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 provide a comprehensive overview of Indiana gun laws. Learn about the most important things to know when carrying in the Hoosier State below.
Can You Carry a Gun in Indiana
Open carry and concealed carry are legal in Indiana. On March 21, 2022, Gov. Eric Holcomb signed HB 1296 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 went into effect on July 1, 2022.
Indiana Concealed Carry Permit
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.
The Indiana License to Carry a Handgun (LCH) is currently honored in 32 states however that is subject to change. Check the USCCA Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map for current information.
Lifetime Gun Permit
As of July 1, 2020, the fee for a lifetime license will be $50 for anyone who does not currently possess a valid Indiana handgun license, and $40 for anyone who currently possesses a valid Indiana handgun license.
Gun Purchase and Handgun Registration Requirements
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.
Less-Lethal Legal Self-Defense Weapons
Stun guns and pepper spray are legal to purchase and possess without a license. Tasers can be carried with a valid permit.
Where Can One Carry Concealed?
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
- 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
Can you Carry a Gun in Your Car in Indiana?
As of July 1, 2022, when its permitless carry law went 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 do 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. There is no duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you’re carrying a concealed firearm.
Can You Carry a Gun in a Bar in Indiana?
Yes, with a valid CCW permit/license, provided the property is not posted as prohibiting firearms. There are no statutes prohibiting the possession of firearms in bars or restaurants in Indiana.
*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 judgment, slow your reaction times or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
Ready to Learn More About Indiana Gun Laws?
It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know and understand the laws regarding your concealed carry rights. We designed the USCCA Concealed Carry Reciprocity & Gun Laws Map to help inform and educate armed citizens like you. To learn more about Indiana’s concealed carry permit application process, concealed carry restrictions and training requirements, visit the Indiana gun laws page now…
In addition, continued training is crucial to protecting your family. Find a shooting range in Indiana through our “Find a Shooting Range” resource — made possible by our partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and WhereToShoot.org.
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.
