Newton County

Handgun License

Below is Handgun Carry Permit Application Information as of 01 July 2022.

On July 1, 2022, the State of Indiana will no longer require a handgun permit to legally carry, conceal or transport a handgun within the state.  This law DOES NOT allow everyone to carry a handgun as Indiana law contains certain criteria which must be met for a person to legally carry within the state.

A person MUST NOT be a PROHIBITED PERSON as defined by IC 35-47-2-1.5.

• A person who has been Convicted of a State or Federal offense Punishable By A Term Of Imprisonment Exceeding One (1) Year
• A person who has been Convicted of a Crime of Domestic Violence (IC 35-31.5-2-78), Domestic Battery (IC 35-42-2-1.3) or Criminal Stalking (IC 35-45-10-5) (and Firearms Rights NOT Restored)
• A person Restrained by an Order of Protection issued under IC 34-26-5 (does not include Workplace Violence Orders)
• A Fugitive From Justice
• A person under Indictment (felony charges filed by a prosecutor)
• A person who has been adjudicated dangerous under IC 35-47-14-6;
• A person who has been adjudicated a mental defective;
• A person who has been committed to a mental institution.
• A person dishonorably discharged from military service or the National Guard.
• A person who renounces the person's United States citizenship in the manner described in 8 U.S.C. 1481.
• A person who is less than eighteen (18) years of age, unless authorized under IC 35-47-10;
• A person who is less than twenty-three (23) years of age and has an adjudication as a delinquent child for an act described by IC 35-47-4-5, unless authorized under IC 35-47-10;
• An Alien.

If you are considering carrying a handgun and are not certain as to whether you fall under one of the above-mentioned categories, the Indiana State Police recommends you apply for a state-issued handgun permit:

• The permit process is free
• ISP will conduct the necessary background checks to help ensure compliance with IC 35-47-2-1.5 & IC 35-47-1-7
• The online application can be found at this link ISP Firearms Licensing
• It may be necessary to have a license to carry if you travel to another state which requires a handgun permit to legally carry and/or transport

If you are considering carrying a handgun and are not certain as to whether you fall under one of the above-mentioned categories, and you do not wish to apply for a free handgun permit:

• ISP cannot verify your compliance with IC 35-47-2-1.5

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.

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Local information for processing Handgun Carry Permit Application.

The Application Process can only be completed Online following these steps:

Residents from Brook, Goodland, Kentland and Morocco must contact their local town police department for questions regarding your application.

If you are a resident of unincorporated Newton County, complete your online application and visit an L-1 site to submit your fingerprints.  The Indiana State Police will only accept electronic fingerprint submissions.  Fingerprints can no longer be processed at local police departments. 

• Complete the Online Handgun License Application.
• Submit your fingerprints to the Indiana State Police.
• Fingerprints must be processed digitally at an L-1 Enrollment Services Site.  
• L-1 Fees and State Applications Fees (if applicable) will be paid at the L-1 Location.
• L-1 Locations
• Schedule Appointment at L-1
• Applicants will no longer need to contact the Sheriff's Office to complete the background investigation.  In order to expedite your background investigation we ask that you attach a document that shows your current address, i.e. a Drivers License, utility bill, etc.. 
• If you have any questions concerning the status of your application, call the Sheriff's Office at 219-474-3331, ext. 3130, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Please be advised that the application process takes time as background investigations must be detailed and complete. 
• When your background check is complete your application will be forwarded to the Indiana State Police.  The results of your background check will accompany your application.  Since a local fee is no longer required, you will not have to visit the Sheriff's Office.