How to Apply for a Concealed Carry Permit in Illinois

Application Process for Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL)

Overview

Illinois requires a Concealed Carry License (CCL) to legally carry a concealed firearm. Illinois does not have constitutional/permitless carry - a license is mandatory. Before applying for a CCL, applicants must first possess a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) Card, which is a prerequisite for legally possessing firearms or ammunition in Illinois.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is the issuing authority for both the FOID card and the CCL, per 430 ILCS 66/10.

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Step 1: Obtain a FOID Card (Prerequisite)

Before applying for a CCL, you must have a valid FOID card. Key details for the FOID application:

• Eligibility: Illinois residents must have a FOID card to legally possess firearms or ammunition.
• Application Method: Apply online through the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website at ispfsb.com.
• Required Information: Full name, date of birth, street address of residence, Driver's License or Identification Card number, and a color photograph (recently taken, head and shoulders, no obstruction of facial features, no digital alterations).
• Age Requirement: Applicants under 21 years of age may apply but must have a parent or legal guardian as a sponsor. The parent or legal guardian must be eligible for a FOID card, must sign a notarized affidavit, and attach it to the application. The minor applicant must sign the application themselves; a parent cannot sign on their behalf. If the minor cannot sign, a copy of the applicant's birth certificate is required.
• Non-U.S. Citizens: Must provide an Alien Registration Number, I-94 Admission Number, or USCIS Number. Persons in the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa are generally not eligible for a FOID card, subject to a narrow exception.
• Active Duty Military: May apply without charge (fee waived) by providing a copy of their Military ID during the application process.
• Out-of-State Military Stationed in Illinois: May apply by providing base information, military assignment orders, U.S. Military ID, and a completed Out of State Affidavit.
• Out-of-State Residents (Law Enforcement/Armed Security): Non-residents who work in Illinois in law enforcement or armed security roles requiring a firearm may apply by submitting the ISP Out of State Affidavit, Employment Requirement Certification, and a copy of their out-of-state driver's license.
• Alternative Application Methods: Paper applications are available by calling the Firearms Services Bureau Call Center at (217) 782-7980, but are only accepted from applicants who can demonstrate they are unable to apply online or at a kiosk due to a religious exemption or a disability (with appropriate documentation from sources such as the Social Security Administration, Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, U.S. Department of Defense, an authorized insurer, or a licensed physician/healthcare provider).
• Amish/Religious Exemption from Photo Requirement: May apply through the alternative call-in method or by visiting an FSB kiosk at an ISP Troop headquarters. These applicants must provide fingerprints using an ISP-approved fingerprint card.
• Medical Cannabis: Possession of a Medical Marijuana License will not result in FOID card revocation or application denial under Illinois law. However, federal law (18 U.S.C. §922, Gun Control Act of 1968) prohibits acquiring or possessing firearms and ammunition for medical cannabis users, and these restrictions remain in effect until revocation/relinquishment of the medical cannabis card or one year after last cannabis use, whichever is later.

Automatic FOID Renewal (Effective January 1, 2023)

Beginning January 1, 2023, upon a Firearms Transaction Inquiry Program (FTIP) approval, the ISP will automatically renew a person's FOID card if the individual has submitted a full set of fingerprints to ISP specifically for their FOID card or CCL. The FOID card will remain active for 10 years from the date of the FTIP approval, so long as the cardholder is not subject to revocation or suspension under the Firearm Owner's Identification Card Act (430 ILCS 65). As of January 1, 2022, new FOID cards no longer include issuance or expiration dates.

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Step 2: Complete Required Firearms Training

Applicants must complete the required training and obtain a training certificate before applying for a CCL. Per the ISP FAQ, if a person submits a CCL application without a training certificate, the ISP will reject the application (rejection is not a denial - it means the submission is incomplete). The applicant is given 60 days to submit the missing training certificate. If the certificate is not provided within 60 days, the application will be denied, and the applicant must pay another fee and resubmit a complete application.

(Note: Specific training hour requirements and curriculum details are established under 430 ILCS 66/75 but are not addressed in the available sources for this section.)

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Step 3: Apply for the Concealed Carry License

How to Apply

• Online Application: Apply through the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website at ispfsb.com. The website is mobile-device friendly.
• Photo Requirement: Applicants must submit a photograph taken within the past 30 days. The Live Scan photo taken as part of the fingerprint process may not be used as the photo submission - a separate photo is required.

Eligibility Requirements (per 430 ILCS 66/10(a))

The ISP shall issue a CCL to an applicant who:

1. Meets the qualifications of Section 25 of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act;
2. Has provided the application and documentation required in Section 30 of the Act;
3. Has submitted the requisite fees; and
4. Does not pose a danger to himself, herself, or others, or a threat to public safety as determined by the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board in accordance with Section 20.

• Individuals with physical disabilities are eligible to apply for and receive a CCL if they meet the qualifications - there is no exemption from the standards for people with physical disabilities.

Fingerprints (Optional but Recommended)

Submitting fingerprints is optional but significantly affects processing time:

• With electronic fingerprints: The ISP must issue or deny the application within 90 days.
• Without fingerprints: The ISP is granted an additional 30 days (total of 120 days) to complete a manual background check.

Fingerprints must be submitted through a licensed live scan fingerprint vendor approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). A list of licensed vendors is available on the IDFPR website. Fingerprints from non-licensed vendors will not be accepted. Local police departments may be used for fingerprinting only when they are a licensed Live Scan vendor for fee applications.

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Step 4: Law Enforcement Review Period

After a completed application is submitted, there is a 30-day objection period during which law enforcement agencies may file objections against CCL applicants through the ISP Law Enforcement Portal, per the Office of Firearms Safety procedures.

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Step 5: Processing and Decision

• Confirmation: Upon submitting the application, the applicant should receive a confirmation page. The ISP will notify the applicant electronically to confirm whether all required information and materials have been received. If the application is submitted electronically and is missing information, the ISP will notify the applicant electronically.
• Processing Timeline: Per 430 ILCS 66/10(e), no later than 90 days after receipt of a completed application (or 120 days without fingerprints), the ISP shall issue or deny the license.
• Database Entry: No later than 10 days after receipt of a completed application, the ISP enters the applicant's relevant information into a database accessible by law enforcement agencies, per 430 ILCS 66/10(j).
• Decision Notification: Once the ISP makes a decision, the applicant will be notified by letter via U.S. Mail.

If the Application Is Rejected (Incomplete)

Rejection means the submission is incomplete and needs correction or additional documentation. The applicant is given 60 days to submit the missing information. If the missing information is not provided within 60 days, the application will be denied.

If the Application Is Denied

Per 430 ILCS 66/10(f), the ISP must notify the applicant stating the grounds for the denial. The notice must inform the applicant of his or her right to an appeal through administrative and judicial review. If denied, the applicant must pay another fee and resubmit a complete application.

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Step 6: After Receiving the CCL

License Validity

• A CCL is valid throughout the State of Illinois for a period of 5 years from the date of issuance, per 430 ILCS 66/10(c).
• The license permits the licensee to:
  • Carry a loaded or unloaded concealed firearm, fully or partially concealed, on or about his or her person; and
  • Keep or carry a loaded or unloaded concealed firearm on or about his or her person within a vehicle.

Duty to Carry License

A licensee must possess the license at all times while carrying a concealed firearm, per 430 ILCS 66/10(g), except:

1. When carrying on his or her own land, in his or her abode, legal dwelling, or fixed place of business, or on the land or in the dwelling of another person as an invitee with permission;
2. When authorized to carry under Section 24-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012 (except subsection (a-5)); or
3. When the handgun is broken down in a non-functioning state, is not immediately accessible, or is unloaded and enclosed in a case.

Duty to Disclose During Law Enforcement Contact

Per 430 ILCS 66/10(h), if a law enforcement officer initiates an investigative stop (including a traffic stop):

• Upon request, the licensee must disclose that he or she is in possession of a concealed firearm, or present the license.
• Upon request, the licensee must identify the location of the concealed firearm and permit the officer to safely secure the firearm for the duration of the stop.
• During a traffic stop, any passenger who is a licensee or qualified non-resident must also comply with these requirements.

Name or Address Changes

If you move or change your name after submitting your application but before receiving your CCL:

• If the CCL has not yet been mailed, you can update your information by selecting the "EDIT NAME/ADDRESS" button on the ISP website, or contact the Customer Service Center at (217) 782-7980.
• If the card has already been printed and mailed, you must complete the procedures for a formal "NAME/ADDRESS CHANGE."

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Non-Resident Applications

Illinois does not recognize concealed carry licenses from other states through reciprocity. Non-residents from states that allow Illinois residents to apply for that state's concealed carry license may apply for an Illinois CCL, per 430 ILCS 66/40(e). The Pennsylvania Attorney General's reciprocity summary confirms that Illinois does not recognize Pennsylvania concealed carry licenses, but Pennsylvania residents may apply for a separate Illinois CCL.

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Continuous Monitoring

Per 430 ILCS 66/10(k), the ISP continuously monitors relevant State and federal databases for firearms prohibitors and correlates those records with CCL holders to ensure ongoing compliance with the Act and State and federal law.

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FOID Denial Appeals

If a new FOID application is denied, the applicant may begin the appeal process by sending an email to [email protected] with their name and date of birth to request an appeal review.

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Key Statutes