Handgun Permit Information
Where do I go to obtain or renew my Indiana Permit to Carry application?
If you live within the incorporated limits of La Porte, Michigan City or Westville, you must go to your local Police Department to apply for a license or renewal. If you live in La Porte County, but outside of the incorporated limits to the above listed city or town, you may come to the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. If you are not sure if you are inside an incorporated area or not, contact the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office at 219-327-7700, extension 2335, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and speak to Major Gary E. Broling.
Where is the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office?
The La Porte County Sheriff’s Office is located in downtown La Porte at 809 State Street, La Porte, IN 46350.  Our telephone number is 219-326-7700.
What hours can I come in to fill out the application?
Gun permits applications are accepted at the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office on Thursdays and Fridays weekly from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. each day.  Permits applications would not be taken on Thursday’s or Friday’s when the La Porte County Courthouse is closed for legal holidays.
What do I need to bring with me?
Applicants will be required to bring a photo I.D. with their current address and the correct amount of cash needed for the local fee along with the appropriate money order for the state fee.  The money order for the state fee should be made payable to the “State of Indiana”. On July 1, 2006 the Indiana law was changed to create a "Lifetime Handgun License". Renewals for an existing license will only be accepted 180 days or less from the date of expiration. The new fee schedule is as follows:
Do I need a gun permit just to have one in my business or home?
Indiana law states that one is not required to have a license to carry a handgun in the person’s dwelling, on the person’s property or their fixed place of business, so long as they have the right to possess said firearm,  not contrary to other restrictions or criminal convictions.
Who can obtain an Indiana Handgun Permit?
State law dictates that only a “proper person” may be licensed to carry a handgun. Indiana Code 35-47-1-7 states that a proper person means a person who does not:

• Have a conviction for resisting law enforcement within five years before the person applies for a license or permit
• Have a conviction for a crime for which he could have been sentenced for more than one (1) year
• Have a record of being an alcohol abuser, meaning one who has had two or more alcohol related offenses, any one (1) of which resulted in conviction by a court or treatment in an alcohol abuse facility within three (3) years prior to the date of application o Have a record of being a drug abuser, meaning one who has had two (2) or more violations of: Dealing in Cocaine, Dealing in Narcotics, or Dealing in a Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V Controlled substances - Any one of which resulted in conviction by a court or treatment in a drug abuse facility within five (5) years prior to the date of application.
• Have documented evidence which would give rise to a reasonable belief that he has a propensity for violent or emotionally unstable conduct
• Make a false statement of material fact on his application o Have a conviction of any crime involving an inability to safely handle a handgun
• Have a conviction for violations of the provisions of IC 35-47 within the last five (5) years of his application
• Have an adjudication as a delinquent child for an act that would be a felony if committed by an adult, if the person applying for a license or permit under this chapter is less than twenty-three (23) years of age.

Indiana Code 35-47-2-1 also states:

• A person who has been convicted of Domestic Battery may not possess or carry a handgun in any vehicle or on or about the person’s body in the person’s dwelling or on the person’s property or fixed place of business.

HANDGUN PERMIT FEES