How to Get a Gun in Indiana: A Step-by-Step Guide
Indiana law allows residents to purchase, own, and carry handguns and rifles, but with certain restrictions and requirements. If you’re a law-abiding citizen wanting to get a gun in Indiana, follow this guide to ensure a smooth process.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for a gun in Indiana, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a shotgun or rifle, and 21 years old to purchase a handgun.
- Residency: You must be a resident of Indiana to purchase a gun in the state.
- Background Check: You will undergo a background check by the Indiana State Police’s Law Enforcement Telecommunications (LETS) system or the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
- No Prior Convictions: You must not have any prior felony convictions or have been previously convicted of a misdemeanor related to domestic violence.
- No Mental Health History: You must not have a history of mental illness or have been adjudged mentally incompetent.
Step 2: Choose Your Firearm
Indiana permits the purchase of the following types of firearms:
• Handguns: May be purchased by individuals and law enforcement agencies.
• Rifles and Shotguns: May be purchased by individuals, outdoorsmen, and hunting-related businesses.
• Compound Bows: May be purchased by individuals and hunters.
Step 3: Find a Licensed firearms Dealer
You can obtain a gun in Indiana through a licensed firearms dealer, also known as a federal firearms licensee (FFL). These dealers are approved by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and are licensed to sell firearms.
Find a licensed dealer in Indiana by:
- Looking up online: Search online for "licensed firearms dealers in Indiana" or visit the ATF’s website (www.atf.gov/enforcement/federal-firearms-licensees).
- Contacting local gun clubs: Many gun clubs are affiliated with licensed dealers. Contact local gun clubs and ask if they know any licensed dealers in the area.
- Asking for referrals: Ask your friends, family, or coworkers if they know a licensed dealer.
Step 4: Fill out the Application
When visiting a licensed dealer, provide the following information:
• Firearm selection: Choose the firearm you’d like to purchase.
• Identification: Provide government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Background check: Consent to a background check by completing the ATF Form 4473.
• Applicant information: Fill out the application form, providing your name, address, and other relevant information.
• Payment: Pay the sales tax and firearm transfer fee.
Step 5: Complete the Background Check
The background check process typically takes around 10-15 minutes. The dealer will provide you with a unique submission number, which you should keep for your records. If the background check returns a "proceed with caution" or " deny" result, the sale will be denied.
Step 6: Comply with Indiana’s Universal Background Check Law
Starting in 2019, Indiana implemented a universal background check law, requiring universal background checks for all private and commercial firearms transfers, including those between family members and friends.
Table: Indiana’s Universal Background Check Law
| Description | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Firearms transfer | Universal background checks required for all private and commercial firearms transfers |
| Exemptions | Personal transfers between family members (spouses, parents, children, siblings) |
Step 7: Store Your Firearm Securely
After purchasing and registering your firearm, always store it securely to avoid unauthorized access. Consider keeping your firearm in a lockbox or safe, such as:
• Handgun safes: Metal or electronic safes designed specifically for handguns.
• Firearm lock boxes: Locking containers with combination locks or keys to store firearms.
• Gun cabinets: Wood or metal cabinets with locks for storing firearms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a permit to carry my gun in Indiana?: No, Indiana is an "open carry" state, allowing individuals to openly carry firearms without a permit. However, you are required to have a state-issued permit to concealed carry.
- Can I purchase a firearm online?: No, federal law prohibits the mail-order sale of firearms over the internet. You can only purchase firearms from a licensed dealer in person.
Conclusion
Obtaining a gun in Indiana requires meeting eligibility criteria, choosing the right firearm, finding a licensed dealer, filling out the application, completing a background check, complying with universal background check laws, and storing your firearm securely. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to legally acquiring a gun in the Hoosier State.
