Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 Information?

Attention: CCL and FOID card holders seeking renewal. CCL and FOID card renewals continue to remain valid under emergency rules filed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency rule providing for the 18-month extension of FOID card and CCL renewals went into effect on September 3, 2020, replacing the previous 12-month extension. The ISP Firearms Services Bureau encourages FOID cardholders and CCL holders to keep a copy of their confirmation from their submitted renewal application as additional verification of compliance.

  • Click here to see the numbers for the processing of FOID and CCL cards, or at least what they are reporting.
  • How will Illinois State Police (ISP) officers and local law enforcement respond to citizens who are carrying weapons?

    The ISP will continue to enforce the law in effect. Persons who carry firearms without a Concealed Carry License issued by the ISP are subject to arrest.

    Who needs an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

    Everyone who wants to carry a concealed firearm on his/her person in Illinois is required to have an Illinois Concealed Carry License except current peace officers and retired police officers eligible under a federally approved retired officer concealed carry program such as the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry (IROCC) Program. Retired officers may be eligible to carry under either the IROCC Program or the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66).

    What is the penalty for carrying a weapon without a valid CCL?

    Generally, an Unlawful Use of Weapons first offense is a Class A Misdemeanor and a second or subsequent offense is a Class 3 Felony; however, there are penalty enhancements for certain locations (for example on or within 1,000 feet of any school, public park, courthouse, public transportation facility, or residential public housing). Further, an Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons first offense is a Class 4 Felony and a second or subsequent offense is a Class 2 Felony.

    Are out-of-state Concealed Carry permit holders granted reciprocity in Illinois?

    No. Out-of-state residents who want to carry a concealed firearm on their person must obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License to lawfully carry a concealed firearm in Illinois. In order for out-of-state residents to be eligible for an Illinois license, their state's concealed carry license laws must be substantially similar to those of Illinois. The Illinois State Police will establish rules to identify the elements necessary to meet the substantially similar requirement.

    Out of state residents are granted a limited exception to lawfully carry a concealed firearm within a vehicle if they are eligible to carry a firearm in public under the laws of their state or territory of residence and are not prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm under federal law. This rule became effective immediately.

    If the non-resident leaves his/her vehicle unattended, he or she shall store the firearm within a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 65 of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act.

    Will Illinois Concealed Carry License holders have reciprocity in other states?

    This will be determined by the laws of the 49 other states. Illinois Concealed Carry License holders who want to conceal and carry in other states are responsible for researching the state laws to where they are traveling.

    Will persons be allowed to open carry?

    No. A handgun carried on or about a person must be concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle.

    Where can business owners or property owners obtain information about required signage?

    The ISP will establish administrative rules consistent with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Updates will be posted to the ISP webpage as information about the rule making process becomes available.

    What is the parking lot exemption for CCL holders in prohibited places?

    Notwithstanding any prohibition to the contrary - except those pertaining to property regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission or where firearms are prohibited under federal law, any licensee prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm into the parking area of a prohibited location shall be permitted to carry a concealed firearm on or about his or her person within a vehicle into the parking area and may store a firearm or ammunition concealed in a case within a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view within the vehicle in the parking area. A licensee may carry a concealed firearm in the immediate area surrounding his or her vehicle within a prohibited parking lot area only for the limited purpose of storing or retrieving a firearm within the vehicles trunk , provided the licensee ensures the concealed firearm is unloaded prior to exiting the vehicle.

    What is the cost for an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

    $150 for 5 years for Illinois residents $300 for 5 years for out-of-state residents

    How does a citizen apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

    The ISP will make applications available to the public by January 5, 2014. The ISP intends to have applications available via the ISP webpage. Additional information regarding the application and fingerprinting process will be added to this website at the time applications are made available.

    How long will it take a citizen to obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

    Upon receipt of a qualified application, the ISP shall issue or deny the applicant an Illinois Concealed Carry License within 90 days, provided the applicant submits a full set of fingerprints in electronic format. If fingerprints are not submitted in electronic format, the ISP is granted an additional 30 days to complete a manual background check. In all cases, law enforcement agencies will have 30 days to file an objection once an application is received.

    What are the qualifications for an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

    The applicant must: Be at least 21 years of age Have a valid FOID card (if an Illinois resident) 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 5 years 2 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 5 years Not be the subject of a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification Not have been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the last 5 years Submit a completed Concealed Carry License application Successfully complete 16 hours of firearms training, including classroom and range instruction.

    What type of firearm will I be allowed to carry concealed?

    A "Concealed firearm" is defined as a handgun.

    "Handgun" means any device which is designed to expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of an explosion, expansion of gas, or escape of gas that is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand.

    "Handgun" does not include:" A stun gun or taser; A machine gun as defined in item (i) of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012; A short-barreled rifle or shotgun as defined in item (ii) of paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 Any pneumatic gun, spring gun, paint ball gun, or B-B gun which expels a single globular projectile not exceeding .18 inch in diameter, or which has a maximum muzzle velocity of less than 700 feet per second, or which expels breakable paint balls containing washable marking colors.

    What is public storage?

    Public Storage is intended to cover instances where applicants are asked or have a need to store their weapon in a private business. For example, storage in a locker at the gym or in a hotel room.

    What is dry fire draw from concealment and why is it required?

    It is just like live fire draw from concealment only without the live round and is intended to afford applicants the opportunity to become proficient at safe weapons handling.

    When will ISP begin posting a list of approved curriculum on its website?

    The ISP will begin posting a list of approved curriculum on its website as soon as the first curriculum is reviewed and approved.

    Once the curriculum is listed as approved, must it be taught by an approved instructor in order for the applicants to get credit for the training?

    Yes, generally speaking, approved curriculum must be taught by an approved instructor. There is an exception for people who qualify for up to 8 hours of credit for prior training, which is explained in further detail within the Training Questions.

    Where can citizens obtain firearms training?

    On August 30, 2013, the ISP began approval of certified firearms instructors and firearm training courses. A registry of approved instructors is available on the ISP webpage and will be updated as additional instructors are approved. A list of approved courses will be available on the ISP webpage as soon as the curriculum is approved. There are currently no approved courses.

    PLEASE NOTE: On-duty ISP officers will NOT provide training to citizens, nor will ISP ranges be used.

    What does the firearms training course consist of?

    The required 16-hour firearms training course will include range qualification time and shall cover the following: Firearms Safety Instruction - a minimum of two (2) classroom hours; Basic Principles of Marksmanship Instruction - a minimum of three (3) classroom and range hours; Care, Cleaning , Loading and Unloading of a Concealable Firearm Instruction- a minimum of three (3) classroom hours; All applicable State and Federal Laws Relating to the Ownership, Storage, Carry and Transportation of a Firearm Instruction- a minimum of four (4) classroom hours; and Weapons Handling - a minimum of four (4) range hours All applicants must pass a live fire exercise with a concealable firearm consisting of: A minimum of 30 rounds 10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards, 10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards, and 10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards at a B-27 silhouette target approved by the ISP.

    Is anyone exempt from the training requirements in the Act?

    Yes, a person who is (i) qualified to carry a firearm as an active law enforcement officer, (ii) certified as a firearms instructor by the Act or by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, or (iii) has completed the required training and has been issued a firearm control card (FCC or Tan Card) by the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall be exempt from the training requirements in the Act.

    Who can get credit for up to 8 hours of prior training (from either previous courses or experience)?

    Active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces shall be considered to have completed 8 hours of the 16 hour training requirement and applicants who have completed a training course that is approved by the Department and recognized under the laws of another state may get up to 8 hours of training toward the 16 hour training requirement.

    What information/documentation will veterans need to provide to receive credit for 8 hours of training?

    A copy of their DD-214.

    Who decides whether to give credit for prior training and how much to give?

    Approved Instructors. In an effort to give instructors greater discretion regarding the proficiency of their students, this decision will be made by the individual instructors. The Department will provide a list of approved curriculum to assist individual instructors with this decision.

    If a person receives up to 8 hours of credit, what are they required to take in addition to fulfill the 16 hour training requirement under the Act?

    Any remaining hours that the applicant completes must at least cover applicable State and Federal Laws Relating to the Ownership, Storage, Carry and Transportation of a Firearm Instruction as well as Weapons Handling.

    Can an applicant take 8 hours from one instructor and another 8 hours from another instructor?

    Yes, so long as all of the training was based upon approved curriculum and they cover all of the subjects required by the 16 hour curriculum.

    Is everyone required to go through exactly the same (or a cookie cutter) program?

    No. The ISP encourages the instructors to teach to proficiency. Minimum hours of instruction have been included as a guide to ensure proficiency; however, the exact make-up of the training will be at the discretion of the individual instructors.

    Do the instructors have any discretion on how to teach based upon the skill level of the applicant?

    Yes. See the answer above.

    Why are there time lines established in the ISP rules regarding the training required?

    The time lines established are geared to ensure novice shooters are given a broad base of varied disciplines but are written as minimums to ensure proficiency for all applicants regardless of skill set.

    Do applicants have to own their own equipment before they can take a training class?

    No. That is between the applicant and the instructor they select.