State Laws · IN
Indiana Gun Laws
Effective as of July 1, 2022 (HB 1296, constitutional carry). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed & Open Carry
Indiana adopted constitutional carry under HB 1296, effective July 1, 2022. Persons aged 18 and older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a handgun without a permit. Indiana continues to issue the License to Carry a Handgun for reciprocity purposes, available free of charge.
Key statute: Indiana Code § 35-47-2-1 — carrying a handgun without a license. As amended by HB 1296, this section no longer applies to persons who are not otherwise prohibited from carrying.
Who Cannot Carry
Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons adjudicated as mentally incompetent (unless rights restored), persons under 18, persons with active protective orders, persons convicted of domestic battery, and persons who are the subject of an active arrest warrant.
Prohibited Locations
Indiana prohibits firearms in: school property (IC § 35-47-9), commercial aircraft, and the secure areas of airports. Indiana is notably permissive compared to many states — there is no statutory prohibition on carry in government buildings, hospitals, or establishments serving alcohol (individual property owners may still prohibit carry).
Purchase Requirements
No permit is required to purchase a firearm. All FFL sales require a NICS background check. Private sales do not require a background check. There is no waiting period, no state firearms registry, no assault weapons ban, and no magazine restriction. Indiana has a red flag law (enacted 2005, one of the earliest in the nation).
Citations
Indiana Code Title 35, Article 47 (weapons and instruments of violence); HB 1296 (2022).
Look up statutes at Indiana General Assembly →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Indiana statutes
Indiana General Assembly →This link goes to Indiana's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.