Is a California Non-Resident Permit Valid in Indiana?

Why

• California does not issue carry permits to non-residents (penal code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city or have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path).

Official IN.gov FAQ quoting IC 35-47-2-21(b): licenses 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.' No issuing-state residency condition, so non-resident permits are honored per their terms; permitless carry independently covers most visitors 18+.

Carry rules in Indiana

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Indiana, these rules replace the ones you know from California.

• No statutory proactive duty found; official IN.gov guidance recommends telling an officer 'in a non-threatening manner' that you are in possession of a firearm. Framed as a recommendation, not a legal requirement.
• Indiana sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.
• Indiana allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.
• Anyone eligible for permitless carry (18+, not a prohibited person) may carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a license since July 1, 2022.

Off-limits places in Indiana

• School property (IC 35-47-9)
• Commercial airports and aircraft (IC 35-47-6)
• Riverboat casinos (68 IAC 1-7-1)
• Army Corps of Engineers-leased properties at certain state reservoirs and Falls of the Ohio State Park

Frequently asked questions

Is a California non-resident permit valid in Indiana?

This permit doesn't exist. California does not issue carry permits to non-residents (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path), so there is no "California non-resident permit" to carry in Indiana or anywhere else.

Do I have to tell police in Indiana that I am carrying?

No statutory proactive duty found; official IN.gov guidance recommends telling an officer 'in a non-threatening manner' that you are in possession of a firearm. Framed as a recommendation, not a legal requirement.

Does Indiana limit magazine capacity?

Indiana sets no state magazine-capacity limit for handguns.

Can I carry in Indiana without any permit?

Indiana allows permitless concealed carry from age 18 for people who may legally possess a handgun, including eligible visitors.

Does California issue non-resident carry permits?

No. California issues carry permits to residents only (penal Code § 26150 requires the applicant to be a resident of the issuing county/city OR have a principal place of employment or business there where substantial time is spent; there is no general non-resident path). Non-residents who want multi-state coverage usually obtain a non-resident permit from a state that offers one, such as those listed in our non-resident permit guide.