Firearm Laws in Indiana

Indiana allows concealed carry without a permit under IC 35-47-2-1. Anyone 18 or older who can legally own a gun can carry it concealed in public. This started in July 2022. You can still get a License to Carry Handgun for reciprocity or other states. You need to be 18, pass a background check, and pay a fee for the license. You can't carry in schools, courthouses, or state capitol buildings (IC 35-47-2-2). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 6 years).

Costs: License fee is $0 for 5 years, $40 for lifetime. Fingerprints are $10-$20. Total: $10-$60.

Processing Time: Takes 30-60 days.

Renewal: 5-year license renews for $30. Lifetime doesn't need renewal.

Reciprocity: Indiana honors permits from all states. Over 30 states accept Indiana's permit.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Indiana allows open carry without a permit under IC 35-47-2-1. Anyone 18 or older who can own a gun can carry it openly in public. You can't carry in schools or government buildings (IC 35-47-2-2). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 6 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Indiana has few bans on guns. Assault weapons and large-capacity magazines are legal (IC 35-47-1-5). Silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, and machine guns are okay if you follow federal rules (IC 35-47-5-11). This means you need to register these items with the ATF, the federal agency that controls them, and pay a tax. Ghost guns don't need serial numbers under state law. Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 10 years in prison).

Costs: The federal tax stamp for silencers, short-barreled rifles/shotguns, or machine guns is $200 per item.

Processing Time: Applying for federal approval through the ATF for a silencer, short-barreled rifle/shotgun, or machine gun takes 6-12 months.

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Indiana follows FOPA (18 U.S.C. § 926A). Guns must be unloaded and locked in a case or trunk to travel through. Indiana allows permitless carry in vehicles (IC 35-47-2-1). You can't carry in schools or state buildings (IC 35-47-2-2). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year).

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4]

Indiana has no state permit to buy guns. You must be 21 for handguns or 18 for rifles and shotguns (IC 35-47-2-7). Dealers do a federal background check. No waiting period. Private sales don't need a check. Breaking this is a felony (up to 6 years).

Costs: Background check is free. Dealers may charge $10-$20.

Processing Time: Instant, up to 3 days if delayed.

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Indiana does not require gun registration (IC 35-47-2-1). You don't have to report lost or stolen guns. Federal rules apply to machine guns (IC 35-47-5-11). Breaking federal rules is a felony (up to 10 years).

Costs: Federal tax stamp is $200.

Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Indiana has no storage laws. It's illegal to give a gun to a kid under 18 if they might hurt someone (IC 35-47-10-5). Breaking this is a misdemeanor (up to 1 year) or felony (up to 6 years) if harm happens.

Sources: [1] [2]

Indiana has a strong Castle Doctrine under IC 35-41-3-2. You can use deadly force in your home or car if someone breaks in and you feel threatened. No retreat is needed. This applies in public too. Too much force can mean manslaughter (up to 20 years).

Sources: [1] [2] [3]