People with certain felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, or mental health commitments or who are under 18 cannot legally carry or receive firearm licensing in Indiana. Indiana law calls this the “proper person” standard, and failing it blocks approval.
Indiana State Police handle handgun licensing and review each applicant against this standard before issuing a license. Even one disqualifying factor on your record can lead to a denial, regardless of your reason for applying.
Applying for a gun license in Indiana means your background, criminal history, and mental health records all get reviewed together. Understanding what disqualifies someone helps applicants know what to expect before they apply.
What Is a “Proper Person” Under Indiana Law?
Indiana Code 35-47-1-7 defines who qualifies as a “proper person” to hold a handgun license. This standard applies to every applicant, not just first-time gun owners, and it stays in effect for as long as the license remains valid.
Failing this test at any point, even after a license is issued, can lead to suspension or revocation. Indiana treats this as an ongoing requirement rather than a one-time background check completed only at the start.
Felony Convictions That Disqualify You
Any conviction for a crime punishable by more than one year in prison disqualifies an applicant from receiving a license. This includes both violent and non-violent felony offenses under Indiana law.
- Convictions for crimes involving the inability to handle a handgun safely.
- Convictions for resisting law enforcement within the past five years.
- Felony-equivalent juvenile adjudications for applicants under 23.
Domestic Violence and Protective Order Restrictions
A conviction for domestic battery generally disqualifies an applicant from receiving a license under current Indiana law. This restriction tracks both Indiana state law and federal domestic violence definitions.
A court can restore firearm rights in some domestic violence cases, but this does not happen automatically. Without a formal restoration order, the disqualification remains in place.
Mental Health-Related Disqualifications
Indiana law disqualifies people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, aside from short-term evaluation or observation holds. This includes both 90-day commitments and regular commitments under Indiana’s mental health statutes.
Indiana’s red flag law also allows a court to formally adjudicate someone as dangerous. That finding suspends a person’s ability to carry or obtain a license until a court lifts the order.
Age and Other Disqualifying Factors
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply for a handgun license under state law. Several other factors can also disqualify an applicant beyond age and criminal history.
- A documented record of alcohol or drug abuse.
- Being subject to an active protective order.
- Being a fugitive from justice with an active warrant.
- A dishonorable discharge from military service.
- Renouncing United States citizenship.
Are Disqualified People Still Barred Under Permitless Carry?
Indiana has allowed permitless carry since July 1, 2022, but this change did not remove any of the disqualifying factors above. A disqualified person cannot legally carry a handgun in Indiana, licensed or not.
Permitless carry only applies to people who already meet the “proper person” standard required by Indiana Code. Anyone who fails that standard remains barred from both licensed and unlicensed carry under current Indiana law.
What To Do If You Are Denied a Handgun License
A denial does not always mean the disqualification is permanent.
- Request the specific reason for denial from Indiana State Police in writing.
- Confirm whether the disqualifying record is accurate and current.
- Ask an attorney whether your firearm rights can be legally restored.
- Gather court documents proving any prior restoration of rights.
- Reapply once the disqualifying issue has been formally resolved.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana uses a “proper person” standard to decide who qualifies for a license.
- Felony convictions punishable by more than one year disqualify applicants.
- Domestic battery convictions block licensing unless rights are formally restored.
- Certain mental health commitments and dangerous adjudications also disqualify applicants.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Permitless carry did not remove these disqualifying factors under Indiana law.
- Denied applicants can request reasons and pursue restoration where possible.
