Indiana Gun Laws
Indiana has fairly permissive gun laws. The state does not enforce Universal Background Checks, and has almost no restrictions on hardware or ammunition. Local governments cannot independently regulate firearms laws in ways that conflict with state law, ensuring the protection of Indiana citizens’ 2nd Amendment rights. Indiana is a ‘shall issue’ state. This makes obtaining a concealed carry license a straightforward process. Compared to most states in the nation, Indiana is very gun-friendly.
Indiana Gun Laws at a Glance
| Concealed Carry Premit Required | Yes |
| Open Carry Premitted | Yes |
| Waiting period before purchasing | No |
| Lost and Stolen Firearm Reporting | No |
| Firearms License Required for Purchasing | No |
| Universal Background Check | No |
| Firearm Registration | Not required |
| Large Capacity Magazine Ban | No |
Firearm License Requirements
Indiana has no laws requiring gun purchasers to obtain a license.
Background Checks
Indiana law requires dealers to conduct a background check by contacting the FBI directly, prior to transferring a handgun. Although Indiana does not require a background check prior to the purchase of a long gun from a licensed dealer, federal law states that dealers must initiate a background check prior to the transfer of any gun. Indiana does not require private sellers of firearms to initiate a background check.
Gun Shows
Retailers may sell, display, or transfer guns at a gun show in accordance with state law.
| Indiana uses the federal definition of a gun show. | Any function sponsored by any national, state, or local organization, devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms, or an organization or association that sponsors functions devoted to the collection, competitive use, or other sporting use of firearms in the community. |
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Hardware and Ammunition Restrictions
| Hardware | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Assault Weapons | No restrictions. |
| 50 Caliber Rifles | No restrictions. |
| Machine Guns | Indiana law prohibits anyone from owning or operating a machine gun. |
| Large Capacity Magazines | Not restricted. |
| Ammunition | Indiana prohibits all types of armor-piercing ammunition. |
Prohibited Persons
Indiana prohibits people from possessing firearms if they have been convicted of domestic battery or of a serious violent felony, which includes any violent conduct that:
- Results in serious bodily injury
- Involves battery with a deadly weapon
- Involves stalking with credible threats of bodily injury or death
There are many violent felonies which, if convicted of, a person may still possess a firearm under Indiana law. These include:
- Violent conduct resulting in ‘moderate bodily injury’
- Intentional strangulation
- Threatening violence, even while wielding a deadly weapon
- Shooting into an inhabited building
Indiana also prohibits people from owning firearms who have been determined in court to be a danger to self or others. Unlawful aliens are also prohibited from possessing firearms.
Prohibited Places
| Location | Restrictions | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | If you do not have the proper permit, you cannot carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle | Handguns are permitted in vehicles with a valid concealed carry license. Without a concealed carry license, the handgun must be unloaded and locked in an enclosed case. |
| Public Courthouses | Prohibited, even with a concealed carry permit. | None. |
| Locations and events selling alcohol | Permitted. | None. |
Concealed Carry Laws
| Notify Officer | Not required |
| “No Gun” Signs | Not Enforced |
| In-Vehicle Carry | Permitted |
| Restaurant Carry | Permitted |
| State Park Carry | Permitted |
| While Hunting | Permitted |
Obtaining a Concealed Carry License
Indiana is a “shall issue” state. This means that the governing body must issue a concealed carry permit to a given applicant if certain qualifications are met.
| Requirements for a Concealed Carry License |
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To obtain a concealed carry license in Indiana, the applicant must:
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Concealed Carry Firearms Training
Indiana does not require any firearms training to obtain a concealed carry permit.
Concealed Carry Location Restrictions
Even with a proper and valid concealed carry license, you may not carry firearms:
- In schools or on school buses, except if you have been authorized by school administration
- In child care institutions overseen by Child Welfare Services
- At the Indiana State Fair
- At the Indiana State Government Center Campus
- At the Department of Workforce Development
- At airport or in aircraft
- At horse tracks
- At any shipping ports controlled by the Indiana Port Commission
- On riverboat casinos
- In some courtrooms
Disclaimer: The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice or acted upon as if it is legal advice: it is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date content, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information. Gun laws can change frequently, especially at the state and local levels. Application of gun laws can be unique to an individual’s situation. We recommend that each individual consult with a competent and qualified legal professional before purchasing, transporting, or using any firearm or firearm-related product.