To apply for an Indiana Handgun Permit (hunting, target, or unlimited), one must be an Indiana resident, residing full-time within the city limits of West Lafayette.

There are several areas with West Lafayette postal addresses that are not located within our city. A valid Indiana Drivers License with a current address must be presented. 

The application process involves a background check and fingerprinting and may take several weeks to complete. State and fingerprinting fees are collected online through IDENTGO. The West Lafayette Police Department requires the use of IDENTGO for fingerprinting. To begin the application process please follow this link to the ISP Handgun License  Application.

Purdue students and temporary staff with a permanent address outside of West Lafayette will need to complete the permit process with the agency having jurisdiction at their home of record. 

 IC 35-47-1 establishes criteria for procuring a personal protection handgun permit. Some causes for application rejection are:

• Alcohol, drug, or substance abuse
• Prior felony conviction
• Evidence of violent or emotionally unstable conduct
• Prior conviction for resisting law enforcement 

 Applications denied or marked "not approved" may be withdrawn by the applicant, or forwarded to the Indiana State Police for appeal. Money/checks will be returned if an application is withdrawn.