By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Maddy Teka, Esq. | Last updated May 26, 2021
With gun laws that vary by state and overlapping federal laws, trying to get a handle on gun regulations can be a bit tricky. So here is a brief summary of gun control laws in Indiana.
State gun control laws regulate the purchase and use of firearms and can vary from state to state. Certain weapons, such as sawed-off shotguns, armor-piercing bullets, and silencers are prohibited under Indiana's gun control laws. The state, however, imposes no waiting period for prospective gun buyers, although they must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for gun ownership.
The main provisions of Indiana's gun control laws are listed in the table below.
Relevant Statutes (Laws) |
|
|---|---|
Illegal Arms |
The following arms are illegal to own in Indiana:
|
Waiting Period |
There is no waiting period to own a firearm in Indiana. |
Who May Not Own |
You can't possess a firearm if you:
|
License Required? |
Indiana does not require gun purchasers or owners to get a license. |
Concealed Carry License Required? |
Yes, you need a license to carry concealed in public. Some exceptions to this include;
|
Open Carried Allowed? |
No. Open carry is not allowed in Indiana unless you have a license. |
Eligibility for a Concealed Carry License |
Indiana will issue you a license if you satisfy the following requirements:
|
Machine Gun Laws |
Machine guns are prohibited in Indiana unless you are authorized under federal laws. |
Penalties for Illegal Firearm Possession |
|
Penalties for Illegal Possession on or Near School Grounds |
It is a Class 6 felony to possess a firearm on or near school grounds. |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
While Indiana and other states have their own gun laws, federal law also regulates gun ownership by determining the kinds of firearms citizens may legally own. And where federal and state laws intersect, federal law always trumps state law.
While the Second Amendment guarantees the ability to own certain firearms, the government can put some restrictions on the right to bear arms. The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act and the National Firearms Act both apply to Indiana gun owners, so Hoosiers should be familiar with both statutes. You can also find more general information on this topic in FindLaw's gun law section.
State and federal firearms regulations can be confusing, especially when they overlap. If you have a criminal or civil case involving guns, or if you'd like to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a gun owner in Indiana, it's a good idea to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney near you today.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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