Illinois operates a structured licensing system that requires most residents to obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) before carrying a concealed handgun in public. Unlike the 29 states with permitless carry, Illinois maintains "shall-issue" licensing administered by the Illinois State Police under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66).
This guide addresses Illinois-specific licensing procedures, prohibited carry locations that include parking area provisions many carriers misunderstand, and the non-resident vehicle transport rule frequently confused with reciprocity. Whether you're applying for your first CCL or verifying current restrictions, understanding Illinois' detailed statutory framework prevents costly legal mistakes.
State concealed carry laws change through legislation and court decisions. This guide reflects statutes as documented but should not replace consultation with legal counsel or verification with the Illinois State Police.
Is Concealed Carry Legal in Illinois?
Illinois is a shall-issue state for concealed carry. The Firearm Concealed Carry Act authorizes concealed carry only with a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License, subject to extensive location restrictions and other statutory limits.
Residents must possess an Illinois CCL to carry a concealed firearm on or about their person in public. Limited exceptions exist for specific in-vehicle transport scenarios, but these do not authorize general public carry without licensing.
The minimum age for an Illinois CCL is 21 years. Applicants must also maintain a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card, which has separate eligibility requirements under Illinois law.
Illinois does not have permitless carry. Carrying a concealed firearm without a valid CCL, outside the narrow statutory exceptions, violates Illinois criminal law even if you hold a concealed carry permit from another state.
Concealed Carry Permits in Illinois
Illinois issues one permit type: the Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL).
The Illinois State Police serves as the issuing authority for all CCL applications. Applications, renewals, and status checks are processed through the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau.
Training Requirements
Applicants must complete 16 hours of concealed carry firearms training through an Illinois State Police-approved instructor. This requirement is non-negotiable for new license applications.
Training must cover firearm safety, basic marksmanship principles, care and cleaning of concealable firearms, Illinois and federal laws regarding ownership and transport, and lawful interaction with law enforcement while carrying. Classroom instruction alone is insufficient.
Live fire qualification is mandatory. Applicants must fire 30 rounds total: 10 rounds from 5 yards, 10 rounds from 7 yards, and 10 rounds from 10 yards at an Illinois State Police-approved target. A certified instructor must verify passing performance.
Military members (active, retired, or honorably discharged) may apply up to 8 hours of prior training toward the 16-hour requirement. Training completed in other states may count for up to 8 hours if approved by Illinois State Police and recognized under that state's laws.
Renewals require only 3 hours of approved training, significantly less than the initial application.
Validity Period
Illinois Concealed Carry Licenses remain valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. The Illinois State Police notifies licensees 180 days before expiration with renewal instructions.
Renewals require a new background check, updated training certificate, and payment of fees. The renewal process does not restart the 16-hour training requirement - only 3 hours of approved training is needed for renewal applications.
Resident vs Non-Resident Licensing
Illinois does not operate traditional reciprocity. Instead, Illinois allows non-resident CCL applications exclusively from residents of states Illinois State Police has determined have "substantially similar" firearm laws.
Non-resident applicants face additional requirements beyond resident applications. These include providing an electronic copy of their valid home-state concealed carry license, submitting a notarized affidavit documenting eligibility under state and federal law, acknowledging Illinois State Police and court jurisdiction, and confirming they meet Illinois mental health standards for firearm possession.
Non-residents pay $300 for applications and renewals, double the resident fee of $150.
The definition of "non-resident" under Illinois law is specific: a person who has not resided in Illinois for more than 30 days and resides in another state or territory.
What Illinois CCL Actually Requires
A valid FOID Card is required for all resident CCL applicants. Non-residents must provide documentation showing they meet FOID eligibility standards even though they cannot obtain a FOID Card themselves.
Disqualifying factors include: misdemeanor convictions involving physical force or violence within the past 5 years, two or more DUI-related violations within the past 5 years, pending arrest warrants or prosecutions for disqualifying offenses, residential or court-ordered substance abuse treatment within the past 5 years, any felony conviction, and adjudication as a mental defective or involuntary commitment for mental health treatment.
Law enforcement agencies may object to any application based on reasonable suspicion the applicant poses a danger to themselves, others, or public safety. If an applicant has 5 or more arrests within 7 years (or 3 or more gang-related arrests), the Illinois State Police automatically submits the application to the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board for evaluation.
These objections toll the standard 90-day processing period until the Board issues its decision.
Where Concealed Carry Is Prohibited in Illinois
Illinois maintains one of the most detailed prohibited-location lists in the country under 430 ILCS 66/65. Understanding these restrictions requires attention to three critical elements: which locations are prohibited, how parking area carve-outs function, and when signage carries force of law.
Statutory Prohibited Locations
The Firearm Concealed Carry Act prohibits licensees from carrying in or onto numerous enumerated locations. Many of these prohibitions extend beyond the building itself to include the entire real property and parking areas.
Prohibited locations include:
any building or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of government;
any building designated for matters before a circuit court, appellate court, or the Supreme Court; any public or private school building, grounds, function, or transportation (pre-K through secondary);
any college or university building, grounds, or property (public or private), unless the college or university permits firearms by policy;
any playground, park, or athletic facility under control of a municipality or park district;
all child care facilities and their grounds; gaming facilities licensed under Illinois law and their parking areas;
stadiums and specific entertainment venues;
libraries and their parking areas;
airports (beyond TSA checkpoints);
amusement parks and zoos;
bars or restaurants where over 50% of gross receipts derive from alcohol sales;
any portion of a building designated by a municipality as an "off-limits area" for children under 21 after specific hours; and healthcare facilities, mental health facilities, and nursing homes.
Additional prohibitions apply to public transportation vehicles including buses, trains, and school buses. Private residences posted against firearms are also prohibited.
The Parking Area Carve-Out
Illinois law includes a critical exception that many concealed carriers overlook. For many prohibited locations, Section 65 allows a licensee to have their firearm in a vehicle within the parking area of that prohibited location.
The parking provision permits: entering the parking area with the firearm secured in the vehicle, storing the firearm in a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view, and limited on-foot movement in the immediate area around the vehicle solely to store or retrieve the firearm from the trunk.
This carve-out does not authorize carrying into the prohibited building or wandering through the parking lot with a firearm. Its purpose is allowing secure vehicle storage while accessing prohibited locations.
The parking carve-out applies to most but not all prohibited locations. Careful reading of Section 65 reveals which prohibitions include parking area language and which extend to all property regardless of vehicle storage.
Public Right-of-Way Rule
Illinois law also addresses travel along public rights-of-way that touch or cross prohibited premises. A licensee may carry through such areas if the firearm is carried or transported in compliance with the Concealed Carry Act and they're merely traveling through rather than accessing the prohibited location.
Signage Force of Law
Private businesses may prohibit concealed carry through properly posted signage. Illinois law gives these signs legal force.
Section 65 requires signs to be "clearly and conspicuously posted" at entrances of prohibited areas, with an exception for private residences. The statute specifies that signs must indicate carrying of firearms is prohibited.
Violations of posted prohibitions can result in trespass charges and CCL revocation proceedings. Illinois courts and law enforcement treat compliant signage as creating an enforceable prohibition under the Act's framework, not merely as a request.
Concealed Carry Reciprocity in Illinois
Illinois does not participate in traditional concealed carry reciprocity agreements. The state does not broadly "honor" or "recognize" concealed carry permits issued by other states.
Non-Resident Application Pathway
Instead of reciprocity, Illinois provides a pathway for non-residents from specific states to apply for Illinois non-resident CCLs. This is available only to residents of states the Illinois State Police has determined have "substantially similar" firearm ownership, possession, and carrying laws.
The "substantially similar" determination is made by Illinois State Police rule (20 Il. Admin. Code 1231.10). States not deemed substantially similar cannot apply for Illinois non-resident CCLs, and their residents have no ability to carry concealed in Illinois through permit recognition.
Non-Resident Vehicle Transport Rule
A separate provision often confused with reciprocity addresses non-resident vehicle transport. Illinois law states that nothing in the Firearm Concealed Carry Act prohibits a non-resident from transporting a concealed firearm within their vehicle in Illinois if the firearm remains in the vehicle and certain conditions are met.
If the vehicle is left unattended, the firearm must be stored in a locked vehicle or locked container consistent with Section 65(b). This rule does not authorize non-residents to carry firearms on foot outside the vehicle or to enter buildings while armed.
This vehicle transport provision is not equivalent to an Illinois carry license and does not generally permit on-foot carry in public places.
Illinois Permits Recognized Elsewhere
Whether other states recognize Illinois CCLs depends entirely on each state's reciprocity statutes, not Illinois law. Illinois has no control over which states choose to honor Illinois licenses.
Many states with restrictive carry laws do not recognize Illinois CCLs. States with permitless carry may allow Illinois CCL holders to carry under their permitless provisions, though some impose their own location restrictions on non-residents even in permitless carry states.
Illinois CCL holders planning to carry in other states must independently research each destination state's laws regarding out-of-state permit recognition.
Federal Restrictions That Still Apply in Illinois
Having an Illinois CCL does not exempt carriers from federal firearms restrictions. Several federal prohibitions override state licensing.
The Gun-Free School Zones Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(q)) makes it a federal crime to possess a firearm in a school zone, with limited exceptions for valid state licenses. While Illinois law addresses school carry prohibition, the federal prohibition exists independently and may apply even where state law creates exceptions.
Federal facilities operate under federal regulations that generally prohibit firearms regardless of state licensing. This includes federal courthouses, federal office buildings, post offices (18 U.S.C. § 930), and federally controlled properties. Even with a valid Illinois CCL, entering these locations armed violates federal law.
Federal law also prohibits firearms on federal lands managed by certain agencies. National parks now allow carry where state law permits, but other federal lands may maintain their own restrictions. Carriers must verify regulations for specific federal properties they intend to access.
Interstate travel with concealed firearms requires understanding both destination state laws and federal safe-passage provisions. The Firearm Owners Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 926A) provides limited protection for interstate transport, but this protection does not extend to concealed carry - it applies only to securing firearms during travel through states where possession would otherwise be illegal.
Recent Legal Changes or Trends
Illinois concealed carry law has seen targeted updates since the Firearm Concealed Carry Act's 2013 adoption.
2021 Legislative Amendments
Public Act 102-538 (effective August 20, 2021) modified Section 40 governing non-resident applications and vehicle transport. The amendment history shown in the Illinois Compiled Statutes reflects this recent change to non-resident licensing procedures.
House Bill 562, enacted in 2021, authorized the Illinois State Police to develop an electronic CCL display system. This allows licensees to present their CCL via mobile telephone or other portable electronic device, provided the electronic version contains security features the State Police determines necessary.
Also in 2021, Illinois enacted provisions requiring the State Police to coordinate FOID Card and CCL renewal timelines. If a person holds both licenses but the FOID Card expires first, both remain valid and the State Police may automatically renew the FOID Card unless they have reason to believe the person has become ineligible.
The same legislation required Illinois State Police to continuously monitor relevant state and federal databases for "firearms prohibitors" such as criminal history and court records, and to correlate those records with CCL holder records to ensure ongoing eligibility.
Pending and Proposed Legislation
House Bill 1043 (introduced for the 2025-2026 legislative session) proposes reducing the minimum CCL age from 21 to 18, along with related FOID Card age modifications. As an introduced bill, HB 1043 is not current law unless enacted, but its introduction signals ongoing legislative interest in age-based carry restrictions.
No recent Illinois Supreme Court or federal court decisions have fundamentally altered the concealed carry licensing framework established in 2013, though individual provisions continue facing litigation.
Common Misunderstandings About Concealed Carry in Illinois
Several misconceptions about Illinois concealed carry law persist among licensees and non-residents.
"My out-of-state concealed carry permit allows me to carry in Illinois."
Illinois does not operate traditional reciprocity. The state provides a non-resident application pathway exclusively for residents of states the Illinois State Police has determined have "substantially similar" laws. An out-of-state permit alone does not authorize concealed carry in Illinois.
"If a location is prohibited, I can't have my gun anywhere on the property, even locked in my car."
Section 65 contains a parking area carve-out for many prohibited locations. This provision allows licensees to enter the parking area with the firearm secured in their vehicle and to store it in a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view, with limited on-foot movement solely to store or retrieve from the trunk. While not applicable to every prohibited location, this carve-out is broader than many carriers realize.
"Posted 'no guns' signs in Illinois are just suggestions - private property owners can't enforce them."
Illinois law requires prohibited-area signage to be clearly and conspicuously posted at entrances (except private residences), and compliant posting is part of how the Act operationalizes prohibited areas. Violating properly posted prohibitions can result in criminal trespass charges and CCL revocation proceedings. These signs carry legal force under Illinois law, unlike in some states where signage lacks statutory enforcement mechanisms.
"The non-resident vehicle transport rule means I can carry concealed in Illinois if I'm just driving through."
The non-resident vehicle transport provision permits transporting a concealed firearm within the vehicle under specific conditions, but this does not authorize on-foot carry outside the vehicle or entering buildings while armed. It is not equivalent to a carry license and does not permit general public carry.
"Having a FOID Card is the same as having a CCL."
A FOID Card is required to purchase and possess firearms in Illinois but does not authorize concealed carry. Concealed carry requires a separate Illinois Concealed Carry License with its own application process, training requirements, and restrictions.
Practical Notes for Concealed Carriers in Illinois
Understanding Illinois concealed carry law extends beyond memorizing prohibited locations.
Interaction with Law Enforcement
Illinois training requirements specifically include instruction on lawful interaction with law enforcement while carrying. When stopped by law enforcement, Illinois CCL holders should immediately inform the officer they are licensed and currently carrying. Follow the officer's instructions precisely regarding how to handle the firearm during the encounter.
Keep your physical or electronic CCL readily accessible. If presenting an electronic version via mobile device, inform the officer before reaching for the device to avoid creating officer safety concerns.
Parking Area Storage Realities
While Section 65's parking carve-out provides legal authority to store firearms in vehicles at many prohibited locations, carriers must still comply with vehicle storage requirements: the firearm must be in a locked vehicle or locked container, out of plain view, and the limited on-foot movement exception applies only to storing or retrieving from the trunk.
This provision does not authorize wandering through parking lots while armed, nor does it apply to every prohibited location. Carriers should verify whether specific locations they frequent include the parking area provision in Section 65's language.
Documentation Retention
Maintain copies of your training certificates even after receiving your CCL. If your instructor's certification is later revoked by Illinois State Police, you may need to submit replacement training documentation to avoid license complications.
Keep renewal timelines visible. Illinois State Police notifies licensees 180 days before expiration, but processing delays can occur. Initiating renewal early prevents gaps in licensure.
FOID Card Coordination
Illinois CCL holders must maintain valid FOID Cards throughout the CCL validity period. If a FOID Card is revoked or denied (not merely expired), the CCL must generally be revoked as well.
The 2021 coordination provisions mean licensees holding both cards with staggered expiration dates no longer face automatic CCL suspension if the FOID Card expires first, provided Illinois State Police has no reason to believe eligibility has changed. However, letting either card lapse still creates legal complications.
How Hard Is It to Get a CCL in Illinois?
Obtaining an Illinois Concealed Carry License requires meeting strict eligibility standards, completing substantial training, and navigating a multi-month processing timeline.
The 16-hour training requirement is among the highest in the nation. Coupled with live fire qualification and instructor certification, the training alone represents significant time and cost investment. Finding Illinois State Police-approved instructors and scheduling courses adds logistical complexity, particularly in less-populated areas of the state.
Background check processes can be lengthy. Illinois State Police conducts comprehensive reviews of federal, state, and local records. If law enforcement agencies file objections or if an application involves multiple prior arrests, the review period extends further as the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board evaluates the objection.
Initial application fees of $150 for residents ($300 for non-residents) do not include training costs, which vary but typically range from $200-$400 depending on the instructor and course format.
Processing times fluctuate based on application volume and background check complexity. The statutory framework allows up to 90 days for processing, tolled if law enforcement objects to the application. Incomplete applications or missing documentation extend timelines further.
Despite these requirements, Illinois operates a "shall-issue" system. Meeting statutory qualifications obligates Illinois State Police to issue the license, absent law enforcement objections sustained by the Review Board.
Can I Legally Carry a Gun in My Car in Illinois?
Carrying a gun in a vehicle in Illinois depends on several factors: whether you have an Illinois CCL, whether you're a resident or non-resident, and how the firearm is transported.
For Illinois CCL holders: Licensed carriers may transport loaded, concealed firearms in their vehicles throughout Illinois, subject to the same location restrictions that apply to on-person carry. If parking in a prohibited location with the parking carve-out provision, the firearm must remain secured in the vehicle, stored in a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view.
For non-residents without Illinois CCLs: The non-resident vehicle transport rule permits transporting a concealed firearm within the vehicle if the firearm remains in the vehicle and is stored according to Section 65(b) requirements when the vehicle is left unattended. This provision does not authorize exiting the vehicle while armed or carrying into buildings.
For anyone without proper licensing: Illinois law allows transporting firearms in vehicles under narrow circumstances: the firearm must be unloaded and enclosed in a case, the person must possess a valid FOID Card (or meet FOID Card requirements for non-residents), and the firearm cannot be immediately accessible. This is transport, not carry, and does not permit loaded, accessible firearms.
Understanding which category applies to your situation is critical. An Illinois CCL provides the broadest vehicle carry authority. Non-residents relying on the vehicle transport rule face restrictions CCL holders do not. Operating outside these frameworks risks serious legal consequences.
Can I Carry a Gun in Illinois with a FOID Card?
No. A Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card authorizes possession and purchase of firearms in Illinois but does not authorize concealed carry in public.
The FOID Card and Illinois Concealed Carry License are separate licensing systems with distinct purposes. While a valid FOID Card is required to obtain an Illinois CCL (for residents), having the FOID Card alone does not grant concealed carry privileges.
Carrying a concealed firearm in public without an Illinois CCL, regardless of FOID Card status, violates Illinois criminal statutes. Limited exceptions exist for specific transport scenarios in vehicles or on private property with permission, but these do not constitute general carry authorization.
Applicants seeking concealed carry authority must complete the full CCL application process, including 16 hours of approved training, live fire qualification, background checks, and payment of CCL-specific fees. FOID Card possession is a prerequisite for resident CCL applications, not a substitute.
What Are the New Gun Laws in Illinois?
Illinois firearm laws undergo regular modification through legislative action and regulatory updates. Recent changes between 2021 and 2025 include electronic CCL display authorization, FOID and CCL renewal coordination provisions, and enhanced database monitoring requirements for firearms prohibitors.
The 2021 amendments addressing non-resident applications (Public Act 102-538) and electronic license display (House Bill 562) represent the most recent substantial modifications to the concealed carry framework. Additional changes to related firearms statutes outside the Concealed Carry Act may affect CCL holders indirectly.
Proposed legislation like House Bill 1043 (reducing the minimum CCL age to 18) remains pending and does not constitute current law. Other proposals addressing training requirements, prohibited locations, or fee structures appear in legislative sessions but require enactment before taking effect.
Illinois State Police occasionally updates administrative rules governing CCL instructor certification, training course approval, and substantially similar state determinations for non-resident applications. These regulatory changes can affect application procedures and requirements even without statutory modification.
Carriers should monitor Illinois General Assembly legislative activity and Illinois State Police announcements for changes affecting concealed carry. Laws that were accurate at one time can change without advance notice to existing licensees.
Disclaimer: This guide provides an overview of Illinois concealed carry laws for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed carry laws change through legislation, court decisions, and regulatory updates. Requirements, restrictions, and procedures described here may not reflect the most current law or may be interpreted differently by courts or law enforcement. Always verify current Illinois concealed carry requirements with the Illinois State Police or qualified legal counsel before making decisions about firearms carry. Compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws is your responsibility.
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