Yes, Indiana has a red flag law. A law enforcement officer to file a sworn affidavit with a court for the seizure of firearms. [Ind. Code § 35-47-14-2]

NON-RESIDENT PERMITTING?

Yes. Non-resident licenses are granted for out-of-state residents who have a regular place of business or employment in Indiana

"No Weapons Allowed" Signs Enforced?

No. "No Weapons Allowed" signs are not enforced in Indiana.

DRIVER'S LICENSE LINKED TO Carry License?

No. Your Indiana driver’s license is not linked to your Indiana carry license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs have access to that information by entering your name and date of birth.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO CONCEALED CARRY REGISTRY?

No. However, concealed carry registry information is available for law enforcement.

Duty to Inform Officer You're Carrying?

No, there is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Indiana. [Ind. Code § 35.47.2.1]

Carry While Using Alcohol or Prescription Medication?

Not addressed in state statutes. As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.

Yes, the state has preemption of firearms laws in Indiana, except local municipalities may prohibit the possession of a handgun in buildings containing courtrooms. There are several other areas they may restrict, however, none of the following apply to concealed carry license holders. These include the following: Municipalities may enforce: Restrictions imposed by organizers of events on property leased by local governments; Provision prohibiting or restricting the possession of a firearm in county hospitals; and The possession of firearms in buildings owned by the locality if metal detection devices are located at each public entrance and are staffed by at least one law enforcement officer to inspect people and bags. Restrictions imposed by organizers of events on property leased by local governments; Provision prohibiting or restricting the possession of a firearm in county hospitals; and The possession of firearms in buildings owned by the locality if metal detection devices are located at each public entrance and are staffed by at least one law enforcement officer to inspect people and bags. [Ind. Code § 35.47.11.1.2]

No definition of brandishing was found in Indiana law. However, a person who knowingly or intentionally points a firearm at another person commits a crime. [Ind. Code § 35-47-4-3] Criminal Recklessness - A person who recklessly, knowingly or intentionally performs an act that creates a substantial risk of bodily injury to another person commits criminal recklessness. [Ind. Code § 35-42-2-2]

WEAR A COVID MASK & CARRY?

There is no known statute in Indiana making it illegal to wear a COVID mask while carrying concealed. In addition, a representative from the office of Gov. Eric Holcomb has indicated that a protective COVID-19 mask does not interfere with the ability to carry.

CARRY WHILE GUN HUNTING?

Yes, an individual may carry a handgun while hunting without a handgun license in accordance with Indiana Code 35-47-2-1. However, it is not legal to take a deer with a handgun except during the firearms and special antlerless seasons, and during the muzzleloader season with a muzzleloading handgun, and in compliance with DNR regulations. [IN Dept of Natural Resources Deer, Turkey and Hunting/Trapping Guides]

CARRY WHILE BOW HUNTING?

Yes, however, it is not legal to take a deer with a handgun while bow hunting.

HUNTER HARASSMENT LAW?

Yes. A person who knowingly or intentionally interferes with the legal taking of a game animal by another person with intent to prevent the taking is guilty of hunter harassment. A person who knowingly or intentionally enters or remains upon public land or upon private land without permission of the owner or the owner's agent, with intent to violate this section, is guilty of hunter harassment. [IC § 14-22-37-2]

WHAT ARE THE KNIFE LAWS IN INDIANA?

Ballistic knives and throwing stars are illegal. There are no limits to open or concealed carry as long as you do not bring a knife to school or on a school bus. As of July 1, 2023, Ind. Code Ann. sec. 35-47-5-12, which banned the manufacture, sale, or possession of throwing stars has been repealed. However, they remain a prohibited item on school property or a school bus pursuant to Ind. Code Ann. sec. 35-47-5-2.5(b), punishable as a misdemeanor unless used to cause bodily injury, in which case the possession is a Level 6 felony. 35-47-5-2, 35-47-5-2.5 & 35-47-5-12]

Indiana gun laws & concealed carry reciprocity map

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

There is no License required to purchase a firearm, and firearms do not need to be registered. Only Indiana residents or residents of neighboring states who are at least 18 years old can buy long guns. To buy a handgun, you must be at least 21 years old and a resident of Indiana.

Open carry and concealed carry are legal without a permit. Individuals 18 years old or older not prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun are no longer required to obtain a license to carry a handgun as of July 1, 2022.

Where can I carry with my Indiana permit?

Yes

Yes, Constitutional Carry

Yes, Other Restrictions

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Indiana Concealed Carry License Information

Requirements:

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; and
- 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; and
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.

Non-Resident Concealed Carry Licenses:

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.

Lost/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.

Application:

Link to application

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.

Processing Time:

60 days

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.

Valid For:

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

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.

How to get a Indiana Concealed Weapons Permit

Step 1:

Complete a Handgun License Application online. Once you complete Step 1, you will have only 365 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.

Concealed Carry Locations FAQ

store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?

Yes

No person may adopt or enforce an ordinance, resolution, policy or rule that prohibits an employee from possessing a firearm or ammunition that is locked in the trunk of the employee’s vehicle, kept in the glove compartment of the employee’s locked vehicle, or stored out of plain sight in the employee’s locked vehicle. This restriction does not apply in various, specifically named locations including school property and private residences (see section (2)(b) for the list of locations).

[Ind. Code § 34-28-7-2.]

carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?

Yes

Yes, a person may possess a handgun at DNR State Parks & Reservoir properties with the exceptions of properties that have land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (e.g., Mississinewa, Salamonie, Patoka, Brookville, Cagles Mill, Cecil M. Harden and Monroe lakes) or at Falls of the Ohio State Park.Any firearm (except validly licensed handguns) BB gun, air gun, CO2 gun, bow and arrow, or spear gun in possession in a state park must be unloaded and stored in a case or locked within a vehicle, except when the owner is participating in an activity authorized by written permit.

[DNR Q & A page]

carry at roadside rest areas?

Yes

Yes. Concealed carry is permitted at roadside rest areas in Indiana.

tribal land

Yes

A. Carrying Concealed Weapon. Section 12

1. A person commits the Offense of Carrying a Concealed Weapon by Knowingly carrying or bearing a Concealed Weapon.

2. Subsection 1 shall not apply to:

a. any Law Enforcement Officer;
b. a person holding a valid license to carry one or more types of Concealed Weapon that was issued by his or her state of residence, except where the person is not carrying the Concealed Weapon within his or her state of residence, the license does not authorize such person to carry the Concealed Weapon in his or her Possession, or the Concealed Weapon is being carried in nonconformance with a restriction appearing on the license;
c. the carrying of Firearms in his or her residence, place of business, or on other land possessed by the person;
d. a bona fide collector registered under Section 923 of the federal Firearms Code, 18 U.S.C. § 44;
e. a person while transporting the Firearm for a Lawful Purpose that is licensed by the Owner or occupant of the motor Vehicle in compliance with the law of his or her residence and the Firearm is unloaded in a closed case designed for the storage of Firearms in the trunk of the Vehicle; or
f. a person while transporting the Firearm for a Lawful Purpose that is licensed by the Owner or occupant of the motor Vehicle and the Firearm is unloaded in a closed case designed for storage of Firearms in a Vehicle that does not have a trunk and is not readily accessible to the occupants of the Vehicle.

carry in vehicle?

Yes

As of July 1, 2022 when its permitless carry law goes into effect, Indiana does not require a license to carry a handgun in a vehicle if the person is not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing a handgun.

Though there is a permitless carry law, Indiana still places restrictions on people who carry handguns in vehicles if they would not meet the eligibility requirements for a license to carry. People who would be ineligible for a license to carry but are not prohibited from firearms possession under state or federal law may still carry firearms in their vehicles or the vehicles of others if the handgun is unloaded, not readily accessible, and secured in a case.

carry/possess at a hotel?

See details

Indiana statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.

carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?

Yes

Yes, there is no statute making it illegal to concealed carry with a valid license in bars or restaurants, unless posted.

Indiana Self-Defense Laws

Self-Defense

Indiana is a Castle Doctrine state and has a “stand your ground” law. There is no duty to retreat if deadly force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony.

Defense of Self or Others

A person is justified in using reasonable force to protect the person or a third person from what the person reasonably believes to be the imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person is justified in using deadly force if the person reasonably believes that that force is necessary to prevent serious bodily injury to the person or a third person or the commission of a forcible felony.

Immunity

No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting the person or a third person by reasonable means necessary.

[Ind. Code § 35-41-3-2]

Defense of Property

With respect to property other than a dwelling, curtilage, or an occupied motor vehicle, a person is justified in using reasonable force if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to immediately prevent or terminate the other person’s trespass on or criminal interference with property lawfully in the person’s possession, the possession of a member of the person’s immediate family, or belonging to a person whose property the person has authority to protect. However, a person is justified in using deadly force only if that force is justified.

Defense of Place

A person is justified in using reasonable force, including deadly force, and does not have a duty to retreat if the person reasonably believes that the force is necessary to prevent or terminate the other person’s unlawful entry of or attack on the person’s dwelling, curtilage or occupied motor vehicle.

Indiana Gun Law Updates

DateDetails

2025-04-07

Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.

2024-12-02

Added Tribal Land section to the Carry Location section.

2022-03-22

Added HB 1296, which will permit constitutional carry beginning on July 1, 2022

2021-05-18

Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table

2020-11-17

Added information on church carry on school property in the Location Restrictions section

Yes, Selected State:	Indiana
Yes, Constitutional Carry:	Utah, Maine, Kansas, West Virginia, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Mississippi, South Carolina, Montana, Nebraska, Missouri, Florida, North Dakota, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Idaho, Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, Ohio, Arizona, Georgia, Tennessee, Iowa, Texas, South Dakota, Oklahoma
Yes, Allowed to Carry:	North Carolina
Yes, With Restrictions:	Virginia, Michigan, Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania
No, Carry Not Allowed	Delaware, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Maryland, Washington, New Jersey, New York City, Puerto Rico, Connecticut, Minnesota, Rhode Island, District of Columbia