Indiana State Gun Laws. Overview of Constitutional Carry, Open Carry and Concealed Carry Laws
- Indiana Constitutional (Permitless) Carry
- Indiana Open Carry Laws
- Indiana Concealed Carry Laws
- Gun permit related statistics in Indiana in 2022
- How to get an LTCH in Indiana
- Indiana Reciprocity with other States
- Indiana Carry Location Restrictions FAQs
- Are there places I cannot carry a firearm, even if I have a Concealed Carry Permit in Indiana?
- Can I Carry in Restaurants or Bars in Indiana?
- Can I carry concealed in a vehicle in Indiana?
- Can I Carry in State Parks, National Parks, Forests and DNR Areas of Indiana?
- FAQ Indiana Laws Regarding the Sale or Transfer of Firearms
- FAQ About Firearms Laws in Indiana
This article will provide an overview of the Indiana’s New Constitutional Carry law. Open Carry and Concealed Carry gun laws in the great state of Indiana will also be discussed. IN is a very gun friendly state that has made it relatively easy for law abiding citizens to protect themselves by carrying a firearm.
Disclaimer: This article is NOT LEGAL ADVICE and is for Informational Purposes Only. Gun Laws can be tricky and unclear at times and changes are made often. We take no responsibility for the use or misuse of any information contained in this article. You are responsible for knowing the gun laws if you are going to carry a gun. Consult a Lawyer with any questions. See *Footnote
Indiana Constitutional (Permitless) Carry
Indiana Constitutional Carry became legal in the state on July 1, 2022. This means that anyone 18 years old or older that can legally possess a handgun (not prohibited under Federal Law) can carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit.
Indiana Open Carry Laws
Open Carry is legal in Indiana. On July 1, 2022, Constitutional Carry became legal for any person 18 years of age or older. Open carry is permitted in Indiana if you are 18 or older and can legally possess a handgun. Open Carry is legal in many other states as well. See States with Open Carry Laws.
Indiana Concealed Carry Laws
Anyone over the age of 18 that can legally possess a handgun can Concealed Carry in the State of Indiana. You do not need a Concealed Carry Permit to carry concealed in Indiana. However, those that do get a permit have less restrictions on where they can carry a concealed handgun. For example:
Those with an Indiana Concealed carry permit can carry in a vehicle. If you do not have a permit, the gun must be unloaded and stored in a secured area.
Gun permit related statistics in Indiana in 2022
- There have been 1.1 million permits issued in Indiana .
- Indiana state population is 6.7 million.
- Percentage of the population of Indiana with a permit is about 16.7%.
- States that currently honor the Indiana carry permit 32.
- Indiana currently honors 48 other states permits.
- Concealed carry permits in Indiana are good for 5 years.
- Indiana is a “shall issue” state. (Shall- issue means that if you apply for a permit they will issue you one unless there is a legal reason not to. Such as if you are a convicted felon.)
Age to get a License To Carry (LTCH) in Indiana
You must be at least 18 years old to get a Concealed Carry Permit in the State of Indiana.
How to get an LTCH in Indiana
The Indiana Gun Permit is called an LTCH, which stands for License To Carry a Handgun. It may be referred to as an LTCH, permit, license to carry or concealed carry permit. It all means the same thing for the purposes of this article.
The license is available as a Lifetime License to Carry a Handgun or a Five Year License to Carry a Handgun. As of July1, 2020, these licenses are Fee Exempt.
Here is the Link to Apply for an Indiana License to Carry.
Here is the link to renew your License: Renew your Indiana License to Carry.
FIREARMS LEGAL
PROTECTION
It is a good idea to check into a legal protection membership if you have decided to carry a deadly weapon for self defense. If you ever need to use your firearm to protect yourself or your family, you will need to deal with the police. You may need the services of a lawyer to help you navigate the legal system.
It is not uncommon for someone to be detained, arrested and even charged with a crime after a completely legal self defense incident. Until everything is cleared up, you may need legal representation which can be extremely expensive.
Having a membership with Firearms Legal Protection will cover these costs and provide an experienced attorney to guide you through the process.
Firearms Legal Protection
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FLP is highly regarded and recommended by some of the top names in the self defense firearms industry. Be sure to check them out before you make a decision.
Indiana Reciprocity with other States
Indiana allows Constitutional Carry for any person 18 years of age and older who can legally possess a firearm. This means anyone meeting the age and legal requirements from any other state and is not prohibited by Federal Law can carry without a permit in Indiana.
Who CANNOT Carry in Indiana?
Here are a few examples of people that can’t carry in Indiana. This is not a complete list, but if you have doubts, you probably can’t carry and need to find out before you do.
- Under 18
- Convicted of a felony
- You are prohibited by State or Federal law from possessing a firearm
See Indiana Prohibited Persons for more details.
Indiana Carry Location Restrictions FAQs
Are there places I cannot carry a firearm, even if I have a Concealed Carry Permit in Indiana?
Some specific areas that prohibit the possession of firearms include, but are not limited to:
- School Property. See: Possession of Firearms on School Property
- Airports and Aircraft. See: Weapons on an Aircraft
- Riverboat Casinos. See: Places Gun are Prohibited
Riverboat Casinos will provide a secure place to check your firearm.
You should be attentive for signs warning of restricted areas especially when carrying firearms into public places.
Can I Carry in Restaurants or Bars in Indiana?
Yes. The State of Indiana does not have a law prohibiting the carry of a handgun into a restaurant or bar.
Can I carry concealed in a vehicle in Indiana?
Yes, but you must have a Concealed Carry Permit to do so. Without a Permit, the gun must be unloaded, inaccessible and secured in a locked box.
Can I Carry in State Parks, National Parks, Forests and DNR Areas of Indiana?
Yes, but you must have an Indiana concealed Carry Permit. Also, even with a permit there are some prohibited areas:
- DNR (Dept of Natural Resources) State Parks & Reservoir properties such as Cecil M. Harden , Patoka, Brookville, Cagles Mill, Mississinewa, Salamonie and Monroe lakes that are on land leased from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Falls
- Ohio State Park
FAQ Indiana Laws Regarding the Sale or Transfer of Firearms
Here are some common questions dealing with the purchase of a gun in Indiana.
Is a permit required to purchase firearms in Indiana?
No permit is needed to purchase a handgun in Indiana. Having an Indiana Concealed Carry Permit does NOT exempt you from a background check.
There is no waiting period after buying a handgun before taking possession.
Do Private-party sales and transfers require a background check in Indiana?
Sales and transfers between private parties are not required to have background checks, but all rules as to who can legally possess a handgun still apply.
Do I need to Register my handguns in Indiana?
No. Indiana does not require handgun registration.
Does Indiana have magazine limits for handguns?
No. Indiana does not have any restrictions on handgun magazine capacity.
Does Indiana restrict certain types of ammunition?
Yes. Indiana prohibits Armor-Piercing ammunition. This ammunition is already illegal for civilians according to Federal Law.
FAQ About Firearms Laws in Indiana
Here are a few critical pieces of information you need to know. Please read these if you are going to be legally carrying a gun and want to do it right!
Is There a Duty to Retreat in Indiana?
No. Indiana is a “Stand Your Ground” State and Also a “Castle Doctrine” State. You do not need to retreat from a deadly threat before you resort to using deadly force to defend yourself or your family, assuming deadly force is justified.
Is there a ‘Red Flag” law in Indiana?
Yes. Indiana does have a Red Flag Law.
Are “No Guns” signs enforced by law?
No. Indiana law does not enforce “No Gun” signs. However, if you are asked to leave and you refuse, you will then be committing the crime of “Trespass”.
Is there a Duty to inform law enforcement that I am carrying a gun?
No. In Indiana, you are not required to inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a firearm if you are asked for identification, stopped for a traffic violation, or are questioned by police on another matter.
If you do decide to inform law enforcement, simply tell the officer you are legally carrying a concealed handgun. Never touch or reach for the gun, just hand the officer your permit (if applicable) along with your drivers license or ID and wait for his or her instructions. Always keep your hands in plain sight and make no sudden or furtive movements.
A Word of Advice and Additional questions
I will just leave you with a word of advice. Always use common sense when carrying a handgun, concealed or otherwise.
You must avoid confrontation at all times and never allow yourself to get into an argument of any kind with anybody. If you are carrying, you are essentially bringing a deadly weapon into every interaction you have in your daily life.
- If someone cuts you off in traffic, LET IT GO.
- If someone cuts in line in front of you, LET IT GO.
- If someone starts trouble, LEAVE or CALL 911.
You must never instigate a problem or escalate an issue. If you get into an argument on the street and it ends with you drawing your weapon, you had better be the picture of innocence if you want to claim self defense.
If you have other questions, please leave them in the comments below and I will do my best to answer them.
*Footnote
Please keep in mind that these Indiana gun laws can change at any time and it is your responsibility as the gun owner to know the laws in the states and counties where you will be carrying your firearm.
Do not base your decision to carry your firearm in Indiana or any other location solely on this article. I make no guarantee that this information is accurate at the time you read it, although I will endeavor to keep it up to date and accurate. I am not a lawyer. I am simply providing this information that I have gathered from various trustworthy sources in one place for your convenience.