Indiana Gun Laws
Overview of Indiana Gun Laws
Indiana is a “Shall Issue” state and allows Licenses/Permits to be issued to both non-residents and residents. The state offers two types of licenses: a limited-term license and an unlimited lifetime license.
Indiana Gun Laws Domestic Violence
Indiana prohibits firearm possession for anyone convicted of domestic violence, subject to a domestic violence restraining order, or convicted of a domestic-linked misdemeanor. Courts must order the dispossession of any guns within 48 hours for these domestic abuse offenders. Federally, domestic abusers are also banned under the Gun Control Act.
Indiana Gun Laws for Felons
Indiana bans felons convicted of dangerous or violent crimes from legally buying, possessing, or using any firearms, ammunition, or certain other weapons unless their rights have been judicially restored. The ban is for life. Felons risk arrest and re-incarceration if found in possession of any firearm following conviction of qualifying offenses.
Indiana Gun Laws for Persons Under 21
In Indiana, persons under 21 may not purchase or carry handguns, but they can legally possess them in some cases. Under-21s are usually restricted to handgun possession only for purposes like employment, military service, recreation on family land, judicial order, or while accompanied by a parent/guardian/spouse over 21. Federal law prohibits federal firearm licensees from selling handguns and handgun ammunition to those below 21.
Types of Licenses
Limited-Term License
Non-residents are eligible for a 4-year license. They are required to have property or a business in Indiana to apply.
Unlimited Lifetime License
Residents of Indiana and military personnel stationed in the state can obtain a lifetime license.
Minimum Age Requirement
The minimum age for applicants is 18 years.
Indiana Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry
Yes – Indiana is recognized as a constitutional carry state as of July 1st, 2022.
Open Carry Permitted
Yes – Indiana allows open carry without a permit. This policy is further endorsed by legislation recognizing constitutional carry.
Carrying in Vehicles
Yes – Individuals in Indiana can carry firearms in their vehicles. However, concealed carry in a vehicle requires a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapons) license. Without a license, firearms must be transported in a secure case, unloaded, and inaccessible.
Carrying in State Parks
Yes – Those with an Indiana concealed carry license can carry within state parks. There are two exceptions: land leased by the U.S. Army Corps and Falls of Ohio State Park.
Carrying in Restaurants
Yes – Concealed carry into restaurants or bars is generally allowed if you possess an Indiana CCW permit.
No Weapon Sign Enforcement
No – “No Weapons” signs do not hold legal weight under Indiana gun laws.
Notifying Law Enforcement
No – While there is no law requiring notification, if asked by a law enforcement officer, you must provide your permit and valid ID.
Indiana CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring Indiana CCW Permits
Alabama, Alaska*, Arizona*, Arkansas, Colorado*, Florida*, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa*, Kansas*, Kentucky*, Louisiana*, Maine*, Michigan*, Mississippi, Missouri*, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio*, Oklahoma*, Pennsylvania*, South Dakota, Tennessee*, Texas*, Utah*, Vermont, Virginia*, West Virginia*, Wisconsin*, Wyoming* (*Restricted reciprocity)
States Not Honoring Indiana CCW Permits
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Washington, and Washington D.C.
States Honoring CCW Permits
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
How Reciprocity Works In Indiana
Indiana honors all valid out-of-state concealed carry licenses.
Reciprocity Agreements In Indiana
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Roadside rest areas
- Vehicle
- Transporting a person to/from school or a school function
- All areas of the state, except those listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- On school property (locked in a vehicle is permitted)
- On a school bus
- On property used by a school for functions
- Private schools, Head Start, and Preschool programs
- On commercial or charter aircraft
- Controlled access airport areas
- During the annual State Fair
- Shipping port controlled by Indiana Port Commission
- Riverboat Casinos
- Any place prohibited by Federal Law
Concealed Carry Laws in Indiana
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal in Indiana for individuals 18 and older even without a license, thanks to the state’s Constitutional Carry status.
Carrying in Vehicles
With a CCW license, you can carry a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle. Without a license, carrying a loaded handgun is prohibited unless it’s unloaded, inaccessible, and secured in a case.
Carrying in State Parks
Carrying is permitted in state parks, state/national forests, state wildlife management areas, and roadside rest areas. However, “Falls of the Ohio” State Park is an exception.
Carrying in Restaurants
You can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. “No Gun” signs don’t carry legal weight unless mentioned by law.
Constitutional Carry
Indiana is recognized as a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
“No Weapons” signs are not enforced by law in Indiana.
Notifying Law Enforcement
You are not legally obligated to inform a law enforcement officer about your firearm unless directly asked. You must carry your permit and a concealed handgun at all times if you have a permit.
Get Your Concealed Carry Weapons Permit Online In Minutes
Conclusion
Indiana’s concealed carry reciprocity agreements and gun laws provide clear guidelines for residents and visitors regarding carrying firearms. The state’s Constitutional Carry status and relatively permissive regulations offer individuals more freedom in exercising their Second Amendment rights while also respecting certain limitations and restrictions.
By understanding Indiana’s concealed carry laws and reciprocity agreements, individuals can ensure they are abiding by the law and making informed decisions about their firearms.
FAQs;
Q1. Can non-residents apply for an unlimited lifetime license in Indiana?
No, non-residents are eligible for a 4-year limited-term license only.
Q2. Is open carry allowed for individuals under 18 in Indiana?
No, open carry is only permitted for individuals 18 years or older.
Q3. Can I carry a loaded firearm in my vehicle without a CCW license in Indiana?
No, a CCW license is required to carry a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle.
Q4. Are “No Weapons” signs legally enforceable in Indiana?
No, “No Weapons” signs do not carry the force of law in the state.
Q5. Do I need to inform a law enforcement officer about my concealed firearm in Indiana?
No, there is no legal obligation to inform an officer unless specifically asked.
