Illinois requires a Concealed Carry License (CCL) to legally carry a concealed handgun in public. Unlike constitutional carry states, Illinois does not generally allow permitless concealed carry. To obtain an Illinois concealed carry license, applicants generally must be at least 21 years old, meet Illinois and federal firearm eligibility requirements, possess a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card if they are Illinois residents unless they are in the process of obtaining a valid FOID, complete a state-approved firearms training course, and pass a background investigation. Fingerprints are optional but can expedite processing. An Illinois CCL is valid for five years, but recognition of the license varies by state.
See our Full guide on: How to Get a Concealed Carry Permit
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Yes, Illinois requires a concealed carry license. If you want to legally carry a concealed handgun in Illinois, you'll generally need an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL) issued by the Illinois State Police.
Illinois does not allow general permitless concealed carry. Applicants must complete mandatory firearms training, meet eligibility requirements, and pass a background investigation before receiving a license. While the process is more involved than in many states, obtaining a CCL gives qualified license holders the legal authority to carry a concealed handgun in Illinois, subject to the state's prohibited-location laws and other restrictions.
Concealed Carry Permit Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit Available | Yes (Illinois Concealed Carry License) |
| Constitutional Carry | No |
| Open Carry | Generally not permitted for ordinary civilians |
| Minimum Age | 21 |
| Residency Requirement | Illinois residents and qualifying non-residents |
| Training Required | Yes (16 hours for most applicants) |
| Fingerprints Required | Optional, but electronic fingerprints can expedite processing |
| Application Fee | $150 for Illinois residents; $300 for qualifying non-residents |
| Permit Validity | 5 Years |
| Renewal Required | Yes |
| Non-Resident Permit Available | Yes, with limited eligibility |
How to Get an Illinois Concealed Carry Permit
Getting an Illinois Concealed Carry License generally involves these five steps:
- Verify you meet Illinois eligibility requirements.
- Complete an Illinois-approved concealed carry training course.
- Gather your required documents and FOID information, if applicable.
- Submit your online application through the Illinois State Police.
- Complete the background review and receive your license after approval.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an Illinois concealed carry license, applicants generally must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Possess a valid Illinois FOID Card if you are an Illinois resident, unless you are in the process of obtaining a valid FOID.
- Meet all federal firearm eligibility requirements.
- Complete the required concealed carry training.
- Not have disqualifying criminal convictions or other firearm prohibitions.
- Not have disqualifying mental health-related prohibitions.
- Not be subject to a qualifying protective order or other statutory firearm prohibition.
- Not have certain recent misdemeanor convictions involving physical force or violence.
- Not have certain recent DUI-related convictions.
- Not have a pending arrest warrant, prosecution, or proceeding that could result in firearm disqualification.
- Meet other state-specific eligibility requirements established by Illinois law.
Common Reasons Applications Are Denied
Applications may be denied for reasons including:
- Felony convictions.
- Certain violent misdemeanor convictions.
- Domestic violence prohibitions.
- Active protective or restraining orders that prohibit firearm possession.
- Disqualifying mental health findings or treatment.
- Certain recent DUI-related violations.
- Pending criminal matters that could result in firearm disqualification.
- False or incomplete application information.
- Failure to meet state or federal firearm eligibility requirements.
Training Requirements
Illinois has one of the country's more comprehensive concealed carry training requirements.
Most applicants must complete 16 hours of approved instruction covering:
- Firearm safety.
- Safe handling and storage.
- Illinois and federal firearm laws.
- Illinois concealed carry laws.
- Lawful interaction with law enforcement.
- Live-fire qualification.
Some prior military service members, law enforcement officers, and applicants with other qualifying firearms training may receive credit toward the training requirement. Illinois law allows qualifying applicants to receive up to 8 hours of prior-training credit.
Training Checklist
- Complete an Illinois-approved CCL course.
- Pass the live-fire qualification.
- Keep your training certificate.
- Review Illinois prohibited carry locations.
- Understand Illinois self-defense and use-of-force laws before carrying.
Application Process
Illinois applications are submitted online through the Illinois State Police Concealed Carry Licensing Program.
Applicants typically need:
- Valid FOID Card, if required for an Illinois resident.
- Valid Illinois driver's license or state identification card for Illinois residents.
- Training certificate.
- Recent photograph.
- Payment of applicable fees.
- Fingerprints, if the applicant chooses to submit them.
The Illinois State Police conducts state and federal background investigations before issuing a license.
Fingerprints are not mandatory. However, applicants who submit electronic fingerprints can generally receive faster processing than applicants who do not submit fingerprints.
Permit Costs and Processing Times
Applicants should expect:
- $150 resident application fee.
- $300 application fee for qualifying non-residents.
- Firearms training costs.
- Optional fingerprinting costs.
- Renewal fees every five years.
Processing generally takes:
- Up to 90 days when electronic fingerprints are submitted.
- Up to 120 days without fingerprints.
Delays commonly result from incomplete applications, missing documentation, or issues requiring additional background review.
Permit Renewal
Illinois concealed carry licenses are valid for five years.
To renew:
- Submit an online renewal application.
- Complete the required 3-hour renewal training.
- Pay the applicable renewal fee.
- Update personal information if necessary.
Starting the renewal process well before expiration can help prevent gaps in your license. The Illinois State Police generally sends expiration notifications before a CCL expires.
Non-Resident Permits
Illinois offers concealed carry licensing to residents of certain states that meet Illinois' requirements for substantially similar firearm laws.
The Illinois State Police currently identifies these states as qualifying for the Illinois non-resident CCL process:
Non-resident applicants must meet additional requirements, which can include holding a valid concealed carry license from their home state, completing the required Illinois-approved training, submitting the required documentation and photograph, providing residency information, and paying the $300 application fee.
Eligibility requirements and qualifying states may change, so applicants should verify current requirements through the Illinois State Police before applying.
Why Get an Illinois Concealed Carry Permit?
Because Illinois requires a license for concealed carry, obtaining a CCL is necessary if you want to legally carry a concealed handgun in Illinois, subject to prohibited-location restrictions and other applicable laws.
A valid Illinois CCL also provides a basis for carrying in other states that recognize Illinois licenses. However, recognition varies by state, and each state's laws determine whether an Illinois license holder may carry there and under what conditions.
Always verify reciprocity and local firearm laws before carrying in another state.
Common Mistakes First-Time Applicants Make
- Waiting to complete training until after beginning the application.
- Forgetting to maintain a valid FOID when required.
- Uploading incomplete documentation.
- Choosing a non-approved training provider.
- Skipping optional electronic fingerprints and potentially extending processing time.
- Assuming Illinois recognizes every out-of-state permit.
- Assuming an Illinois CCL allows carry in every location within the state.
- Failing to review Illinois prohibited carry locations.
- Waiting until travel plans are already scheduled to check another state's recognition laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois generally requires a Concealed Carry License to legally carry a concealed handgun in public.
How much does an Illinois concealed carry permit cost?
The Illinois resident application fee is $150. Qualifying non-resident applicants pay a $300 application fee. Training and optional fingerprinting costs are separate.
How long does it take to receive an Illinois CCL?
Processing can take up to 90 days when electronic fingerprints are submitted or up to 120 days without fingerprints.
Are fingerprints required?
No. Fingerprints are optional. However, submitting electronic fingerprints can expedite processing.
Can non-residents obtain an Illinois concealed carry permit?
Yes, but eligibility is limited. The Illinois State Police currently allows residents of qualifying states to apply for an Illinois non-resident Concealed Carry License. Current qualifying states include Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia.
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