Illinois Concealed Carry License - Reciprocity

Overview

Illinois has one of the most restrictive reciprocity frameworks in the United States. Illinois does not recognize concealed carry licenses from any other state. Out-of-state permit holders cannot carry concealed firearms in Illinois based solely on their home state's license.

However, Illinois law provides a limited mechanism for non-residents to carry concealed firearms and for non-residents from certain states to obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL).

Non-Resident Carrying Under Illinois Law

Under 430 ILCS 66/40(e), non-residents may carry a concealed firearm within Illinois under specific conditions. Section 10(h) of the Firearm Concealed Carry Act references "a non-resident carrying a concealed firearm under subsection (e) of Section 40 of this Act," indicating that qualifying non-residents have a legal pathway to carry in Illinois without an Illinois CCL.

During an investigative stop (including traffic stops), a non-resident carrying under subsection (e) of Section 40 must:

• Disclose to the officer that he or she is in possession of a concealed firearm
• Present evidence that he or she is a non-resident qualified to carry under that subsection
• Identify the location of the concealed firearm upon request
• Permit the officer to safely secure the firearm for the duration of the stop

Non-Resident Illinois CCL

Non-residents may apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry License, but eligibility is limited. Under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, only residents of states or territories with laws related to firearm ownership, possession, and carrying that are "substantially similar" to Illinois requirements are eligible to apply for a non-resident Illinois CCL.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a survey of each state to determine substantial similarity. As of the most recent ISP determination, the only states considered substantially similar are:

1. Arkansas
2. Idaho
3. Mississippi
4. Nevada
5. Texas
6. Virginia

Residents of these six states may apply for a non-resident Illinois CCL through the Illinois State Police. The substantially similar survey is available through the ISP Firearms Services Bureau.

Illinois CCL Recognition in Other States

According to the Illinois State Police FAQ:

"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."

Illinois does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. Whether other states recognize the Illinois CCL is governed entirely by those states' own laws. According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's reciprocity summary (updated September 2021), Illinois is listed among states where Pennsylvania residents cannot carry a concealed firearm with only a Pennsylvania license - confirming that Illinois does not recognize out-of-state permits.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's document lists Illinois among states where Pennsylvania residents may apply for a separate concealed carry license. Separately, the ISP FAQ confirms that non-resident CCL eligibility is limited to residents of states with substantially similar laws. Note that Pennsylvania is not currently listed among the six substantially similar states identified by the Illinois State Police.

Key Statutory References

Important Notes for Travelers

• Illinois does not honor any other state's concealed carry license or permit. Visitors from other states cannot rely on their home state permit to carry concealed in Illinois.
• Non-residents from substantially similar states who obtain an Illinois CCL must comply with all Illinois concealed carry laws, including prohibited locations and disclosure requirements.
• Out-of-state residents who move away from Illinois should surrender their CCL by mailing it to the Firearms Services Bureau at 801 S. 7th Street, Suite 400M, Springfield, Illinois, 62703.
• If moving to a substantially similar state and wishing to retain an Illinois CCL, the licensee must contact the Firearms Services Bureau at [email protected] to have their FOID canceled and apply for a CCL change of address, submitting their new state's CCL, a copy of their new state ID, and a notarized Out of State affidavit.
• Out-of-state residents can become Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Instructors under 430 ILCS 66/80.
• An Illinois CCL is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance and is valid throughout the state (430 ILCS 66/10(c)).