Illinois concealed carry laws are among the most comprehensive and regulated in the United States. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering carrying a concealed firearm in Illinois:
Key Requirements for Obtaining a Concealed Carry License (CCL)
Age: You must be at least 21 years old.
Residency: Illinois residents must have a valid Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID).
Training: You must complete a 16-hour firearms training course from a state-approved instructor, including live-fire exercises.
Background Check: Applicants must pass a background check and not be prohibited under federal or state law from possessing firearms.
Application Process: Apply through the Illinois State Police, providing proof of training, a photo, fingerprints (recommended for faster processing), and pay the application fee (currently $150 for residents).
License Validity: The CCL is valid for five years.
Non-Residents
Limited Non-Resident Licenses: Non-resident concealed carry licenses are only available to residents of states with substantially similar requirements: Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia.
Reciprocity: As of 2025, Illinois recognizes concealed carry permits from states with substantially similar training requirements or from any contiguous state under certain conditions, but only for non-residents aged 21 or older with a valid permit.
Carrying in Illinois: Non-residents must carry both their valid out-of-state permit and a government-issued photo ID while carrying in Illinois.
Restrictions and Prohibited Locations
Open Carry: Open carry of handguns is illegal in Illinois.
Prohibited Places: Even with a valid CCL, you cannot carry concealed firearms in schools, government buildings, childcare facilities, establishments where alcohol sales make up more than 50% of gross receipts, public transportation, parks (in some cases), healthcare facilities, gaming facilities, and private property where the owner has posted signage prohibiting firearms.
Vehicles: You may carry a concealed handgun in your vehicle with a valid CCL. Non-residents may also transport a loaded concealed handgun in their vehicle if they have a valid permit from their home state, but must store the firearm in a locked container if the vehicle is unattended.
Additional Regulations
Magazine Capacity: Illinois law restricts handgun magazines to 15 rounds for most users, with exceptions for those who legally owned higher-capacity magazines before the ban.
Armor-Piercing Ammunition: Possession of armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited.
Duty to Inform: There is no duty to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a concealed firearm unless asked.
Red Flag Law: Illinois has a red flag law, allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.
State Preemption: State law preempts most local regulations regarding concealed carry, ensuring uniform standards across Illinois.
Summary Table
| Requirement/Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| FOID Card | Required for residents |
| Training | 16 hours, including live-fire |
| Application Fee | $150 (residents) |
| License Validity | 5 years |
| Non-Resident Licenses | Limited to select states |
| Open Carry | Illegal |
| Prohibited Locations | Schools, government buildings, bars, public transit, etc. |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds (handguns) |
| Duty to Inform | Not required unless asked |
Important Notes
Always check for the most current information on the Illinois State Police website, as laws and reciprocity agreements can change.
Violating concealed carry laws can result in criminal charges, fines, and loss of your license.
Illinois concealed carry laws are designed to ensure public safety while allowing responsible, trained individuals to carry firearms for self-defense.
Sources:
- https://www.usacarry.com/illinois-concealed-carry/
- https://github.com/universityofguns/laws/blob/main/concealed-carry-laws/Illinois-Concealed-Carry.md
- https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/il-gun-laws/
- https://handgunlaw.us/states/illinois.pdf