement for firearms training. Applicants must be Indiana residents or have a regular place of business or employment in Indiana. As of July 1, 2021, there is no fee to obtain an LCH.

Federally Prohibited Persons

The Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 and the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 make it illegal for a person who fits into any of the prohibited categories to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. These laws prevent a state from issuing a concealed carry license/license as it would be illegal for people who fit in these categories, by federal law, to own or possess a gun.

What Are the License Requirements 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
  • 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 that 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
  • Meet federal law requirements

*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Indiana.

Do I Need Firearms Training in Indiana?

No firearms training is required in Indiana. However, the USCCA recommends that anyone who makes the choice to carry a concealed firearm obtain as much training as possible in order to be a responsibly armed American.

Find a Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals Class from the USCCA near you!

How Do I Get a License to Carry a Handgun in Indiana?

Step 1: Complete a Handgun License Application online. Once you complete Step 1, you will have only 180 days to complete Steps 2 and 3.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment to electronically submit your fingerprints. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Step 3: Complete local law enforcement (sheriff or municipal police) agency processing within 180 days.

Step 4: Your application will be electronically transmitted to ISP for final review. If your application is approved, your permit 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.

Indiana Licenses to Carry Handguns are either “qualified” or “unlimited.” A qualified license will be issued for hunting and target practice only. An unlimited license is issued for the purpose of the protection of life and property.

NOTE: On March 21, 2022, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed HB 1296 into into law, permitting constitutional carry in Indiana. Individuals 18 years old or older not prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun will no longer be required to obtain a license to carry a handgun. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2022.

For more information, visit the USCCA Indiana gun laws page now…

The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc. members and the concealed carry community, and does not constitute legal advice. Although we attempt to address all areas of concealed carry laws in all states, we make no claims, representations, warranties, promises or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information disclosed. Legal advice must always be tailored to the individual facts and circumstances of each individual case. Laws are constantly changing, and as such, nothing contained on this website should be used as a substitute for the advice of a lawyer.