Constitutional Carry in Illinois: What the Law Allows

Constitutional Carry in Illinois

Illinois does NOT have constitutional carry.

Illinois is not listed among the states that allow permitless carry. Illinois requires a license to legally carry a concealed firearm.

Key Requirements

The following information reflects generally known Illinois firearms law. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the Illinois State Police, as fees, training hours, and other details may change.

• FOID Card Required: Unless specifically exempted by statute, any Illinois resident who acquires or possesses firearms, firearm ammunition, tasers, or stun guns within the state must have a valid FOID Card (430 ILCS 65 - Firearm Owners Identification Card Act).

• CCL Required for Concealed Carry: Anyone who wants to carry a concealed firearm on his or her person in Illinois is required to have an Illinois Concealed Carry License, pursuant to the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66).

• No Open Carry: Illinois does not permit open carry of firearms.

CCL Requirements Summary

To obtain a Concealed Carry License in Illinois, an applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have a currently valid FOID card (if an Illinois resident)
• Not be prohibited under federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm
• Not have disqualifying criminal convictions or pending proceedings
• Not have been in residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism or drug treatment within the last five years
• Complete mandatory firearms training (classroom and range instruction)
• Pay the applicable non-refundable fee

Note: Verify current fee amounts, training hour requirements, and other details with the Illinois State Police, as these may be subject to change.

FOID Card Requirements

• The FOID Card is a prerequisite for the CCL
• Verify current FOID Card application fees and validity periods with the Illinois State Police
• If a FOID card expires, the holder can no longer purchase or possess firearms in Illinois

Statutory References

• Firearm Owners Identification Card Act: 430 ILCS 65
• Firearm Concealed Carry Act: 430 ILCS 66

Summary

Illinois maintains a restrictive concealed carry framework. There is no constitutional carry, permitless carry, or unrestricted carry provision. Both a FOID Card (for possession) and a CCL (for concealed carry) are mandatory, with training requirements, background checks, and fees required for each.