Is a Montana 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

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

• 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 →

Montana vs Indiana: what changes at the state line

Crossing from Montana into Indiana changes 2 rules: permitless carry (Yes → Yes (18+)); out-of-state permits honored (43 states → All states).

Going the other way, an Indiana resident permit in Montana: recognized — and permitless carry applies.

Driving on from Indiana

How a Montana 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 Montana non-resident permit?

Montana does not issue non-resident carry permits (permit requires at least 6 months' Montana residency, US citizenship or lawful permanent residence, and Montana ID (MCA 45-8-321; MT DOJ). No non-resident permits are issued), so the question does not arise.

Can an Indiana resident permit holder carry in Montana?

Recognized — and permitless carry applies. Reciprocity is decided by the destination state, so the answer in this direction depends on Montana'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.