Is a California Resident Permit Valid in Indiana?

Why

• Indiana recognizes valid carry permits from every US state.
• Indiana allows permitless carry for eligible adults 18+, which extends to visitors who may legally possess a handgun.

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

Recognition is only half the question. Once you're inside Indiana, its carry rules apply to you exactly as they do to locals.

• 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

Indiana bans carry in 4 kinds of places. The first on the list:

• School property (IC 35-47-9)
• Commercial airports and aircraft (IC 35-47-6)

See all 4 places you can't carry in Indiana →

California vs Indiana: what changes at the state line

Crossing from California into Indiana changes 4 rules: permitless carry (No → Yes (18+)); magazine limit (10 rounds → None); out-of-state permits honored (None → All states); open carry (Restricted → Yes, no permit).

Going the other way, an Indiana resident permit in California: not recognized.

Driving on from Indiana

How a California resident permit fares in the states bordering Indiana:

• Illinois — Not recognized
• Kentucky — Recognized — and permitless carry applies
• Michigan — Recognized — carry with your permit
• Ohio — Recognized — and permitless carry applies

Check a whole route with the Trip Checker →

Frequently asked questions

Does Indiana honor a California non-resident permit?

Recognized — and permitless carry applies. The answer is the same as for the resident permit on this page.

Can an Indiana resident permit holder carry in California?

Not recognized. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on California's law, not Indiana's.

Where does Indiana publish its official reciprocity list?

Indiana publishes its recognition policy on an official state page, linked in the sources on this page. That page is the authority — check it shortly before travel, because recognition lists change without much notice.