How can I obtain a gun license in Marion County?
Applications for gun licenses must be submitted online to the Indiana State Police Firearm Licensing Section at http://www.in.gov/isp/2829.htm. The application process requires fingerprints to be taken and submitted electronically as part of the background check procedure. Licensing fees can range from under $20 to over $70 depending on the type of license and the period of coverage. In addition, the fee for some licenses will vary somewhat depending on whether or not the applicant is a current license holder. In some cases, fees are higher for those who do not have a current license.
Depending on the number of applications that are being processed at any given time, it could take as many as three or more months to receive the license in some cases.
For more information about Indiana gun licenses, contact the Indiana State Police Firearm Licensing Section at 232-8264 or visit: http://www.in.gov/isp/2833.htm
What does Indiana Law say about carrying a gun in public?
Indiana Law places restrictions on both who is legally able to carry a gun and also on the settings in which a gun may be carried. For example, an individual may have a license to carry a handgun, but certain public buildings, such as schools, can prevent individuals from bringing in weapons. Property owners can also bar persons from bringing firearms onto their property, as some retail stores have chosen to do. In addition, state and federal laws prohibit a citizen from having a gun on an airplane. In cases where a gun owner has a gun on his or her person at a location away from home and in an environment that does not prohibit gun carrying, he or she can decide whether to keep the gun concealed or to expose the gun. However, if the choice is made to expose a gun, there may be some individuals who become somewhat alarmed or even frightened at the sight of the gun. This is especially true if the person who sees the gun is not aware of the gun owner’s intention or reason for having the gun. Before deciding to carry a gun in an exposed manner, the gun owner should carefully consider his or her options and related factors pertaining to the environment, the individuals in the environment, safety and wisdom.
For more information about carrying a gun in public, visit www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code and access IC 35-47-2-3 in the state statutes.
How can I learn more about my right to use a gun to protect myself against a criminal intruder in my home or on my property?
Visit www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code and access IC 35-41-3-2 and IC 35-41-3-3 to learn more about the Indiana statutes that address use of force and protection of person and property.
Note: Legal guidelines for use of force are also known as Castle Doctrine – “Stand Your Ground” Laws.
Are there any other websites that I should know about?
You can use the following Indiana State Police link to access important information on a variety of legal concerns relating to guns: www.in.gov/isp/files/firearms_FAQ_02_08.pdf
I have a gun that I do not want anymore. How can I get rid of it?
If you would like to surrender a gun to the local police department, there are two different ways to do so. One option is to call the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department’s non-emergency number 327-3811 to make a request for a police officer to come pick up the gun.
If you decide to make a request for an officer to come to your location, it is best to surrender an unloaded gun if possible. As a reminder, semi-automatic weapons can still have a bullet in the chamber although the magazine has been removed or emptied.
Safety is always a primary concern anytime a situation involves a gun. Therefore, when a police officer arrives to pick up the gun, do not greet the officer with a gun in your hand in order to avoid any possible misunderstandings concerning your intentions. It is recommended that you show the officer where the gun is and allow the officer to physically pick the gun up instead of reaching for the gun yourself. You may choose to have the gun in a case, gun safe or lock box when the police officer arrives. However, the officer will take possession of the gun only and will check the gun to make sure that it is unloaded.
The second option for surrendering a gun to the police department is to take the gun to a police station on a weekday during regular business hours. If you choose this option, you first need to be aware of any legal requirements for transporting your particular type of gun in a vehicle.
When you are ready to take the gun to the police department, you need to follow these instructions:
1) If possible, make sure that the gun is unloaded.
2) Place the gun in the trunk of your car and proceed to the police station.
3) When you arrive at the police station, leave the gun in your trunk.
4) Enter the police station’s reception area and tell the office attendant that you have a gun in your trunk that you would like to get rid of. The attendant will have an officer meet you. You and the officer will then proceed to your vehicle where the officer will take possession of the gun.
If you would rather sell the gun or arrange for a legal transfer of ownership, you will need to know about the Indiana statutes that regulate these options. For more information, visit www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code and access IC 35-47-2-7 or IC 35-47-2.5 depending on your interest.
