(Please note that we are verifying this as we test this program out with one of our veteran farms. We will update it as soon as we have additional information.)

When service members return to civilian life, they bring valuable skills and experiences with them. To further support their transition, Indiana offers a law that grants honorably discharged veterans a free license to vend, hawk, or peddle goods. Although this legislation dates back to the Mexican–American War era, its modern application continues to deliver tangible benefits today.

Dating back to the mid-19th century, when returning soldiers from conflicts such as the Mexican–American War encountered significant challenges during their transition to civilian life, Indiana implemented measures to support their reintegration. The original “peddlers permit” allowed veterans to launch small ventures without incurring licensing fees—a model that has evolved into the practical benefit available today.

The Law in Today’s Context

Indiana Code Title 25, Article 25, Chapter 2, Section 25‑25‑2‑1 remains a key resource for veteran farmers. Under this law, any veteran holding an honorable discharge is entitled to a vending license without the standard fee. For those looking to market farm products—be it fresh produce, artisanal goods, or other agricultural merchandise—the process is straightforward:

1. Documentation: Present your certificate and discharge papers.

2. Submission: Submit these documents to your local county auditor.

3. Issuance: Receive a fee-free license authorizing you to vend, hawk, or peddle goods throughout your county.

Universal Citation: IN Code § 25-25-2-1 (2024)

Sec. 1. (a) This section applies to:
(1) any veteran described in IC 10-17-5-2 or IC 10-17-5-1 (before their repeal); or
(2) any other veteran to whom this chapter applies because of the provisions of any other statute;
who holds an honorable discharge from such service issued by the proper authorities. Such a person shall be entitled to a license to vend, hawk, and peddle goods, wares, fruits, and merchandise in any county, city, or town in Indiana without the payment of any fee for the license. Upon the presentation of the person's certificate and papers of discharge, properly executed, to the auditor of any county and proving the person's identity as the person named in the person's certificate of honorable discharge, the auditor shall issue to the former soldier or sailor a free license to vend, hawk, and peddle goods, wares, fruits, and merchandise in the county and in all cities and towns in the county. A fee may not be charged to the holder of the license by the auditor, by the authorities of any city or town in the county, or by any other officer. The license shall be full and complete authority to vend, hawk, and peddle without the payment of any sum of money.

(b) A person who acquires a license under this section is subject to all county, city, or town regulations and ordinances concerning vendors, hawkers, or peddlers, except for those provisions requiring payment of money for obtaining a license.

Formerly: Acts 1895, c.121, s.1; Acts 1899, c.42, s.1. As amended by Acts 1979, P.L.247, SEC.1; Acts 1980, P.L.38, SEC.16; P.L.16-1983, SEC.17; P.L.2-2003, SEC.66; P.L.42-2020, SEC.16.

This statute allows veteran farmers to focus on expanding their enterprises while meeting local regulatory requirements—without the added burden of licensing fees.

Benefits for Indiana’s Veteran Farmers

• Enhanced Business Opportunities: Eliminating licensing fees reduces startup costs, enabling reinvestment in farm operations and local market initiatives.

• Financial Efficiency: Fewer administrative expenses mean more resources can be allocated to production, equipment, and market expansion.

• Local Economic Impact: Veteran-operated ventures contribute to robust local food systems and regional commerce, strengthening community ties.

• Ongoing Recognition: This provision continues to acknowledge the service of veterans by offering tangible support in their civilian endeavors.

To secure your fee-free vending license, submit your honorable discharge papers to your local county auditor—not the county clerk.

Do you know a veteran who could benefit from this law? Share this article and help spread the word about Indiana’s commitment to supporting our returning heroes!