Gun Permits

Effective July 1, 2022, Indiana will have a permitless carry option providing you meet the criteria of a proper person under Indiana law. If you choose to carry under the permitless option, it is recommended that you speak to an attorney to determine your personal compliance with IC 35- 47-2-1.5 prior to carrying a handgun under this new law. You may still apply for a lifetime or 5 year firearms permit and the Indiana State Police will conduct the necessary checks to determine if you are a proper person under Indiana statute. For more information on permitless carry click the following link Permitless Carry Information. 

As of October 1, 2014, the state of Indiana requires all individuals to apply for their handgun carry permits online.

As of July 1, 2021 there is no longer a fee for gun permits for either state or local agency. The only fee that has to be paid in order to obtain a gun permit is the electronic fingerprints which are done at an outside location.

There are two main options for handgun carry permits:

  • A five-year license.
  • A lifetime license.

There is a fee for electronic fingerprints.  Please visit www.identogo.com.

Follow these instructions when filling out the application:

  • Go to the Indiana State Police website and complete the application. At the end of the application, you will receive directions on how to schedule electronic fingerprinting (step 2).
  • Schedule your electronic fingerprinting through IdentoGO. (This can NOT be done at the sheriff’s office)
  • 10 days after your fingerprints are submitted, if you reside in the unincorporated areas of Vigo County please call our office at 812-462-3226 to complete the background check. If you reside in an incorporated area of the county (City of Terre Haute/Town of West Terre Haute) please contact your local agency.
  • If your background check is approved your application will be electronically transferred to Indiana State Police for final review. If your application is approved, your permit will be sent to you via U.S. Mail. If your application is rejected, you will be notified via U.S. Mail and will receive instructions on how to file an appeal.

If you have further questions about gun permits please call the sheriff’s office at 812-462-3226 Option 5 or via email at gunpermits@vigosheriff.in.gov.