Illinois Concealed Carry

Yes, Illinois issues concealed carry permits. These are officially known as Illinois Concealed Carry Licenses (CCLs), and they are available to Illinois residents who meet specific eligibility requirements. The Illinois State Police oversee the application process, which includes background checks, fingerprinting, and completion of approved firearms training courses.

Non-residents can also apply for an Illinois CCL, but only if they are from states or territories with firearm ownership, possession, and carrying laws that are substantially similar to those in Illinois. As of now, the states that meet this criteria are Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia.

No, Illinois does not have Constitutional Carry, also known as Permitless Carry. In Illinois, individuals are required to have an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) to legally carry a concealed firearm. This applies to both residents and qualifying non-residents. Illinois has strict regulations regarding firearm possession and carrying, and individuals must undergo background checks, fingerprinting, and firearms training to obtain a CCL.

The Illinois Concealed Carry Licenses are issued by the Illinois State Police. The Illinois State Police is responsible for processing applications, conducting background checks, and ensuring that applicants meet all the necessary requirements under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.

To obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License, you must meet the following requirements:

– At least 21 years of age
– Current FOID card (Residents Only)
– Not prohibited under federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm
– Have not been convicted or found guilty in Illinois or any other state of:
– A misdemeanor involving the use or threat of physical force or violence to any person within the last five years
– Two or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination thereof
– Within the last five years have not been the subject of a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification.
– Have not been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the last five years
– Has submitted a completed Concealed Carry License application, has successfully completed 16 hours of firearms training, including classroom and range instruction.

A Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card is a license required by the state of Illinois to legally possess and acquire firearms and ammunition. The Illinois State Police issue FOID cards to eligible residents who meet specific criteria, including a background check and a review of the applicant’s criminal and mental health history.

Why Do You Need a FOID Card?

Legal Requirement: Under Illinois law, it is mandatory to have a FOID card to purchase or possess firearms and ammunition in the state.

Eligibility for Concealed Carry License (CCL): Possessing a valid FOID card is a prerequisite for applying for an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL). Without a FOID card, you cannot proceed with the CCL application process.

Compliance with State Regulations: Having a FOID card ensures you comply with state regulations regarding firearm ownership and helps in maintaining a record of responsible gun owners.

The cost for an initial 5-year Illinois Concealed Carry License is $150, and the cost to renew your license is also $150. For non-residents, the initial and renewal licenses cost $300. Illinois applies a 2.25% service fee, or a minimum of $1.00, for credit/debit card transactions. Electronic checks are accepted, but cash, paper checks, or money orders are not accepted.

An Illinois Concealed Carry License is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

The Illinois State Police shall issue or deny applications within 90 days of receiving a complete application, fee, and a full set of fingerprints in electronic format. If you do not submit fingerprints, the ISP has an extra 30 days to complete the application process.

Yes, background checks are required for an Illinois Concealed Carry License. The Illinois State Police conduct a thorough background check to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. This includes checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, state and local criminal history records, records of juvenile adjudications, wanted persons, domestic violence restraining and protective orders, mental health and developmental disabilities records, and other relevant records. Fingerprints are also checked against state and federal criminal history record databases .

No. Due to Federal Laws, having an Illinois Concealed Carry License or any other state’s concealed weapon license or permit does not exempt you from the background check when purchasing a gun in the state of Illinois.

Military training gives you credit for up to 8 hours toward the 16 hours of training required for an Illinois Concealed Carry License. Active military personnel need to provide documentation identifying them as an active member. Veterans will need to provide a copy of their DD-214 or NGB 22.

You can start the process of renewing a FOID at least 180 days prior to its expiration date, and a CCL 180 days prior. The Illinois State Police will send expiration notices via first-class mail within this timeframe. Applicants who have opted out of first-class mail will receive multiple reminders of an upcoming expiration.

To renew your Illinois Concealed Carry License, you can use the online method available on the Illinois State Police website. Alternatively, you can visit one of the four self-service kiosks located in:

– Troop 3/District 5, Lockport
– Troop 6/District 9, Springfield
– Troop 8/District 11, Collinsville
– Troop 10/District 13, DuQuoin

The cost for a renewal is $150, which is the same as the initial license fee. For non-residents, the renewal fee is $300. Illinois applies a 2.25% service fee, or a minimum of $1.00, for credit/debit card transactions. Electronic checks are accepted, but cash, paper checks, or money orders are not accepted.

To request a name or address change on your Illinois Concealed Carry License, log into the ISP website or call 217-782-7980. The fee is $75 + a service fee. Note that your name and address must match what is on your Driver’s License or State Identification card.

If your Illinois Concealed Carry License is lost, damaged, or stolen, you must notify the Illinois State Police within 10 days of discovering the loss or theft. You can request a duplicate by logging into the ISP website or calling 217-782-7980. The fee for a duplicate license is $75, plus a service fee.

Illinois does not allow you to transfer another state’s concealed carry permit or license to Illinois. You must apply for a new Illinois Concealed Carry License.

Illinois does not honor any other state’s concealed carry licenses or permits. To see the most up-to-date reciprocity information visit our concealed carry reciprocity maps.

Yes, 29 states recognize and honor Resident Illinois Concealed Carry Licenses. These states are:

 – Alabama
– Alaska
– Arizona
– Arkansas
– Florida
– Georgia
– Idaho
– Indiana
– Iowa
– Kansas
– Kentucky
– Michigan
– Minnesota
– Mississippi
– Missouri
– Montana
– Nebraska
– Nevada
– North Carolina
– Ohio
– Oklahoma
– South Carolina
– South Dakota
– Tennessee
– Texas
– Utah
– Vermont
– Virginia
– Wisconsin

To see the most up-to-date reciprocity information, please view our concealed carry reciprocity maps. When carrying in another state, you must adhere to that state’s concealed carry laws.

In Illinois, you are not required to immediately inform a law enforcement officer that you are carrying a concealed weapon during an investigative stop, such as a traffic stop. However, if the officer requests this information, you must disclose that you are carrying a concealed firearm and present your license. This requirement is outlined in 430 ILCS 66/10 (g,h, h-1), which specifies that upon the officer’s request, you must inform them of the concealed firearm, identify its location, and allow the officer to secure it for the duration of the stop if necessary.

Yes. Illinois issues Concealed Weapon Licenses to lawful permanent resident aliens that have been deemed so by Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship, and Immigration Service (USCIS).

In Illinois, the laws for carrying firearms in an automobile vary depending on your residency status and whether you have a valid permit.

Illinois Residents With a Concealed Carry License (CCL):
You can carry a loaded handgun concealed on your person or in your vehicle.

Illinois Residents Without a Concealed Carry License:
Firearms must be unloaded and enclosed in a case.

Ammunition should be stored separately from the firearm, preferably in the trunk.

Non-Residents With a Valid Permit from Their Home State:
You can carry a loaded handgun in your vehicle, including the passenger compartment or a lockable container on a motorcycle.

If you leave the vehicle unattended, the firearm must be stored in a locked vehicle or a locked container within the vehicle.

Non-Residents Without a Valid Permit:
Firearms must be unloaded, enclosed in a case, and stored in the trunk. Ammunition should also be stored separately in the trunk.

General Rules for All Individuals:

Long Guns:
Must always be unloaded and cased when in a vehicle, regardless of permit status.

Storing Firearms:
You can store a loaded handgun in a closed compartment in a locked vehicle or in a locked case out of view in the vehicle.

You can only leave your vehicle with a loaded handgun to store it in the trunk and retrieve it from the trunk right before you enter your vehicle.

“Assault Weapons” and High-Capacity Magazines:
Heavily restricted in Illinois. Non-residents can transport these through the state for no more than 24 hours if they are unloaded, cased, and separated from any ammunition.

Transporting Firearms in Hotels:
You can keep a firearm in your hotel room if there are no local ordinances against it. The firearm must be transported lawfully into the room, adhering to the rules for vehicle carry.

These guidelines ensure compliance with Illinois law while transporting firearms in a vehicle. Always check the most current laws and regulations as they can change.

In Illinois, certain places are prohibited for carrying a concealed weapon, as outlined by statute 430 ILCS 66/65. Here’s a summary of these restricted areas:

Schools: Buildings, property, and parking areas of public or private elementary or secondary schools, preschools, and childcare facilities.

Government Buildings: Buildings under control of the executive or legislative branches, court buildings, and local government buildings.

Correctional Facilities: Adult and juvenile detention or correctional institutions, prisons, or jails.

Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, mental health facilities, and nursing homes.

Public Transportation: Buses, trains, and any public transportation facilities.

Establishments Serving Alcohol: Any place where more than 50% of gross receipts are from the sale of alcohol.

Public Gatherings: Events requiring a local government permit, such as parades or festivals.

Special Licensed Events: Locations with Special Event Retailer’s licenses for selling alcohol during the event.

Public Playgrounds and Parks: Public playgrounds, parks, athletic areas, and athletic facilities.

Cook County Forest Preserves: Any real property under the control of the Cook County Forest Preserve District.

Educational Institutions: Buildings and property of public or private community colleges, colleges, or universities.

Gaming Facilities: Licensed gaming facilities and associated properties.

Sports Arenas and Stadiums: Any stadium, arena, or property under the control of such facilities.

Libraries: Public libraries.

Airports: Any airport buildings, property, and parking areas.

Amusement Parks: Any amusement park buildings, property, and parking areas.

Zoos and Museums: Any zoo or museum buildings, property, and parking areas.

Nuclear Facilities: Any area owned, leased, or controlled by a nuclear energy, storage, weapons, or development facility.

Areas Prohibited by Federal Law: Any area where firearms are prohibited under federal law.

Additional Information:

Private Property: Owners can prohibit firearms on their property by posting a sign.

Vehicle Storage: You can carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle within the parking area of a prohibited location and store it in a locked vehicle or container.

Signs: Prohibited areas must post signs at their entrances indicating that firearms are not allowed, unless it’s a private residence.

Always ensure compliance with these restrictions and check for any updates to the laws.

Illinois does not have a specific Stand Your Ground law. Instead, it follows principles similar to the Castle Doctrine, allowing the use of force in defense of one’s home. Illinois law, as outlined in 720 ILCS 5/7-1 and 720 ILCS 5/7-2, permits the use of force, including deadly force, to defend oneself or others from imminent danger or to prevent a forcible felony.

Defense of Person (720 ILCS 5/7-1): A person may use force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm. Deadly force is allowed to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm, or a forcible felony.

Defense of Dwelling (720 ILCS 5/7-2): A person may use force to prevent or stop an unlawful entry or attack on their dwelling. Deadly force is justified if the entry is violent or if necessary to prevent a felony in the dwelling.

Illinois does not impose a duty to retreat when in one’s home. However, outside the home, while Illinois does not explicitly state a duty to retreat, the justification for using force depends on the reasonable belief of imminent danger and necessity.

This approach aligns Illinois with other states that follow the principle that there is no duty to retreat within one’s home, but it does not have a broad Stand Your Ground law that applies in all places where one is lawfully present.

Yes, but with restrictions. You can carry a concealed weapon in a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol in Illinois unless it is explicitly posted as prohibited. According to Illinois law (430 ILCS 66/65):

– Carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited in any establishment where more than 50% of the establishment’s gross receipts within the prior 3 months come from the sale of alcohol.

– The establishment must post signs indicating the prohibition of firearms if they fall under this category.

Therefore, if a bar or restaurant generates less than 50% of its revenue from alcohol sales, you may carry a concealed firearm unless there are posted signs stating otherwise. If the establishment makes more than 50% of its revenue from alcohol sales, carrying a concealed firearm is prohibited, and the location must have signs posted to indicate this restriction.

You cannot consume alcohol or drugs while carrying concealed in Illinois.

A licensee shall not carry a concealed firearm while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or combination of compounds, or any combination thereof, under the standards set forth in subsection (a) of section 11-501 of the illinois vehicle code.

USA Carry always recommends not to carry a firearm while drinking alcohol.

Concealed carriers cannot go into establishments that have more than 50% of their revenue from alcohol. Any establishments that do should have a sign posted.

No, having an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card will not cause your Concealed Carry License (CCL) to be revoked nor will your application be denied. According to the Illinois State Police:

– Possessing a Medical Marijuana License, being a caregiver under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, and/or using cannabis in compliance with Illinois law will not result in the revocation of your FOID card or CCL, nor will it cause your application to be denied.

However, it is important to note that under federal law, individuals with a Medical Marijuana Card are subject to restrictions that prohibit them from acquiring or possessing firearms and ammunition. These restrictions are based on the Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. §922) and remain in effect until the revocation or relinquishment of the medical cannabis card, or until one year after the last use of cannabis, whichever is later.

Yes, Illinois has specific laws regarding “No Firearms Allowed” signs. According to 430 ILCS 66/65 and 430 ILCS 66/70:

Signage Requirements:
– Signs must be clearly and conspicuously posted at the entrance of a building, premises, or real property where firearms are prohibited.
 – The sign must be of a uniform design as established by the Illinois State Police, measuring 4 inches by 6 inches, with a depiction of a handgun in black ink with a circle around and diagonal slash across the firearm in red ink.

Legal Consequences:
 – Violating a “No Firearms Allowed” sign is a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for subsequent offenses.
 – The Illinois State Police may suspend a license for up to 6 months for a second violation and will permanently revoke a license for three or more violations of Section 65.
 – Convicted individuals are required to pay a $150 fee to the Mental Health Reporting Fund, plus any applicable court costs or fees.

Uniform Design:
 – The Illinois State Police has established rules for standardized signs, which must have a white background, no text or markings within the one-inch area surrounding the graphic design, and the required dimensions and graphic details.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Illinois State Police website and the full text of the Illinois statutes.

No, you are not required to notify the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau about an arrest or conviction. However, the Illinois State Police will automatically be notified of your arrest or conviction and will take appropriate action regarding your Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or Concealed Carry License (CCL).

Under Illinois law, specifically 430 ILCS 65/8 and 430 ILCS 66/70, the Illinois State Police has the authority to revoke or suspend your FOID card or CCL if you become ineligible to possess firearms due to certain criminal offenses or legal disqualifications. Therefore, while you are not required to inform them directly, they will receive this information through the legal system and take necessary actions.

If you move your permanent residence to another state, your Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) is no longer valid. You must surrender your Illinois CCL by mailing it back to the Firearms Services Bureau at:

Firearms Services Bureau
801 S. 7th Street, Suite 400M
Springfield, Illinois, 62703

Include a note stating that you have moved out of state and are surrendering your CCL.

If you move to a state with firearm laws that are substantially similar to Illinois, you can apply for a CCL change of address. To do this, contact the Firearms Services Bureau via email at [email protected] to have your FOID canceled. You will need to submit:

 – Your CCL from your new state
– A copy of your new state ID
– A notarized Out of State affidavit

Yes, Illinois allows concealed carry in state parks, state and national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), but with specific restrictions. Here are the details:

State Parks: Concealed carry is allowed, but not in posted buildings or playgrounds.

State and National Forests: Concealed carry is permitted, but not in posted buildings or playgrounds.

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Concealed carry is allowed, but not in posted buildings.

State Refuge and IDNR Dedicated Nature Preserves: Concealed carry is not allowed.

Roadside Rest Areas: Concealed carry is not permitted.

Illinois prohibits the open carry of firearms in public. You cannot openly carry a firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in public spaces. This includes carrying a firearm visibly on your person or in a vehicle. Only concealed carry is allowed with a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL).