Ind. Code ch. 35-47-2

Ind. Code ch. 35-47-2
in effect

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-1 Carrying a handgun without being licensed; construction of chapter

Sec. 1. (a) A person who meets the following requirements may carry a handgun in the manner described in subsection (b): (1) The person is not prohibited from possessing or carrying a handgun under federal law as in effect on January 1, 2022. (2) Notwithstanding section 1.5 of this chapter, the person is not otherwise prohibited under state law from possessing or carrying a handgun. (3) The person does not meet the requirements under IC 35-47-2-3 to receive a license to carry a handgun in Indiana. (b) A person may carry a handgun without being licensed under this chapter to carry a handgun if: (1) the person carries the handgun on or about the person's body in or on property that is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise legally controlled by the person; (2) the person carries the handgun on or about the person's body while lawfully present in or on property that is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise legally controlled by another person, if the person: (A) has the consent of the owner, renter, lessor, or person who legally controls the property to have the handgun on the premises; (B) is attending a firearms related event on the property, including a gun show, firearms expo, gun owner's club or convention, hunting club, shooting club, or training course; or (C) is on the property to receive firearms related services, including the repair, maintenance, or modification of a firearm; (3) the person carries the handgun in a vehicle that is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise legally controlled by the person, if the handgun is: (A) unloaded; (B) not readily accessible; and (C) secured in a case; (4) the person carries the handgun while lawfully present in a vehicle that is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise legally controlled by another person, if the handgun is: (A) unloaded; (B) not readily accessible; and (C) secured in a case; or (5) the person carries the handgun: (A) at a shooting range (as defined in IC 14-22-31.5-3); (B) while attending a firearms instructional course; or (C) while engaged in a legal hunting activity. (c) This chapter may not be construed: (1) to prohibit a person who owns, leases, rents, or otherwise legally controls private property from regulating or prohibiting the possession of firearms on the private property; (2) to allow a person to adopt or enforce an ordinance, resolution, policy, or rule that: (A) prohibits; or (B) has the effect of prohibiting; an employee of the person from possessing a firearm or ammunition that is locked in the trunk of the employee's vehicle, kept in the glove compartment of the employee's locked vehicle, or stored out of plain sight in the employee's locked vehicle, unless the person's adoption or enforcement of the ordinance, resolution, policy, or rule is allowed under IC 34-28-7-2(b); or (3) to allow a person to adopt or enforce a law, statute, ordinance, resolution, policy, or rule that allows a person to possess or transport a firearm or ammunition if the person is prohibited from possessing or transporting the firearm or ammunition by state or federal law. (d) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to affect the status or validity of a five (5) year or lifetime license to carry a handgun issued by the superintendent before July 1, 2022. Any license described under this subsection shall remain valid for the duration of the license or the lifetime of the licensee, as applicable. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.326-1987, SEC.1; P.L.195-2003, SEC.6; P.L.98-2004, SEC.155; P.L.118-2007, SEC.35; P.L.164-2011, SEC.1; P.L.6-2012, SEC.231; P.L.158-2013, SEC.573; P.L.221-2017, SEC.1; P.L.175-2022, SEC.8.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-1.5 Unlawful carrying of a handgun

Sec. 1.5. (a) The following terms are defined for this section: (1) "Adjudicated a mental defective" means a determination by a court that a person: (A) presents a danger to the person or to others; or (B) lacks the mental capacity necessary to contract or manage the person's affairs. The term includes a finding of insanity by a court in a criminal proceeding. (2) "Alien" means any person who is not lawfully in the United States. The term includes: (A) any person who has: (i) entered the United States without inspection and authorization by an immigration officer; and (ii) not been paroled into the United States under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act; (B) a nonimmigrant: (i) whose authorized period of stay has expired; or (ii) who has violated the terms of the nonimmigrant category under which the person was admitted; (C) a person paroled under the federal Immigration and Nationality Act whose period of parole has: (i) expired; or (ii) been terminated; and (D) a person subject to an order: (i) of deportation, exclusion, or removal; or (ii) to depart the United States voluntarily; regardless of whether or not the person has left the United States. (3) "Committed to a mental institution" means the formal commitment of a person to a mental institution by a court. The term includes: (A) a commitment for: (i) a cognitive or mental defect; or (ii) a mental illness; and (B) involuntary commitments. The term does not include voluntary commitments or a commitment made for observational purposes. (4) "Crime of domestic violence" has the meaning set forth in IC 35-31.5-2-78. (5) "Dangerous" has the meaning set forth in IC 35-47-14-1. (6) "Fugitive from justice" means any person who: (A) flees or leaves from any state to avoid prosecution for a felony or misdemeanor offense; or (B) flees or leaves any state to avoid testifying in a criminal proceeding. (7) "Indictment" means any formal accusation of a crime made by a prosecuting attorney in any court for a crime punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one (1) year. (8) A crime or offense "punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one (1) year" does not include a federal or state crime or offense pertaining to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or other similar offenses relating to the regulation of business practices. (b) Except as provided in subsections (c) and (d), the following persons may not knowingly or intentionally carry a handgun: (1) A person convicted of a federal or state offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one (1) year. (2) A fugitive from justice. (3) An alien. (4) A person convicted of: (A) a crime of domestic violence (IC 35-31.5-2-78); (B) domestic battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3); or (C) criminal stalking (IC 35-45-10-5). (5) A person restrained by an order of protection issued under IC 34-26-5. (6) A person under indictment. (7) A person who has been: (A) adjudicated dangerous under IC 35-47-14-6; (B) adjudicated a mental defective; or (C) committed to a mental institution. (8) A person dishonorably discharged from: (A) military service; or (B) the National Guard. (9) A person who renounces the person's United States citizenship in the manner described in 8 U.S.C. 1481. (10) A person who is less than: (A) eighteen (18) years of age; or (B) twenty-three (23) years of age and has an adjudication as a delinquent child for an act described by IC 35-47-4-5; unless authorized under IC 35-47-10. (c) Subsection (b)(4)(A) and (b)(4)(B) does not apply to a person if a court has restored the person's right to possess a firearm under IC 35-47-4-7. (d) A person who has: (1) been adjudicated dangerous under IC 35-47-14-6; and (2) successfully petitioned for the return of a firearm under IC 35-47-14-8 with respect to the adjudication under subdivision (1); is not prohibited from carrying a handgun under subsection (b) on the basis that the person was adjudicated dangerous under subdivision (1). However, the person may still be prohibited from carrying a handgun on one (1) or more of the other grounds listed in subsection (b). (e) A person who violates this section commits unlawful carrying of a handgun, a Class A misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Level 5 felony if: (1) the offense is committed: (A) on or in school property; (B) within five hundred (500) feet of school property; or (C) on a school bus; or (2) the person: (A) has a prior conviction of any offense under: (i) this section; (ii) section 1 of this chapter (carrying a handgun without a license) (before its repeal); or (iii) section 22 of this chapter; or (B) has been convicted of a felony within fifteen (15) years before the date of the offense. As added by P.L.175-2022, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-2 Repealed

As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.164-2011, SEC.2. Repealed by P.L.175-2022, SEC.10.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-3 License requirement; application; procedure

Sec. 3. (a) A person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age and is not otherwise prohibited from carrying or possessing a handgun under state or federal law is not required to obtain or possess a license or permit from the state to carry a handgun in Indiana. A person who wishes to carry a firearm in another state under a reciprocity agreement entered into by this state and another state may obtain a license to carry a handgun in Indiana under this chapter by applying as follows: (1) If the applicant is a resident of this state: (A) to the chief of police or corresponding law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the applicant resides; or (B) if that municipality has no such officer, or if the applicant does not reside in a municipality, to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant resides after the applicant has obtained an application form prescribed by the superintendent. (2) If the applicant is a resident of another state and has a regular place of business or employment in Indiana, to the sheriff of the county in which the applicant has a regular place of business or employment. The superintendent and local law enforcement agencies shall allow an applicant desiring to obtain or renew a license to carry a handgun to submit an application electronically under this chapter if funds are available to establish and maintain an electronic application system. (b) This subsection applies before July 1, 2020. The law enforcement agency which accepts an application for a handgun license shall collect the following application fees: (1) From a person applying for a four (4) year handgun license, a ten dollar ($10) application fee, five dollars ($5) of which shall be refunded if the license is not issued. (2) From a person applying for a lifetime handgun license who does not currently possess a valid Indiana handgun license, a fifty dollar ($50) application fee, thirty dollars ($30) of which shall be refunded if the license is not issued. (3) From a person applying for a lifetime handgun license who currently possesses a valid Indiana handgun license, a forty dollar ($40) application fee, thirty dollars ($30) of which shall be refunded if the license is not issued. Except as provided in subsection (j), the fee shall be deposited into the law enforcement agency's firearms training fund or other appropriate training activities fund and used by the agency to train law enforcement officers in the proper use of firearms or in other law enforcement duties, or to purchase firearms, firearm related equipment, or body armor (as defined in IC 35-47-5-13(a)) for the law enforcement officers employed by the law enforcement agency. The state board of accounts shall establish rules for the proper accounting and expenditure of funds collected under this subsection. (c) This subsection applies after June 30, 2020, and before July 1, 2021. The law enforcement agency which accepts an application for a handgun license shall not collect a fee from a person applying for a five (5) year handgun license and shall collect the following application fees: (1) From a person applying for a lifetime handgun license who does not currently possess a valid Indiana handgun license, a fifty dollar ($50) application fee, thirty dollars ($30) of which shall be refunded if the license is not issued. (2) From a person applying for a lifetime handgun license who currently possesses a valid Indiana handgun license, a forty dollar ($40) application fee, thirty dollars ($30) of which shall be refunded if the license is not issued. Except as provided in subsection (j), the fee shall be deposited into the law enforcement agency's firearms training fund or other appropriate training activities fund and used by the agency to train law enforcement officers in the proper use of firearms or in other law enforcement duties, or to purchase firearms, firearm related equipment, or body armor (as defined in IC 35-47-5-13(a)) for the law enforcement officers employed by the law enforcement agency. The state board of accounts shall establish rules for the proper accounting and expenditure of funds collected under this subsection. (d) This subsection applies after June 30, 2021. The law enforcement agency which accepts an application for a handgun license shall not collect a fee from a person applying for a handgun license. (e) The officer to whom the application is made shall ascertain the applicant's name, full address, length of residence in the community, whether the applicant's residence is located within the limits of any city or town, the applicant's occupation, place of business or employment, criminal record, if any, and convictions (minor traffic offenses excepted), age, race, sex, nationality, date of birth, citizenship, height, weight, build, color of hair, color of eyes, scars and marks, whether the applicant has previously held an Indiana license to carry a handgun and, if so, the serial number of the license and year issued, whether the applicant's license has ever been suspended or revoked, and if so, the year and reason for the suspension or revocation, and the applicant's reason for desiring a license. If the applicant is not a United States citizen, the officer to whom the application is made shall ascertain the applicant's country of citizenship, place of birth, and any alien or admission number issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services or United States Customs and Border Protection or any successor agency as applicable. The officer to whom the application is made shall conduct an investigation into the applicant's official records and verify thereby the applicant's character and reputation, and shall in addition verify for accuracy the information contained in the application, and shall forward this information together with the officer's recommendation for approval or disapproval and one (1) set of legible and classifiable fingerprints of the applicant to the superintendent. An investigation conducted under this section must include the consulting of available local, state, and federal criminal history data banks, including the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to determine whether possession of a firearm by an applicant would be a violation of state or federal law. (f) The superintendent may make whatever further investigation the superintendent deems necessary. Whenever disapproval is recommended, the officer to whom the application is made shall provide the superintendent and the applicant with the officer's complete and specific reasons, in writing, for the recommendation of disapproval. (g) If it appears to the superintendent that the applicant: (1) has a proper reason for receiving a license to carry a handgun; (2) is of good character and reputation; (3) is a proper person to be licensed; and (4) is: (A) a citizen of the United States; or (B) not a citizen of the United States but is allowed to carry a firearm in the United States under federal law; the superintendent shall issue to the applicant a license to carry a handgun in Indiana. The original license shall be delivered to the licensee. A copy shall be delivered to the officer to whom the application for license was made. A copy shall be retained by the superintendent for at least five (5) years in the case of a five (5) year license. The superintendent may adopt guidelines to establish a records retention policy for a lifetime license. A five (5) year license shall be valid for a period of five (5) years from the date of issue. A lifetime license is valid for the life of the individual receiving the license. The license of police officers, sheriffs or their deputies, and law enforcement officers of the United States government who have twenty (20) or more years of service shall be valid for the life of these individuals. However, a lifetime license is automatically revoked if the license holder does not remain a proper person. (h) At the time a license is issued and delivered to a licensee under subsection (g), the superintendent shall include with the license information concerning firearms safety rules that: (1) neither opposes nor supports an individual's right to bear arms; and (2) is: (A) recommended by a nonprofit educational organization that is dedicated to providing education on safe handling and use of firearms; (B) prepared by the state police department; and (C) approved by the superintendent. The superintendent may not deny a license under this section because the information required under this subsection is unavailable at the time the superintendent would otherwise issue a license. The state police department may accept private donations or grants to defray the cost of printing and mailing the information required under this subsection. (i) A license to carry a handgun shall not be issued to any person who: (1) has been convicted of a felony; (2) has had a license to carry a handgun suspended, unless the person's license has been reinstated; (3) is under eighteen (18) years of age; (4) is under twenty-three (23) years of age if the person has been adjudicated a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult; (5) has been arrested for a Class A or Class B felony for an offense committed before July 1, 2014, for a Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 felony for an offense committed after June 30, 2014, or any other felony that was committed while armed with a deadly weapon or that involved the use of violence, if a court has found probable cause to believe that the person committed the offense charged; (6) is prohibited by federal law from possessing or receiving firearms under 18 U.S.C. 922(g); or (7) is described in section 1.5 of this chapter, unless exempted by section 1.5 of this chapter. In the case of an arrest under subdivision (5), a license to carry a handgun may be issued to a person who has been acquitted of the specific offense charged or if the charges for the specific offense are dismissed. The superintendent shall prescribe all forms to be used in connection with the administration of this chapter. (j) If the law enforcement agency that charges a fee under subsection (b) or (c) is a city or town law enforcement agency, the fee shall be deposited in the law enforcement continuing education fund established under IC 5-2-8-2. (k) If a person who holds a valid license to carry a handgun issued under this chapter: (1) changes the person's name; (2) changes the person's address; or (3) experiences a change, including an arrest or a conviction, that may affect the person's status as a proper person (as defined in IC 35-47-1-7) or otherwise disqualify the person from holding a license; the person shall, not later than thirty (30) days after the date of a change described under subdivision (3), and not later than sixty (60) days after the date of the change described under subdivision (1) or (2), notify the superintendent, in writing, of the event described under subdivision (3) or, in the case of a change under subdivision (1) or (2), the person's new name or new address. (l) The state police department shall indicate on the form for a license to carry a handgun the notification requirements of subsection (k). (m) The state police department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to implement an electronic application system under subsection (a). Rules adopted under this section must require the superintendent to keep on file one (1) set of classifiable and legible fingerprints from every person who has received a license to carry a handgun so that a person who applies to renew a license will not be required to submit an additional set of fingerprints. (n) Except as provided in subsection (o), for purposes of IC 5-14-3-4(a)(1), the following information is confidential, may not be published, and is not open to public inspection: (1) Information submitted by a person under this section to: (A) obtain; or (B) renew; a license to carry a handgun. (2) Information obtained by a federal, state, or local government entity in the course of an investigation concerning a person who applies to: (A) obtain; or (B) renew; a license to carry a handgun issued under this chapter. (3) The name, address, and any other information that may be used to identify a person who holds a license to carry a handgun issued under this chapter. (o) Notwithstanding subsection (n): (1) any information concerning an applicant for or a person who holds a license to carry a handgun issued under this chapter may be released to a: (A) state or local government entity: (i) for law enforcement purposes; or (ii) to determine the validity of a license to carry a handgun; or (B) federal government entity for the purpose of a single entry query of an applicant or license holder who is: (i) a subject of interest in an active criminal investigation; or (ii) arrested for a crime; and (2) general information concerning the issuance of licenses to carry handguns in Indiana may be released to a person conducting journalistic or academic research, but only if all personal information that could disclose the identity of any person who holds a license to carry a handgun issued under this chapter has been removed from the general information. (p) A person who holds a valid license to carry a handgun under this chapter is licensed to carry a handgun in Indiana. (q) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.26-1990, SEC.15; P.L.48-1993, SEC.5; P.L.140-1994, SEC.6; P.L.269-1995, SEC.6; P.L.2-1996, SEC.284; P.L.27-2001, SEC.1; P.L.120-2001, SEC.1; P.L.49-2005, SEC.2; P.L.187-2005, SEC.3; P.L.190-2006, SEC.2; P.L.155-2007, SEC.1; P.L.47-2010, SEC.1; P.L.34-2010, SEC.4; P.L.158-2013, SEC.574; P.L.17-2017, SEC.3; P.L.221-2017, SEC.3; P.L.86-2018, SEC.335; P.L.107-2019, SEC.8; P.L.165-2021, SEC.196; P.L.175-2022, SEC.12; P.L.13-2023, SEC.1; P.L.9-2024, SEC.538; P.L.1-2025, SEC.230.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-4 License to carry handgun; fees; resident of another state

Sec. 4. (a) Licenses to carry handguns issued under section 3 of this chapter are valid for: (1) five (5) years from the date of issue in the case of a five (5) year license; or (2) the life of the individual receiving the license in the case of a lifetime license. (b) There is no fee for a license to carry a handgun. The superintendent shall charge a twenty dollar ($20) fee for the issuance of a duplicate license to replace a lost or damaged license. This fee shall be deposited in accordance with subsection (c). (c) Fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the state general fund. (d) The superintendent may not issue a lifetime license to a person who is a resident of another state. The superintendent may issue a five (5) year license to a person who is a resident of another state and who has a regular place of business or employment in Indiana as described in section 3(a)(2) of this chapter. (e) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.209-1986, SEC.1; P.L.148-1987, SEC.4; P.L.75-1989, SEC.9; P.L.190-2006, SEC.3; P.L.1-2007, SEC.235; P.L.155-2007, SEC.2; P.L.158-2013, SEC.575; P.L.17-2017, SEC.4; P.L.107-2019, SEC.9; P.L.165-2021, SEC.197; P.L.175-2022, SEC.13; P.L.9-2024, SEC.539.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-5 Suspension or revocation of license; failure to return license; rules concerning procedure for suspending or revoking license

Sec. 5. (a) The superintendent may suspend or revoke any license issued under this chapter if the superintendent has reasonable grounds to believe that the person's license should be suspended or revoked. (b) Documented evidence that a person is not a "proper person" to be licensed as defined by IC 35-47-1-7, or is prohibited under section 3(i)(5) of this chapter from being issued a license, shall be grounds for immediate suspension or revocation of a license previously issued under this chapter. However, if a license is suspended or revoked based solely on an arrest under section 3(i)(5) of this chapter, the license shall be reinstated upon the acquittal of the defendant in that case or upon the dismissal of the charges for the specific offense. (c) A person who knowingly or intentionally fails to promptly return the person's license after written notice of suspension or revocation commits a Class A misdemeanor. The observation of a handgun license in the possession of a person whose license has been suspended or revoked constitutes a sufficient basis for the arrest of that person for violation of this subsection. (d) The superintendent shall establish rules under IC 4-22-2 concerning the procedure for suspending or revoking a person's license. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.140-1994, SEC.7; P.L.2-1996, SEC.285; P.L.120-2001, SEC.2; P.L.1-2006, SEC.535; P.L.158-2013, SEC.576; P.L.107-2019, SEC.10; P.L.165-2021, SEC.198.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-6 Granting or rejecting initial application; renewals

Sec. 6. (a) Every initial application for any license under this chapter shall be granted or rejected within sixty (60) days after the application is filed. (b) The period during which an application for the renewal of an existing license may be filed begins three hundred sixty-five (365) days before the expiration of the existing license. If the application for renewal of an existing license is filed within thirty (30) days of its expiration, the existing license is automatically extended until the application for renewal is passed upon. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.190-2006, SEC.4; P.L.47-2010, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-7 "Machine gun"; prohibited sales or transfers of ownership

Sec. 7. (a) As used in this section, "machine gun" has the meaning set forth in IC 35-31.5-2-190. (b) Except an individual acting within a parent-minor child or guardian-minor protected person relationship or any other individual who is also acting in compliance with IC 35-47-10 (governing children and firearms) and federal law, a person may not sell, give, or in any other manner transfer the ownership or possession of a handgun or machine gun to any person under eighteen (18) years of age. (c) A person who knowingly or intentionally sells, gives, or in any other manner transfers ownership or possession of a machine gun to a person under eighteen (18) years of age commits a Level 5 felony. However, the offense is a Level 4 felony if the person who sells, gives, or transfers ownership of the machine gun has a prior conviction under this section, and a Level 3 felony if a person under eighteen (18) years of age uses the machine gun to commit murder (IC 35-42-1-1). (d) A person who knowingly or intentionally sells, gives, or in any other manner transfers the ownership or possession of a handgun to another person who the person knows: (1) is ineligible for any reason other than the person's age to purchase or otherwise receive from a dealer a handgun; or (2) intends to use the handgun to commit a crime; commits criminal transfer of a handgun, a Level 5 felony. However, the offense is a Level 3 felony if the other person uses the handgun to commit murder (IC 35-42-1-1). (e) A person who purchases a handgun with the intent to: (1) resell or otherwise provide the handgun to another person who the person knows is ineligible for any reason to purchase or otherwise receive from a dealer a handgun; (2) resell or otherwise provide the handgun to another person who the person knows intends to use the handgun to commit a crime; or (3) transport the handgun outside Indiana to be resold or otherwise provided to another person who the transferor knows: (A) is ineligible to purchase or otherwise receive a handgun; or (B) intends to use the handgun to commit a crime; commits the straw purchase of a handgun, a Level 5 felony. However, the offense is a Level 3 felony if the other person uses the handgun to commit murder (IC 35-42-1-1). (f) As used in this subsection, "NICS" has the meaning set forth in IC 35-47-2.5-2.5. It is a defense to a prosecution under subsection (d)(1) that: (1) the accused person contacted NICS (or had a dealer contact NICS on the person's behalf) to request a background check on the other person before the accused person sold, gave, or in any other manner transferred the ownership or possession of the handgun to the other person; and (2) the accused person (or dealer acting on the person's behalf) received authorization from NICS to sell, give, or in any other manner transfer ownership or possession of the handgun to the other person. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.33-1989, SEC.126; P.L.140-1994, SEC.8; P.L.269-1995, SEC.7; P.L.158-2013, SEC.577; P.L.152-2014, SEC.2; P.L.183-2019, SEC.1; P.L.80-2023, SEC.2.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-8 Regulation of sale of handguns imposed by this chapter; application

Sec. 8. The regulation of the sale of handguns imposed by this chapter shall apply equally to an occasional sale, trade, or transfer between individual persons and to retail transactions between dealers and individual persons. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.17-1997, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-10 Repealed

As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.48-1993, SEC.6. Repealed by P.L.17-1997, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-11 Repealed

As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.191-1984, SEC.2; P.L.269-1995, SEC.8. Repealed by P.L.17-1997, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-12 Repealed

As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.191-1984, SEC.3. Repealed by P.L.17-1997, SEC.9.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-14 Necessity of retail handgun dealer's license; display

Sec. 14. A retail dealer who knowingly or intentionally: (1) sells; (2) trades; (3) transfers; (4) exposes for sale, trade, or transfer; or (5) possesses with intent to sell, trade, or transfer; any handgun without being licensed under sections 15 and 16 of this chapter and without displaying the retail dealer's license at all times commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.578.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-15 Retail handgun dealer's license; application procedure

Sec. 15. (a) A person desiring a retail handgun dealer's license shall apply to the sheriff of the county in which the person resides, or if the person is a resident of another state and has a regular place of business in Indiana, then to the sheriff of the county in which the person has a regular place of business. The applicant shall state the applicant's name, full address, occupation, sex, race, age, place of birth, date of birth, nationality, height, weight, build, color of eyes, color of hair, complexion, scars and marks, and any criminal record (minor traffic offenses excepted). The officer to whom the application is made shall verify the application and search the officer's records concerning the applicant's character and reputation. (b) The officer to whom the application is made shall send to the superintendent: (1) the verified application; (2) the results of the officer's investigation; and (3) the officer's recommendation for approval or disapproval of the application; in as many copies as the superintendent shall designate, and one (1) set of legible and classifiable fingerprints of the applicant. The superintendent may make whatever further investigation the superintendent deems necessary. Whenever disapproval is recommended by the officer to whom the application was made, the officer shall provide the superintendent and the applicant with the officer's complete reasons for the disapproval in writing. If the officer to whom the application is made recommends approval, the officer shall instruct the applicant in the proper method of taking legible and classifiable fingerprints. (c) If an applicant applies for a license under this section before July 1, 2011, and it appears to the superintendent that the applicant is of good character and reputation and a proper person to be licensed, the superintendent shall issue to the applicant a retail handgun dealer's license which shall be valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of issue. The fee for the license shall be twenty dollars ($20), which shall be deposited with the officer to whom the application is made, who shall in turn forward it to the superintendent for deposit with the treasurer of state when the application is approved by the superintendent. (d) If an applicant applies for a license under this section after June 30, 2011: (1) the applicant shall deposit with the officer to whom the application is made a fee for the license of sixty dollars ($60); (2) if it appears to the superintendent that the applicant is: (A) of good character and reputation; and (B) a proper person to be licensed; the superintendent shall issue to the applicant a retail handgun dealer's license, which is valid for six (6) years after the date the license is issued; and (3) the officer to whom the application was made shall forward the fee for the license to the superintendent for deposit with the treasurer of state when the application is approved by the superintendent. (e) In the event that an application is disapproved by the superintendent, the fee deposited by the applicant under subsection (c) or (d) shall be returned to the applicant along with the complete reasons, in writing, for the disapproval. (f) No retail dealer's license shall be issued to any person who has been: (1) convicted of a felony; or (2) adjudicated a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, if the person applying for the retail dealer's license is less than twenty-three (23) years of age; in Indiana or any other state or country. (g) A retail dealer's license shall permit the licensee to sell handguns at retail within this state subject to the conditions specified in this chapter. The license may be suspended or revoked in accordance with applicable law, and the licensee may be subject to punishment as provided in this chapter. (h) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.191-1984, SEC.4; P.L.269-1995, SEC.9; P.L.44-2011, SEC.1; P.L.158-2013, SEC.579.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-16 Retail handgun dealer's license; restrictions; display; prohibited sales; gun show

Sec. 16. (a) A retail dealer's business shall be carried on only in the site designated in the license. A separate license shall be required for each separate retail outlet. Whenever a licensed dealer moves the dealer's place of business, the dealer shall promptly notify the superintendent, who shall at once issue an amended license certificate valid for the balance of the license period. This subsection does not apply to sales at wholesale. (b) The license, certified by the issuing authority, shall be displayed on the business premises in a prominent place where it can be seen easily by prospective customers. (c) No handgun shall be sold: (1) in violation of any provision of this chapter; or (2) under any circumstances unless the purchaser is personally known to the seller or presents clear evidence of the purchaser's identity. (d) Notwithstanding subsection (a), a retail dealer may display, sell, or transfer handguns at a gun show in accordance with this chapter and federal law. (e) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Class B misdemeanor. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.191-1984, SEC.5; P.L.148-1987, SEC.5; P.L.158-2013, SEC.580.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-17 Firearms and handguns; giving false information or offering false evidence of identity

Sec. 17. (a) No person, in purchasing or otherwise securing delivery of a firearm or in applying for a license to carry a handgun, shall knowingly or intentionally: (1) give false information on a form required to: (A) purchase or secure delivery of a firearm; or (B) apply for a license to carry a handgun; or (2) offer false evidence of identity. In addition to any penalty provided by this chapter, any firearm obtained through false information shall be subject to confiscation and disposition as provided in this chapter. Upon notice of a violation of this section by the superintendent, it shall be the duty of the sheriff or chief of police or corresponding officer of the jurisdiction in which the purchaser resides to confiscate the firearm and retain it as evidence pending trial for the offense. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Level 5 felony. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.60-2011, SEC.1; P.L.158-2013, SEC.581.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-18 Removing a firearm's serial number or possessing a firearm with a removed serial number

Sec. 18. (a) No person shall: (1) remove, obliterate, or alter the importer or manufacturer's serial number on any firearm; or (2) possess any firearm on which the importer or manufacturer's serial number has been removed, obliterated, or altered. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Level 5 felony. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.582; P.L.142-2020, SEC.73.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-19 Application of chapter

Sec. 19. This chapter does not apply to any firearm not designed to use fixed cartridges or fixed ammunition, or any firearm made before January 1, 1899. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-20 Removal of disability under this chapter

Sec. 20. (a) A full pardon from the governor of Indiana for: (1) a felony other than a felony that is included in IC 35-42; or (2) a violation of this chapter; removes any disability under this chapter imposed because of that offense, if fifteen (15) years have elapsed between the time of the offense and the application for a license under this chapter. (b) A conditional pardon described in IC 11-9-2-4 for: (1) a felony; or (2) a violation of this chapter; removes a disability under this chapter if the superintendent determines after an investigation that circumstances have changed since the pardoned conviction was entered to such an extent that the pardoned person is likely to handle handguns in compliance with the law. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.191-1984, SEC.6; P.L.148-1987, SEC.6.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-21 Recognition of retail dealers' licenses and licenses to carry handguns issued by other states

Sec. 21. (a) Retail dealers' licenses issued by other states or foreign countries will not be recognized in Indiana except for sales at wholesale. (b) Licenses to carry handguns, issued by other states or foreign countries, will be recognized according to the terms thereof but only while the holders are not residents of Indiana. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-22 Use of unlawful handgun-carrying license to obtain handgun prohibited

Sec. 22. (a) It is unlawful for any person to use, or to attempt to use, a false, counterfeit, spurious, or altered handgun-carrying license to obtain a handgun contrary to the provisions of this chapter. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally violates this section commits a Level 6 felony. As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.158-2013, SEC.583.

Ind. Code § 35-47-2-23 Repealed

As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.16-1984, SEC.20; P.L.140-1994, SEC.9; P.L.17-1997, SEC.7. Repealed by P.L.158-2013, SEC.584.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2026/ic/titles/35Fetched: 10/17/2026