Storage | Illinois Concealed Carry

Illinois Firearm Storage Requirements

General Storage Requirements

Illinois law requires that firearms be stored securely when certain individuals are present in the home or have potential access.

Secure Storage When Vulnerable Persons Are Present

If any of the following individuals are present, firearms must be placed in a securely locked box or container:

• Children younger than 18 years old
• Anyone who is prohibited from having a firearm
• Any person who is at-risk of harming themselves or others

Important: Illinois law specifically requires firearms to be placed in a securely locked box or container - it is not sufficient to simply store firearms in a location believed to be secure from these individuals.

Penalties: Failure to comply with secure storage requirements can result in fines. The relevant statute is referenced as the Firearms: Child Protection provision under 720 ILCS 5/24-9.

Source: Illinois State Police, FOID page (isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Foid)

Safe Gun Storage Act

Illinois enacted the Safe Gun Storage Act (Public Act 104-0031), which is linked on the ISP FOID page alongside lost or stolen firearms reporting requirements.

Storage in Vehicles (CCL Holders)

CCL holders who are prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm into a prohibited location are permitted to:

• Carry a concealed firearm on or about their person within a vehicle into the parking area of a prohibited location
• Store a firearm or ammunition concealed in a case within a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view within the vehicle in the parking area
• Carry a concealed firearm in the immediate area surrounding the vehicle within a prohibited parking lot area only for the limited purpose of storing or retrieving a firearm within the vehicle's trunk

Exceptions: This parking lot storage provision does not apply to:

• Any area where firearms are prohibited under federal law
• Property regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Source: 430 ILCS 66 (Firearm Concealed Carry Act); ISP FAQ

Lost or Stolen Firearms Reporting Requirements

Under Illinois law, firearm owners must report the following information to local law enforcement within 48 hours of discovering a firearm is lost or stolen:

• The date the firearm was lost or stolen
• The last known location of the firearm
• The caliber, make, model, and serial number of the firearm
• A description of circumstances under which the firearm was lost or stolen
• FOID number, if applicable

Penalty for Non-Compliance: Failure to report the loss or theft of a firearm two or more times within 48 hours of discovery may result in FOID Card revocation. This provision becomes effective January 1, 2026 as an eligibility disqualifier for FOID cards.

Source: ISP FOID page; FOID FAQ (430 ILCS 65)

Storage Upon FOID Revocation or Suspension

Per the FOID Act (430 ILCS 65/9.5), within 48 hours of receiving notification of FOID revocation or suspension, the cardholder must:

1. Surrender the FOID Card to local law enforcement
2. Transfer all firearms in their possession or control
3. Complete a Firearm Disposition Record (FDR)

Failure to comply constitutes a Class A misdemeanor.

Storage Upon FOID Expiration

If a FOID card is allowed to expire, the holder may no longer possess firearms in Illinois. All firearms must be transferred to a person lawfully eligible to possess firearms, either through a Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer or the Person to Person Verify Portal.

Source: ISP FOID FAQ; ISP FOID Revoked page

CCL Training Curriculum on Storage

The mandatory 16-hour CCL training course includes a minimum of 2 hours covering "All Applicable State and Federal Laws Relating to the Ownership, Storage, Carry and Transportation of a Firearm," ensuring CCL holders are educated on storage obligations.

Source: ISP CCL FAQ