Gun Laws in Indiana
Explore comprehensive details about Indiana's gun laws. Learn about permits, registration, assault weapons, owner license, red flag law, carrying firearms, Castle Doctrine, Stand Your Ground law, state preemption, and more.
| Subject/Law | Long Guns | Hand Guns | Relevant Statutes | Notes |
|---|
| State permit required to purchase? | No | No | | |
| Firearm registration? | No | No | | |
| Assault weapon law? | No | No | | |
| Magazine capacity restriction? | No | No | | |
| Owner license required? | No | No | | |
| Red Flag law? | Yes | Yes | IC 35-47-14-6 | |
| Permit required for concealed carry? | N/A | No | IC 35-47-2-1
IC 35-47-2-1.5
IC 35-47-2-3 | Indiana is a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 18 years or older. Permitless concealed carry took effect on July 1, 2022, for residents and non-residents 18 or older |
| Permit required for open carry? | No | No | IC 35-47-2-1
IC 35-47-2-3 | Permitless open carry took effect on July 1, 2022, for residents and non-residents 18 or older. Carry of long guns is generally permitted. On May 9, 2017, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled that detaining an individual based solely upon their possession of a handgun (in order to verify that they are licensed) violates the Fourth Amendment absent any other reasonable articulable suspicion of a crime being committed.[67] |
| Castle Doctrine/Stand Your Ground law? | Yes | Yes | IC 35-41-3-2 | |
| State preemption of local restrictions? | Yes | Yes | IC 35-47-11.1-2 | |
| NFA weapons restricted? | No | No | | |
| Shall certify? | Yes | Yes | IC 35-47-8.5-2 | Shall certify within 15 days. |
| Peaceable Journey laws? | No | No | | |
| Background checks required for private sales? | No | No | | |
Understanding Gun Laws in Indiana
Indiana is a state with a rich history and a strong commitment to the Second Amendment. The state's gun laws reflect this commitment, with a focus on the rights of law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms. In this article, we will delve into the specifics of Indiana's gun laws, providing a comprehensive overview for both residents and visitors alike.
Permits and Registration
One of the first questions many people have about gun laws is whether a permit is required to purchase a firearm. In Indiana, the answer is no. Neither long guns nor handguns require a state permit for purchase. Furthermore, there is no firearm registration in Indiana, meaning you are not required to register your firearms with the state.
Assault Weapons and Magazine Capacity
Another common concern is whether there are restrictions on certain types of firearms or on magazine capacity. In Indiana, there is no assault weapon law, meaning that firearms commonly referred to as "assault weapons" are not specifically regulated. Additionally, there is no magazine capacity restriction, so there are no limits on the size of the magazine you can use in your firearm.
Owner License and Red Flag Law
Indiana does not require an owner license for either long guns or handguns. However, the state does have a Red Flag law in place. This law, officially known as IC 35-47-14-6, allows law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.
Carrying Firearms
When it comes to carrying firearms, Indiana has some specific laws. For concealed carry, no permit is required. This is due to Indiana being a "shall issue" state for citizens and lawful permanent residents who are 18 years or older. Furthermore, permitless concealed carry took effect on July 1, 2022, for residents and non-residents 18 or older. The relevant statutes for this are IC 35-47-2-1, IC 35-47-2-1.5, and IC 35-47-2-3.
For open carry, again, no permit is required. Permitless open carry also took effect on July 1, 2022, for residents and non-residents 18 or older. Carry of long guns is generally permitted. The relevant statutes for open carry are IC 35-47-2-1 and IC 35-47-2-3.
Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground Law
Indiana has both a Castle Doctrine and a Stand Your Ground law in place. These laws, covered under IC 35-41-3-2, allow individuals to use force, including deadly force, to protect themselves in their homes, vehicles, or any other place they have a legal right to be.
State Preemption and NFA Weapons
Indiana has a state preemption of local restrictions, meaning that local governments cannot enact gun laws that are more restrictive than state law. This is covered under IC 35-47-11.1-2. Additionally, NFA (National Firearms Act) weapons are not restricted in Indiana.
Shall Certify and Private Sales
Under IC 35-47-8.5-2, Indiana is a "shall certify" state, meaning that local law enforcement must certify the transfer of any firearm covered under the National Firearms Act within 15 days. Lastly, there are no background checks required for private sales in Indiana.
Conclusion
Indiana's gun laws are designed to respect and uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms. As always, it's important for all gun owners and users to understand and comply with all state and federal laws. Remember, responsible gun ownership is a right, but it also comes with the duty to use firearms safely and legally.
