Illinois Concealed Carry Laws & Information

We try to stay as up to date as possible, but always check with local law enforcement to be sure about which states honor your states permit.

The following states have permitless carry. This means that if you can legally possess a firearm in that state you can carry it concealed without a permit/license. You still have to abide by all conceaeled carry laws in that state. Please note that the last three states only allow residents to carry without a permit/license. Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, Idaho (Residents Only), North Dakota (Residents Only), Wyoming (Residents Only).

Information compiled from various state government and private sites from around the web.

Reciprocity: How This State Honors Other States Permits & Licenses

Illinois does not honor any other states Permit/License. IL State Sen. Jason Barickman (R) has publish a synopsis of the New Carry Law here.

How to Apply for a Illinois License To Carry or Concealed Handgun License

By the act, the Illinois State Police have 90 days from date of submission to issue a permit. You do not have to submit fingerprints with your application but if you choose not to submit fingerprints then they have an extra 30 days to process your application.

For Illinois Residents

16 hours of Concealed Carry firearms training provided by an ISP approved Instructor.
Electronic Copy of my training certificate(s). You will be required to upload your electronic certificate during the application process.

All new applicants and returning CCL applicants will need to register with the Illinois State Police by providing some key identifiers found on their Illinois Driver’s License or Identification card, creating a username and password, and answering four security questions. Questions regarding the Concealed Carry License application process should be directed to the Illinois State Police at 217-782-7980.

Requirements:

A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card
A valid FOID card
A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days
Be able to provide the last ten years of residency
Fingerprints – Electronic fingerprints will expedite your application! Specify to the Live Scan vendor that your fingerprint application is for the Concealed Carry application (ORI = IL920707Z, Purpose Code = CCW)
Take note that Applicants will be assigned with a transaction control number (TCN) at the time of fingerprinting and will be required to retain that TCN to complete the application.
Cost is $150.00 and payable with a credit card or electronic check.
The FCCL will be valid for 5 years.

For more information on applying from the Illinois State Police, go here. Details and release of Medical Records Information for the Department to access will be on the Application. Training must be taken from a state certified instructor. The training must be 16 hours. Up to 8 hours training from the previous one if approved by the state can apply to the 16 hours required by the state. The Prior Training that meets Illinois Criteria can be seen here. And you can find a Trainer here.

Applying by Phone

Applicants can contact the ISP Firearms Services (FSB) Customer Service Center phone line at (217) 782-7980 and provide a FSB call taker with the same CCL application information that is currently required through the CCL on-line process. The FSB call taker will need the applicant’s

Full name or any previous names
Date of birth
Driver’s license number or state ID
Firearms Owner Identification (FOID) card number
Current mailing address with ten years of previous address history
Fingerprint Transaction Control Number (TCN) (which is optional)
Training instructor’s name and the Concealed Carry Trainer’s Identification (CCTID) number

Applicants should have this information readily available prior to calling the FSB Customer Service Center phone line.

Upon validation of the FOID number and driver’s license or identification card, payment in the form of credit card or electronic check will be needed and securely processed by the FSB call taker. Once the CCL telephone application interview is completed and payment confirmed, the applicant will receive the application in the mail. Upon receipt, the applicant must review the application for accuracy, initial all required areas, answer the background check questions, and sign and date the application. The applicant must also attach a 2 x 2 inch headshot photo (shoulder to head) taken within the last 30 days and provide all required training certificates. The completed application, photo, and training certificates must be returned to the ISP through the U.S. Postal Service before the application will be processed and a license issued.

Firearms Owners Identification Card (FOID Card)

The Illinois State Police are stating that they will no longer accept paper applications after March 9, 2015. However, paper applications will be available for those who do not have computer access. Those younger than 21 years old without a driver's license or ID card will be required to use the paper application. Check the Illinois State Police website for more information on how to apply for a FOID Card.

The FOID card was created in 1968, by the FOID Act, as a way to identify those persons eligible to possess and acquire firearms and firearm ammunition as part of a public safety initiative in the State of Illinois.

Q: Who needs a FOID card?
A: Unless specifically exempted by statute, any Illinois resident who acquires or possesses firearm or firearm ammunition within the State must have in their possession a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card issued in his or her name. Note: SB836 made the law state an IL Firearm License to Carry can now be used to possess firearms and purchase ammunition.

New regulations now state that those in possession of an Illinois License to Carry do not have to have their FOID Card in their possession to buy firearms and ammunition or possess firearms and ammunition. Handgunlaw.us still believes you have to have a FOID Card but don’t have to have it in your possession as long as you have your Illinois License to Carry.

The Admin Code 1230.30 now states “Card shall expire 10 years from the date of issuance.”It does not state cards issued after a certain date but just states they will expire 10 years from issuance. The Rule did state 5 years before the change. The State Preempts all “Handgun Laws” in the state and all handgun restrictions passed by local governments are null and void. Local authorities still have the authority to restrict long guns and their bans on long guns are still valid. No new restrictions on long guns can be passed by local authorities 10 days after their Concealed Carry Law takes effect.

How to Obtain A Non-Resident Illinois Concealed Carry Permit

During the first week of February 2017, the state of Illinois revised the list of states whose residents they would issue non-resident permits to. They only listed four states and removed three they did list and added three different ones that they say meet their criteria. The non-residents from those three states that no longer met their criteria who had obtained an Illinois Non-Resident permit received a letter stating that their Illinois Non-Resident permit was no longer valid. You can read a copy of one of those letters here.

FOR NON-RESIDENTS

In accordance with 430 ILCS 66/40 (b), out of state residents may be eligible for an Illinois Concealed Carry License if your state meets the definition of substantially similar as established by rule. See 20 Il. Admin. Code 1231.10. Currently, the states identified below have been determined to have laws related to firearm ownership, possession, and carrying that are substantially similar to the requirements to obtain a license under Illinois’ law; and, therefore, may apply for an Concealed Carry License. This list will be updated as additional states are identified as substantially similar. Further Information concerning the regulations for non-resident applications can be found at 20 Il. Admin. Code 1231.110.

Requirements:

16 hours of Concealed Carry firearms training provided by an ISP approved Instructor.
An electronic copy of a valid concealed carry license from my home state.
Electronic Copy of my training certificate(s). You will be required to upload your electronic certificate during the application process.
A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days.
A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card.
Be able to provide the last ten years of residency.
A notarized affidavit documenting the applicant’s eligibility under both state and federal laws, the understanding of the laws pertaining to possession and transport of firearms, acknowledgment the applicant is subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Police and the Illinois courts and that the applicant meets the mental health standards in Illinois to obtain a firearm.
$300.00 payable with a credit card or electronic check.

Non-Residents may be able to apply via telephone. See How to Apply section above for Residents. You would most likely apply the same way. For more information on applying from the Illinois State Police go here.

Take note that only residents of the states listed below have been approved by the Illinois State Police to apply for an Illinois Non-Resident Permit. They will update this list if other states have criteria that meet their stands for their residents. Illinois law states you must have a permit/license from your home state if applicable to apply for an Illinois permit. If you don’t have your resident permit/license Handgunlaw.us at this times believes you can not apply for an Illinois Non Resident Permit to Carry and will only accept applications from residents of states listed above. The US Court of Appeals 7th District upheld the Illinois practice of only issuing to non- residents of the states listed below. You can read the ruling here.

1. Arkansas

2. Mississippi

3. Texas

4. Virginia

Areas You Can Not Carry Even With a Illinois Concealed Carry Permit

430 ILCS 66/65 Prohibited Areas

(a) A licensee under this Act shall not knowingly carry a firearm on or into:

(1) Any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public or private elementary or secondary school.

(2) Any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a pre-school or child care facility, including any room or portion of a building under the control of a pre-school or child care facility. Nothing in this paragraph shall prevent the operator of a child care facility in a family home from owning or possessing a firearm in the home or license under this Act, if no child under child care at the home is present in the home or the firearm in the home is stored in a locked container when a child under child care at the home is present in the home.

(3) Any building, parking area, or portion of a building under the control of an officer of the executive or legislative branch of government, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a licensee from carrying a concealed firearm onto the real property, bikeway, or trail in a park regulated by the Department of Natural Resources or any other designated public hunting area or building where firearm possession is permitted as established by the Department of Natural Resources under Section 1.8 of the Wildlife Code.

(4) Any building designated for matters before a circuit court, appellate court, or the Supreme Court, or any building or portion of a building under the control of the Supreme Court.

(5) Any building or portion of a building under the control of a unit of local government.

(6) Any building, real property, and parking area under the control of an adult or juvenile detention or correctional institution, prison, or jail.

(7) Any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public or private hospital or hospital affiliate, mental health facility, or nursing home.

(8) Any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and any building, real property, and parking area under the control of a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds.

(9) Any building, real property, and parking area under the control of an establishment that serves alcohol on its premises, if more than 50% of the establishment's gross receipts within the prior 3 months is from the sale of alcohol. The owner of an establishment who knowingly fails to prohibit concealed firearms on its premises as provided in this paragraph or who knowingly makes a false statement or record to avoid the prohibition on concealed firearms under this paragraph is subject to the penalty under subsection (c-5) of Section 10-1 of the Liquor Control Act of 1934.

(10) Any public gathering or special event conducted on property open to the public that requires the issuance of a permit from the unit of local government, provided this prohibition shall not apply to a licensee who must walk through a public gathering in order to access his or her residence, place of business, or vehicle.

(11) Any building or real property that has been issued a Special Event Retailer's license as defined in Section 1-3.17.1 of the Liquor Control Act during the time designated for the sale of alcohol by the Special Event Retailer's license, or a Special use permit license as defined in subsection (q) of Section 5-1 of the Liquor Control Act during the time designated for the sale of alcohol by the Special use permit license.

(12) Any public playground.

(13) Any public park, athletic area, or athletic facility under the control of a municipality or park district, provided nothing in this Section shall prohibit a licensee from carrying a concealed firearm while on a trail or bikeway if only a portion of the trail or bikeway includes a public park.

(14) Any real property under the control of the Cook County Forest Preserve District.

(15) Any building, classroom, laboratory, medical clinic, hospital, artistic venue, athletic venue, entertainment venue, officially recognized university-related organization property, whether owned or leased, and any real property, including parking areas, sidewalks, and common areas under the control of a public or private community college, college, or university.

(16) Any building, real property, or parking area under the control of a gaming facility licensed under the Riverboat Gambling Act or the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975, including an inter-track wagering location licensee.

(17) Any stadium, arena, or the real property or parking area under the control of a stadium, arena, or any collegiate or professional sporting event.

(18) Any building, real property, or parking area under the control of a public library.

(19) Any building, real property, or parking area under the control of an airport.

(20) Any building, real property, or parking area under the control of an amusement park.

(21) Any building, real property, or parking area under the control of a zoo or museum.

(22) Any street, driveway, parking area, property, building, or facility, owned, leased, controlled, or used by a nuclear energy, storage, weapons, or development site or facility regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The licensee shall not under any circumstance store a firearm or ammunition in his or her vehicle or in a compartment or container within a vehicle located anywhere in or on the street, driveway, parking area, property, building, or facility described in this paragraph.

(23) Any area where firearms are prohibited under federal law.

(a-5) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a public or private community college, college, or university from:

(1) prohibiting persons from carrying a firearm within a vehicle owned, leased, or controlled by the college or university;

(2) developing resolutions, regulations, or policies regarding student, employee, or visitor misconduct and discipline, including suspension and expulsion;

(3) developing resolutions, regulations, or policies regarding the storage or maintenance of firearms, which must include designated areas where persons can park vehicles that carry firearms; and

(4) permitting the carrying or use of firearms for the purpose of instruction and curriculum of officially recognized programs, including but not limited to military science and law enforcement training programs, or in any designated area used for hunting purposes or target shooting.

(a-10) The owner of private real property of any type may prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms on the property under his or her control. The owner must post a sign in accordance with subsection (d) of this Section indicating that firearms are prohibited on the property, unless the property is a private residence.

(b) Notwithstanding subsections (a), (a-5), and (a-10) of this Section except under paragraph (22) or (23) of subsection (a), any licensee prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm into the parking area of a prohibited location specified in subsection (a), (a-5), or (a-10) of this Section shall be permitted to carry a concealed firearm on or about his or her person within a vehicle into the parking area and may 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. A licensee may carry a concealed firearm in the immediate area surrounding his or her vehicle within a prohibited parking lot area only for the limited purpose of storing or retrieving a firearm within the vehicle's trunk. For purposes of this subsection, "case" includes a glove compartment or console that completely encloses the concealed firearm or ammunition, the trunk of the vehicle, or a firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.

(c) A licensee shall not be in violation of this Section while he or she is traveling along a public right of way that touches or crosses any of the premises under subsection (a), (a-5), or (a-10) of this Section if the concealed firearm is carried on his or her person in accordance with the provisions of this Act or is being transported in a vehicle by the licensee in accordance with all other applicable provisions of law.

(d) Signs stating that the carrying of firearms is prohibited shall be clearly and conspicuously posted at the entrance of a building, premises, or real property specified in this Section as a prohibited area, unless the building or premises is a private residence. Signs shall be of a uniform design as established by the Department and shall be 4 inches by 6 inches in size. The Department shall adopt rules for standardized signs to be used under this subsection.

All places as listed by the State as Off Limits must be posted. You can go here to read an email from an Illinois CCL Instructor on other items in IL law that may affect those carrying a firearm in Illinois. You may also go here for IDNR FAQs for more information on carrying defensive handguns while Hunting, Afield, on ATV’s and IDNR Property.

Chicago and Laser Sights!

8-20-060 Possession of a Laser Sight Accessory, Firearm Silencer or Muffler

(a) It is unlawful for any person to carry, possess, display for sale, sell or otherwise transfer any laser sight accessory, or a firearm silencer or muffler.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any members of the armed forces of the United States, or the organized militia of this or any other state, or peace officers, to the extent that any such person is otherwise authorized to acquire or possess a laser sight accessory, or firearm silencer or muffler, and is acting within the scope of his duties.
(c) Any laser sight accessory, or firearm silencer or muffler, carried, possessed, displayed or sold in violation of this section is hereby declared to be contraband and shall be seized by and forfeited to the city.

The city of Chicago ordinance above and the Police Department Notice to Officers stating to confiscate firearms with an attached laser sight is in effect in Chicago. Chicago is in the process of rewriting their firearm laws (on 9/11/13) to comply with the new state preemption and it is said that this is being removed in the new ordinance but looking at the bill it seems that it is not being removed. So it is better to be careful.

The Below listed cities in Illinois also ban Laser Sights but there could be others

Cicero, IL Sec. 62-195
Thornton, IL Sec. 10-1-13

“No Gun Signs” Have the Force of Law

430 ILCS 66/70. Violations

(e) Except as otherwise provided, a licensee in violation of this Act shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation is a Class A misdemeanor. The Department may suspend a license for up to 6 months for a second violation and shall permanently revoke a license for 3or more violations of Section 65 of this Act. Any person convicted of a violation under this Section shall pay a $150 fee to be deposited into the Mental Health Reporting Fund, plus any applicable court costs or fees.

(f) A licensee convicted or found guilty of a violation of this Act who has a valid license and is otherwise eligible to carry a concealed firearm shall only be subject to the penalties under this Section and shall not be subject to the penalties under Section 21-6, paragraph (4), (8), or (10) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1, or subparagraph (A-5) or (B-5) of paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1.6 of the Criminal Code of 2012. Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, nothing in this subsection prohibits the licensee from being subjected to penalties for violations other than those specified in this Act.

430 ILCS 66/65

Section 1231.150 Administrative Rules

Section 65 of the Act specifies areas where concealed carry of firearms is prohibited and requires posting of those areas.

(a) A template for signs required pursuant to Section 65(d) of the Act is provided in Appendix A and is available on the Department's website.

(b) Owners of prohibited areas may utilize signage larger in size than the template provided, at their discretion. If prohibited areas use a larger sign, the template provided shall be reproduced somewhere on the larger sign no smaller than the 4" x 6" dimension required by the Act.

(c) Prohibited areas may include additional language on their signs. If prohibited areas include additional language, the template provided shall be reproduced somewhere on the larger sign no smaller than the 4" x 6" dimension required by the Act.

(d) The required signs shall be clearly and conspicuously posted at the entrance of the building, premises or real property. The sign shall provide persons entering the property notice that they are entering a prohibited area in which, pursuant to the Act, they shall not carry a concealed firearm.

Must Inform Officer Immediately on Contact By Law?

The answer is "NO"

430 ILCS 66/10

(g) A licensee shall possess a license at all times the licensee carries a concealed firearm except:

(h) If an officer of a law enforcement agency initiates an investigative stop, including but not limited to a traffic stop, of a licensee or a non-resident carrying a concealed firearm under subsection (e) of Section 40 of this Act, upon the request of the officer the licensee or non-resident shall disclose to the officer that he or she is in possession of a concealed firearm under this Act, or present the license upon the request of the officer if he or she is a licensee or present upon the request of the officer evidence under paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Section 40 of this Act that he or she is a non-resident qualified to carry under that subsection. The disclosure requirement under this subsection (h) is satisfied if the licensee presents his or her license to the officer or the non-resident presents to the officer evidence under paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Section 40 of this Act that he or she is qualified to carry under that subsection. Upon the request of the officer, the licensee or non-resident shall also identify the location of the concealed firearm and permit the officer to safely secure the firearm for the duration of the investigative stop. During a traffic stop, any passenger within the vehicle who is a licensee or a non-resident carrying under subsection (e) of Section 40 of this Act must comply with the requirements of this subsection (h).

(h-1) If a licensee carrying a firearm or a non-resident carrying a firearm in a vehicle under subsection (e) of Section 40 of this Act is contacted by a law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel, the law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel may secure the firearm or direct that it be secured during the duration of the contact if the law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel determines that it is necessary for the safety of any person present, including the law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel. The licensee or nonresident shall submit to the order to secure the firearm. When the law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel have determined that the licensee or non-resident is not a threat to the safety of any person present, including the law enforcement officer or
emergency services personnel, and if the licensee or non-resident is physically and mentally capable of possessing the firearm, the law enforcement officer or emergency services personnel shall return the firearm to the licensee or non-resident before releasing him or her from the scene and breaking contact. If the licensee or non-resident is transported for treatment to another location, the firearm shall be turned over to any peace officer. The peace officer shall provide a receipt which includes the make, model, caliber, and serial number of the firearm.

Laws Regarding Parking Lot Storage

430 ILCS 66/65 Parking Lot Storage

Carry In State Parks//WMA/Road Side Rest Areas & St. /Nat. Forests

Carry Allowed in these Areas:

State Parks: YES (Not in Posted Buildings or Playgrounds)

State/National Forests: YES (Not in Posted Buildings or Playgrounds)

State WMA’s: YES (Not In Posted Buildings)

State Refuge & IDNR Dedicated Nature Preserves: NO

Road Side Rest Areas: NO

See the IDNR FAQs for more information

Open Carry (Without a Valid Permit/License)

You must have an Illinois Permit to Carry a firearm in Illinois. Open carry is not legal in Illinois. A handgun carried on or about a person with an Illinois Permit to Carry must be concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle.

Car/RV Carry Without a Illinois Concealed Carry Permit

Do note that you can’t carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle without a valid Permit/license.

430 ILCS 66/40

(e) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a non-resident from transporting a concealed firearm within his or her vehicle in Illinois, if the concealed firearm remains within his or her vehicle and the non-resident:

(1) is not prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm under federal law;
(2) is eligible to carry a firearm in public under the laws of his or her state or territory of residence, as evidenced by the possession of a concealed carry license or permit issued by his or her state of residence, if applicable; and
(3) is not in possession of a license under this Act. If the non-resident leaves his or her vehicle unattended, he or she shall store the firearm within a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 65 of this Act. (Source: P.A. 98-63, eff. 7-9-13.)

Subsection (b) of Section 65 States:

Section 5. Definitions. As used in this Act:

"Concealed firearm" means a loaded or unloaded handgun carried on or about a person completely or mostly concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle.

If you stop, you can store the loaded handgun in the vehicle in a closed compartment in a locked vehicle or in a locked case out of view in the vehicle. You can only leave your vehicle with a loaded handgun to store it in the trunk and retrieve it from the trunk right before you enter your vehicle.You can store it as specified in the law above.

According to 20 IL Administrative Rules Section 1231.10 Definitions, "Within a Vehicle" means within the passenger compartment of a passenger or recreational vehicle or within a lockable container secured to a motorcycle. If you are traveling and don’t have a permit/license from your state of residence you can transport the firearm unloaded and secured in a case in the trunk or in the back of an SUV. You must be able to legally possess the firearm in your state of residence. You can take it into your Motel/Hotel Room if they don’t ban firearms in their Motel/Hotel.

Title 18 > Part 1 > Chapter 44 >

§ 926A Interstate Transportation Of Firearms

Notwithstanding any other provision of any law or any rule or regulation of a State or any political subdivision thereof, any person who is not otherwise prohibited by this chapter from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm shall be entitled to transport a firearm for any lawful purpose from any place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm to any other place where he may lawfully possess and carry such firearm if, during such transportation the firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor any ammunition being transported is readily accessible or is directly accessible from the passenger compartment of such transporting vehicle: Provided, That in the case of a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver’s compartment the firearm or ammunition shall be contained in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.

From the IL State Police:

Q1: Is it illegal to have ammunition in the case with the firearm?

A1: No, if the firearm is unloaded and is properly enclosed in a case and the individual possessing the firearm and ammunition is in possession of a valid FOID card.

Q2: Can I keep a firearm in my hotel room when I travel?

A2:Yes, assuming no local ordinance applies. The critical question is how the firearm was carried into the room and transported in a vehicle. Those actions must be done lawfully.

State Preemption

430 ILCS 66/90. Preemption

The regulation, licensing, possession, registration, and transportation of concealed handguns and ammunition for concealed handguns by licensees are exclusive powers and functions of the State. Any ordinance or regulation, or portion thereof, enacted on or before the effective date of this Act that purports to impose regulations or restrictions on licensees or concealed handguns and ammunition for concealed handguns in a manner inconsistent with this Act shall be invalid in its application to licensees under this Act on the effective date of this Act. This Section is a denial and limitation of home rule powers and functions under subsection (h) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution.

All local restrictions on Handguns are null and void. Local Governments can keep their restrictions on long guns and magazine bans for long guns.

Laws Regarding Deadly Force

Criminal Offenses

720 ILCS 5/ Criminal Code of 1961.

720 ILCS 5/Art. 7 heading

Article 7. Justifiable Use Of Force; Exoneration

Sec. 7-1. Use of force in defense of person

Sec. 7-2. Use of force in defense of dwelling

Sec. 7-3. Use of force in defense of other property

Sec. 7-4. Use of force by aggressor

Sec. 7-5. Peace officer's use of force in making arrest

Sec. 7-6. Private person's use of force in making arrest

Sec. 7-7. Private person's use of force in resisting arrest

Sec. 7-8. Force likely to cause death or great bodily harm

Sec. 7-9. Use of force to prevent escape

Sec. 7-11. Compulsion

Sec. 7-12. Entrapment

Sec. 7-13. Necessity

Sec. 7-14. Affirmative defense

May Carry in Restaurants That Serve Alcohol

430 ILCS 66/65 Prohibited Areas

Laws Regarding Chemical Sprays, Stun Guns, and Higher Capacity Magazines

720 ILCS 5/24-1 The use of a product “ containing a non-lethal noxious liquid gas or substance designed solely for personal defense carried by a person 18 years of age or older” (non-lethal is the key word in this Illinois Law)

430ILCS 65/2 (from Ch. 38, par. 83-2)

Sec. 2. Firearm Owner's Identification Card Required; Exceptions

(a) (1) No person may acquire or possess any firearm, stun gun, or taser within this State without having in his or her possession a Firearm Owner's Identification Card previously issued in his or her name by the Department of State Police under the provisions of this Act. (Electric weapons can only be carried ready for use in your home or place of business. In all other places including automobiles they must be secured and not ready for use even if you have a permit to carry a firearm.)

Taser/Stun Guns Illegal In Chicago

8-24-020 Sale or possession of deadly weapons

(d) No person shall carry or possess with intent to use unlawfully against another, or carry in a threatening or menacing manner, without authority of law, a dagger, billy, dangerous knife, razor, broken bottle or other piece or glass, stun gun, taser, or other dangerous or deadly weapon of like character.

Local Restrictions on Magazines:

Aurora § 29-49 (f)(2) bans the possession, sale, or acquisition of large capacity feeding devices (magazines with a capacity of more than 15 rounds).

Chicago 8-20-010 Definitions - Previous ordinances on the restrictions have been deleted and this sections has all the restrictions for handguns and long guns in Chicago. The new preemption law voids all handgun restrictions in Illinois.

Franklin Park § 3-13G-3 bans the transfer, acquisition, possession, manufacture or distribution of assault ammunition (any detachable ammunition magazine having a capacity of more than 16 rounds).

Oak Park § 27-1-1, § 27-1-2 and § 27-2-1 bans the possession and sale of large capacity feeding devices (magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds).

Riverdale § 9.05.010, § 9.05.020 and § 9.05.030 bans the possession, transfer, acquisition or manufacture of assault ammunition (a detachable magazine box with a capacity of “more than 35 rounds centerfire.”).

The above restrictions would only apply to Long Guns. The State has preempted all local handgun laws.

Airport Carry and Other Misc. Information

Airport Carry: NO Parking Lots OK if firearm is kept in Vehicle or stored in Trunk

Training Valid for: No Set Time Period in Law

Time Period to Establish Residency: Upon obtaining an Illinois Drivers License or State Issued ID

Minimum Age for Permit/License: 21 years old for Permit to Carry. (18 years old for FOID Card with Parents OK)

Permit/License Info Public Information: NO FOID and Carry Permit

State Fire arm Laws: St. Statute 720 ILCS 5/24-1 Admin Code Title 20 Chpt. II Part 1231

State Deadly Force Laws: 720 ILCS 5/7-1 - 5/7-14

State Knife Laws: 720 ILCS 5/24-1 & 720 ILCS 5/33A-1

Chemical/Electric Weapons Laws: 720 ILCS 5/24-1

Body Armor Laws: 720 ILCS 5/33F

Does Your Permit Cover Other Weapons Besides Firearms? NO

Is carrying of a Concealed Firearm with Permit/License for Defensive Purposes Only While Hunting Legal? It's either YES/NO or it depends. See IDNR FAQs for more
Information on carrying while hunting.

What Does IL Consider A Loaded Firearm?

From the IL DNR Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Q: How may I safely and legally transport ammunition in a vehicle?

A: The location of ammunition being transported, including ammunition being transported in loaded magazines, is not regulated as long as the firearm is unloaded and encased, and the resident possessing the firearm/ammunition holds a valid F.O.I.D. card.

State Emergency Powers

(20 ILCS 3305/7) (from Ch. 127, par. 1057)

Sec. 7. Emergency Powers of the Governor

(a) In the event of a disaster, as defined in Section 4, the Governor may, by proclamation declare that a disaster exists. Upon such proclamation, the Governor shall have and may exercise for a period not to exceed 30 days the following emergency powers; provided, however, that the lapse of the emergency powers shall not, as regards any act or acts occurring or committed within the 30 days period, deprive any person, firm, corporation, political subdivision, or body politic of any right or rights to compensation or reimbursement which he, she, it, or they may have under the provisions of this Act:

(1) To suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing procedures for conduct of State business, or the orders, rules and regulations of any State agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any statute, order, rule, or regulation would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action, including emergency purchases, by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, in coping with the disaster.

(2) To utilize all available resources of the State government as reasonably necessary to cope with the disaster and of each political subdivision of the State.

(3) To transfer the direction, personnel or functions of State departments and agencies or units thereof for the purpose of performing or facilitating disaster response and recovery programs.

(5) When required by the exigencies of the disaster, to sell, lend, rent, give, or distribute all or any part of property so or otherwise acquired to the inhabitants of this State, or to political subdivisions of this State, or, under the interstate mutual aid agreements or compacts as are entered into under the provisions of subparagraph (5) of paragraph (c) of Section 6 to other states, and to account for and transmit to the State Treasurer all funds, if any, received therefor.

(6) To recommend the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the State if the Governor deems this action necessary.

(7) To prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destinations in connection with evacuation.

(8) To control ingress and egress to and from a disaster area, the movement of persons within the area, and the occupancy of premises therein.

(9) To suspend or limit the sale, dispensing, or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives, and combustibles.

(10) To make provision for the availability and use of temporary emergency housing.

The Federal Law can apply if the state is receiving monetary and/or other assistance from the Federal Government. See US Code 42-5207 for Federal Law as it applies to States of Emergencies. The state quoted code may also not be all of the law on Emergency Powers held by the state. You should read the entire code on Emergency Powers etc for this state by following the link to the state code.

Minimum Age for Possessing and Transporting of Handguns

Illinois: 18 Years Old

430 ILCS 65/4 Must have a FOID Card. If under 21 years old must have written consent of his or her parent or legal guardian to obtain FOID Card.

This is the minimum age for possessing and transporting a handgun unloaded and secured in a vehicle without any type of permit/license to carry firearms. Some states (and counties) require Firearms Identification Cards, and/or registration.

From the Illinois State Police FAQs

Q: I am under the age of 21, can I apply for a FOID card?

A: Yes. In addition to all other requirements, a person who is under 21 years of age must have the written consent of his or her parent or legal guardian to possess and acquire firearms and firearm ammunition. This includes having your application signed by a notary public. Also, he or she must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor other than a traffic offense or adjudged delinquent. The parent or legal guardian providing written consent must be eligible to possess a valid FOID card.

In some states, Possession and Transportation can be very restrictive in that you can only possess and transport a handgun to and from a Shooting Range, Gun Shop, property you own or other places you can legally possess a handgun. Some states do not have this restriction so it is better to study your state law further for more information. See “RV/Car Carry” Section Above for more information.