A Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card is required for Illinois residents to legally possess firearms or ammunition. Illinois is a shall-issue state with the Illinois State Police issuing a concealed-carry license. To carry a concealed firearm in Illinois, state law requires an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL).
Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Illinois?
Yes. There is a 72-hour waiting period to buy a gun in Illinois.
Is a permit required to purchase a gun in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois residents must obtain a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card. The FOID license is also needed to buy ammunition.
Do you need to register handguns in Illinois?
No. Handguns, rifles and shotguns do not have to be registered in Illinois.
Who is eligible to obtain a Concealed Carry License (CCL) in Illinois?
Any Illinois state resident who is at least 21 years of age can apply for a Concealed Carry License (CCL).
Is firearms training a requirement for an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL)?
Yes. Illinois requires an applicant to complete a 16-hour firearms training course taught by a state-approved instructor.
What are the requirements to obtain a Concealed Carry License (CCL) in Illinois?
Applicants for an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal resident of Illinois
- Meet federal law requirements
- Must have a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card
What are the steps to obtain a Concealed Carry License (CCL) in Illinois?
The Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) online application is also found You will be notified 90 days after processing, or 120 days if electronic fingerprints are not provided.
- Apply for a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card. The application can be downloaded from the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau website com. You will need a valid Illinois driver’s license or state identification card, a passport style photograph and $10 fee to apply for the FOID.
- Complete a firearm training course taught by a state-approved instructor
- When you receive your Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card, complete an online application for an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) at the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau website com and submit:
- A valid Illinois driver’s license or state ID
- An Illinois State Police user ID and password,
- An electronic copy of your firearms training certificate,
- A valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card or FOID in process,
- An electronic photo,
- Proof of the last 10 years of residency
NOTE: Submitting fingerprints are optional, however, the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau has an additional 30 days to review an application that does not include fingerprints.
How much does an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) cost?
The fee for an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) is $150.
Does Illinois recognize concealed-carry-pistol permits from other states?
No. Illinois does not honor any concealed-carry permits from any other state.
Is Illinois a Constitutional Carry state?
No. Illinois is not a Constitutional Carry state.
Is Illinois an Open Carry state?
No. Open carry of a handgun on your person or in a vehicle is illegal in Illinois.
Is Illinois a Stand Your Ground state?
No. Illinois is not a Stand Your Ground state. It is, however, a Castle Doctrine state. where there is no duty to retreat before defending your premises.
Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Illinois?
Yes and No. Many magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Illinois; however, firearms that are defined by the state as “assault weapons” are banned.
Are standard-capacity magazines allowed in Illinois?
No, Illinois bans large-capacity magazines with 15 or more rounds for pistols and 10 or more rounds for rifles.
Do firearms need to be registered in Illinois?
Yes, certain firearms that Illinois has defined as assault weapons need to be registered in Illinois.
Does Illinois have gun-storage laws?
Yes, the gun-storage law in Illinois makes it unlawful for a person to store or leave a firearm unlocked and accessible to a minor under the age of 14, if the person knows or has reason to believe that the minor is likely to gain access to the firearm, and the minor causes death or great bodily harm with that firearm.
Is Illinois a Red Flag state?
Yes. The Illinois red-flag law states that family members or the police can petition a judge to issue an order to confiscate the firearms of a person deemed an immediate and present danger to themselves or others. The person’s firearms must be returned to them within six months, unless the court finds grounds to renew the suspension.
