Carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility. Knowing the laws is just one important task armed Americans must undertake before carrying. To help with that, we will be providing you with a summary of basic carry laws for several states. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in Indiana below.

Getting a Concealed Carry Permit

Open carry and concealed carry are legal in Indiana with a license to carry. The Indiana License to Carry a Handgun (LCH) is valid for open, concealed and locked-case carry. 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. Non-residents must have a valid concealed carry license from their home state in order to carry concealed or openly. Stun guns and pepper spray are legal to purchase and possess without a license. Tasers can be carried with a valid permit.

Permits are not required when buying a handgun, and there is no firearms registration in Indiana. No background check is required when buying a handgun from a private individual. A purchaser must be at least 18 years old to buy a gun from a private individual. The minimum age to purchase a handgun from a federally licensed dealer is 21. There is also no mandatory waiting period for handgun purchases or magazine capacity restrictions. Indiana honors permits from all states and jurisdictions.

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.

Where Can One Carry Concealed?

In terms of locations where a concealed handgun may be carried, anyone with a valid concealed carry license can concealed carry in a vehicle. Without a license, handguns must be unloaded, not readily accessible and secured in a case. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm. Any valid concealed carry license holder can concealed carry at roadside rest areas. Other areas where permit holders can carry concealed are:

  • Restaurants that serve alcohol (unless posted)
  • State/national parks (except for a reservoir owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or Falls of the Ohio State Park)
  • State/national forests
  • Wildlife Management Areas
  • While attending service at places of worship (unless posted)

Locations where concealed carry is prohibited even for permit holders include:

  • Schools (except school resource officers and others who are authorized by the school administration)
  • Child care institutions run or overseen by Child Welfare Services
  • Indiana State Fair
  • Indiana State Government Center Campus (State Capitol building, State Library, etc.)
  • Department of Workforce Development
  • Airports and commercial or charter aircraft
  • Horse tracks
  • Shipping ports controlled by the Indiana Port Commission
  • Riverboat casinos
  • Some courtrooms
  • Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal or state law or regulation

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.