STATEHOUSE (July 20, 2020) – Hoosiers no longer have to pay local or state fees for five-year gun licenses, thanks to a law supported in 2019 by State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola).
Wescp said the fee waiver applies to Indiana's Qualified License and Unlimited License, which were previously only valid for four years. Indiana's Qualified License is for hunting and target shooting, and the Unlimited License applies to concealed carry of handguns only.
"The Second Amendment doesn't just apply to those who can afford it, it covers all Americans," Wesco said. "Responsible gun owners should not be restricted from this right and this is a strong step in the right direction."
Lifetime gun licenses are also available with applicable state and local fees, and additional hunting licenses for specific game are still required. For more information or to apply, visit the Indiana State Police Handgun Licensing Portal at firearms.ariesportal.com. The website may be unavailable when experiencing high traffic volumes, so check back if needed.
Chair of the House Elections Committee, Wesco said the law also allows residents to register to vote when applying for gun licenses.
"Much like the Second Amendment, voting is a constitutional right for Americans," Wesco said. "Removing barriers to exercising these rights is important to protecting and defending our freedoms."
The 2019 law also included civil protections for Hoosiers who use justifiable force to defend themselves and others, and allowing those legally possessing firearms to carry them on school property and at religious institutions.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21, which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
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