FAQ
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.
Which Out-of-State residents can obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License?
The Illinois State Police sent a survey to each state to determine which of them has concealed carry laws that are substantially similar to Illinois. Currently, the only states considered to have substantially similar concealed carry laws are Hawaii, New Mexico, South Carolina and Virginia. Therefore, out of states residents of these states may obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry Permit after completing the required 16 Hour Course.
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 4 inch by 6 inch sign is available for download at https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Signage.aspx . The Illinois State Police has proposed administrative rules permitting the design and posting of a larger sign if the property owner feels the entrance to their building, premises or real property requires one. The 4 inch by 6 inch sign must be visible somewhere on the larger sign. The administrative rules proposed by the Illinois State Police also permit the larger sign to include additional language. The proposed administrative rules have been filed with the Illinois Secretary of State pursuant to the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and will be subject to a hearing before JCAR in December 2013.
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 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 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. (Illinois Residents)
- 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.
Do I need to take a refresher course to renew my Concealed Carry License?
Yes. You must take the 3 Hour refresher course.
When should I take my refresher course and renew my Concealed Carry License?
Renewal class MUST be taken before your license expires. If you submit your renewal application prior to expiration, your card will remain in an ACTIVE status while ISP process your application.
NOTE: If you allow your card to expire, you will need to retake the 16 hour training all over again.
What must you do if your FOID card is due to expire before your Concealed Carry License?
Your FOID card must be current for your Concealed Carry License to remain active.
If you allow your FOID card to expire, your Concealed Carry License will be revoked by Illinois State Police.
DISCLAIMER: Answers provided to the following questions are meant only to give general guidance. The answers do not and are not meant to replace statutory language.
