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

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-47-2-1 — Carrying a handgun without being licensed; construction of chapter, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 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.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-47-2-1

What does Indiana Code § 35-47-2-1 cover?

Section 35-47-2-1 ("Carrying a handgun without being licensed; construction of chapter") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 35-47-2-1?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-47-2-1" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 35-47-2-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.