Who is responsible for issuing handgun licenses in Indiana?

The Indiana State Police are tasked with the responsibility of issuing handgun licenses in the state. This power comes from state law, which designates the Indiana State Police as the agency that processes applications for handgun licenses. They conduct background checks and ensure that applicants meet all the required legal criteria before a license is issued.

While local police departments and county sheriff's offices may have roles in advising or assisting with the process, their authority does not extend to the actual issuance of handgun licenses. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) operates on a federal level and is not involved in the licensing process for handguns in Indiana, as that is managed at the state level. Therefore, the Indiana State Police are the correct authority for this responsibility.