Indiana is a “Shall Issue” state and allows a License/Permits to be issued to non-residents and residents. Indiana has 2 types of licenses, a limited-term and unlimited lifetime license.
Non-residents can only obtain the 4 year license and are required to have property or a business in Indiana. Residents or persons in the military who are stationed in Indiana can obtain the lifetime license. Minimum age for applicants is 18 years.
Indiana Gun Laws Quick Facts
Constitutional Carry? | ✅ Yes - Indiana is now recognized as a constitutional carry state as of July 1st, 2022. |
Open Carry Permitted? | ✅ Yes - Indiana allows for open carry without a permit. This is further endorsed by the legislation recognizing constitutional carry. |
Carry In Vehicle? | ✅ Yes - Indiana allows for individuals to carry their firearms in their vehicle. However, to conceal carry in a vehicle you must have a CCW license. If you don't have a license, then you can only transport your vehicle in a secure case away from accessibility and unloaded. |
Carry In State Park? | ✅ Yes - Individuals who posses an Indiana concealed carry license may conceal carry within a state park. However, there are two areas you cannot carry. In land leased by the U.S. Army Corps or at the Falls of Ohio State Park. |
Carry In Restaurants? | ✅ Yes - We were not able to find any code indicating that it's illegal to conceal carry into a restaurant or bar, so long as you have an Indiana CCW permit. |
No Weapon Sign Enforced? | ❌ No - We were not able to find legislation that indicates "No Weapons" signs have any rule of law. |
Must Notify Officer? | ❌ No - We were not able to find any law requiring duty to inform an officer. However, when approached and specifically asked you must provide your permit and a valid ID. |
Indiana CCW Reciprocity List
States Honoring CCW
* Restricted reciprocity with Indiana
States NOT Honoring CCW
Honors These States CCW Permits
How Reciprocity Works In Indiana
All valid out of state concealed carry licenses are honored by Indiana.
Reciprocity Agreements In Indiana
Indiana: Where Is CCW Allowed?
Places Allowed
- State parks
- State and national forests
- Road side rest areas
- Vehicle
- If you are transporting a person to or from a school or a school function
- All areas of the state – except those listed as Off-Limits
Places Not Allowed
- In or On School Property – (locked in a vehicle is OK).
- On a school bus
- In or on property that is being used by a school for a school function
- Private School, Head Start, Preschool program
- On commercial or charter aircraft
- Controlled access areas of an airport
- During annual State Fair
- Shipping port (Controlled by Indiana Port Commission)
- A riverboat Casino
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
Indiana: Conceal Carry Laws
Open Carry
Yes, open carry is legal in Indiana even if you don't have a license to carry. Since Indiana became a Constitutional Carry state, individuals who are 18 years old or older can carry or possess a handgun without a license.
Carry In Vehicle
Yes, if you have a CCW license then you can carry a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle. If you do not have a permit/license then you cannot carry a loaded handgun in any vehicle, unless the firearm is unloaded, not accessible and secured in a case.
The Law IC 35.47.2.1
Carry In State Parks
Yes, it is legal to carry in the following areas:
- State Parks: YES - Except “Falls of the Ohio” State Park.
- State/National Forests: YES
- State Wildlife Management Areas: YES
- Road Side Rest Areas: YES
The Law DNR Admin Rule 312 IAC 8.2.3
Carry In Restaurants
Yes
"Yes” or “No” states if you can carry in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some restaurants may be posted with “NO GUN” signs. Check with the staff if this means just the bar area. If we have indicated a “Yes” then it should be legal to have a meal without drinking alcohol.
Constitutional Carry
Yes, Indiana is recognized as a constitutional carry state.
No Weapon Signs Enforced
No, “No Weapons” signs are not mentioned in Indiana gun laws. There are no legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. They have no force of law unless they are posted in areas that are mentioned by the law as being off limits.
Must Notify Officer
No, there is nothing in Indiana gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. You are legally required to carry your permit at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun.
The Law IC 35.47.2.1
Additional Resources
Indiana Concealed Carry Laws
Indiana Open Carry Laws
Indiana Gun Permit Laws
