
Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States, and the process of obtaining a permit can be challenging. In 2015, a petition was created to enact constitutional carry in Illinois, which would allow citizens to carry a gun without a permit. However, as of 2024, Illinois does not have constitutional carry, and a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card and a Concealed Carry (CCW) permit are required to carry a firearm in public.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Constitutional carry in Illinois | Not applicable |
| Illinois gun laws | A Firearm Owner's Identification Card (FOID) is required to possess, buy, or sell firearms or ammunition |
| Concealed carry in Illinois | Legal with a CCW permit |
| FOID card system | Streamlined to allow ISP to create electronic records, create a combined FOID and concealed carry license, and offer cardholders the ability to apply for renewal six months before the expiration date |
| Background checks | Required for all gun sales in Illinois |
| Waiting period | 72-hour waiting period for all firearms transactions |
| Gun laws in Chicago | It is possible to have ammunition shipped to one's address in Chicago provided that the retailer maintains a copy of the buyer's valid FOID |
| Gun laws in Cook County | A $25 fee per firearms transaction |
| Shooting ranges | Several shooting ranges are available in Illinois, including a few in the Chicago area |
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What You'll Learn
- Illinois requires a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) to possess a firearm or ammunition
- Illinois has a 72-hour waiting period on all firearms transactions
- Illinois does not honor CCW licenses from any other state
- Illinois has a general sales tax of 6.25% on firearms and ammunition
- Illinois has a concealed carry permitting system

Illinois requires a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) to possess a firearm or ammunition
Illinois has strict gun laws, and the process of obtaining a firearm can be challenging. The state requires its residents to obtain a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) to possess a firearm or ammunition. The FOID card system is managed by the Illinois State Police, who issue the cards to qualified applicants. The FOID card allows individuals to legally purchase, own, and, in some cases, carry firearms and ammunition within the state.
The FOID card is a prerequisite for any individual wishing to acquire a firearm or ammunition in Illinois. It serves as a permit that enables residents to buy, sell, or possess firearms and ammunition. The application process for a FOID card involves submitting the necessary paperwork, undergoing a background check, and providing a payment method. There is also a 72-hour waiting period for all firearms transactions in Illinois, including private sales. This waiting period is unique to the state and adds to the overall cost and time required to obtain a firearm.
In addition to the FOID card, Illinois also has a concealed carry licensing system. Individuals who wish to carry a firearm in public must obtain a concealed carry permit (CCL) in addition to their FOID card. The CCL allows individuals to carry a loaded firearm on their person or in their vehicle. Obtaining a CCL requires completing a 16-hour firearms training course conducted by a state-approved instructor. The course covers various topics, including Illinois and federal laws related to firearms ownership, storage, carrying, and transportation.
The state has made efforts to modernise the FOID card system, which had not seen significant updates since its creation over 50 years ago. These modernisations include streamlining the application process, allowing for electronic records, offering combined FOID and concealed carry licenses, and providing an option to apply for renewal six months before the expiration date. Additionally, Illinois has implemented stronger identification factors, such as fingerprints, to enhance the verification process for FOID applicants and firearm purchasers.
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Illinois has a 72-hour waiting period on all firearms transactions
Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and the process of buying and carrying a firearm in the state can be challenging. One notable regulation is the 72-hour waiting period mandated for all firearms transactions. This means that after an individual agrees to purchase a firearm, there is a three-day waiting period before they can take possession of the weapon. This waiting period applies to both gun store purchases and private sales, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of Illinois' firearms regulations.
The 72-hour waiting period is designed to allow time for background checks and other safety measures to be conducted. During this time, the Illinois Department of State Police must approve the transfer or inform the dealer of the applicant's ineligibility. This process aims to prevent individuals who should not have access to guns from obtaining them. It is important to note that this waiting period does not apply to certain exceptions, such as sales to law enforcement officers or individuals employed in specific security-related roles.
The waiting period also applies to transfers through licensed dealers and at gun shows. In these cases, the Illinois Department of State Police must provide approval or deny the transfer within the 72-hour timeframe. This ensures that even when purchasing a firearm from a private individual, the buyer still undergoes the same comprehensive background check process as they would when buying from a licensed dealer. This aspect of the law helps to standardize the process and ensure that private sales are conducted safely and within the boundaries of the law.
Additionally, the waiting period contributes to the overall cost of purchasing firearms in Illinois. Most FFLs (Federal Firearms Licensees) charge a fee for their services, which is necessary to facilitate the transfer of firearms. As a result, the waiting period indirectly increases the financial burden on individuals looking to acquire firearms in the state. This is a crucial aspect to consider, as it may impact an individual's ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
In summary, Illinois' 72-hour waiting period on all firearms transactions is a significant component of the state's comprehensive firearms regulations. The waiting period allows for thorough background checks, helps prevent ineligible individuals from obtaining firearms, and standardizes the process for both private and licensed dealer sales. While there are exceptions to the waiting period for specific occupations, it generally applies to all firearms transactions in Illinois and contributes to the overall cost of purchasing a firearm in the state.
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Illinois does not honor CCW licenses from any other state
Illinois has strict gun laws and a permitting and firearm purchase system that is considered exceptionally difficult. To possess, buy, or sell firearms or ammunition in Illinois, one must obtain a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID). Illinois also requires a concealed carry permit (CCW) to carry a firearm in public.
Illinois has a 72-hour waiting period on all firearms transactions, including private sales. Every gun sale in the state must go through an FFL, which adds to the costs of buying firearms. Illinois also has a general sales tax of 6.25%, which applies to firearms and ammunition. Depending on the location within the state, other fees may apply. For example, Cook County charges $25 per firearms transaction.
Illinois is a shall-issue state, meaning that Illinois State Police must issue a concealed carry license if the applicant meets certain qualifications. However, Illinois gives law enforcement the right to object to a concealed carry license being issued if they believe the applicant is a danger to public safety or themselves. If the police object, the case is heard by the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board, which makes the final decision.
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Illinois has a general sales tax of 6.25% on firearms and ammunition
Illinois has strict gun laws, including a requirement for universal background checks on all gun sales and a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system. To possess, buy, or sell firearms or ammunition in Illinois, one must obtain a FOID card. The state also requires a concealed carry permit to carry a firearm in public. Illinois has a general sales tax of 6.25% on firearms and ammunition. Depending on the location within the state, other fees may apply. For example, Cook County charges $25 per firearms transaction, including private sales, as they must be facilitated by an FFL.
The process of purchasing a firearm in Illinois is unique. Firstly, there is a 72-hour waiting period for all firearms transactions in the state. This applies to both gun stores and private sales, and every sale must go through an FFL, adding to the overall cost. To complete a purchase, one must bring their FOID, driver's license, and payment method to the store and be prepared to fill out form 4473. Assuming the background check, FOID, and payment method are in order, the buyer can collect their firearm after the waiting period.
Illinois's FOID card system has recently undergone modernisation, with House Bill 562 making sweeping changes. The number of Illinoisans with a FOID card has nearly doubled in the last decade, from 1.2 million in 2010 to 2.2 million today, without any modernisation of the statutory framework or technology. The new bill streamlines the FOID card system by allowing the ISP to create electronic records, offering cardholders the ability to apply for renewal six months before the expiration date, and establishing a professional appeals board.
The state of Illinois has a comprehensive set of laws and regulations regarding firearms and ammunition. While the general sales tax stands at 6.25%, there are additional fees and taxes, such as the $25 tax imposed on the retail purchase of a firearm in Cook County. The state also has a range of banned firearms, including most items regulated by the National Firearms Act, such as suppressors, short-barrelled rifles, shotguns, and machine guns. Illinois also requires stronger identification factors, such as fingerprints, to verify the identity of FOID applicants and firearm purchasers and increase the frequency of background checks.
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Illinois has a concealed carry permitting system
Illinois's permitting and firearm purchase system is considered difficult. However, an Illinois permit meets the requirements of many states, allowing Illinois residents to concealed carry in a large portion of the United States. To obtain a concealed carry permit in Illinois, an individual must complete a 16-hour firearms training course conducted by a state-approved instructor and be at least 21 years old. Non-resident licenses are available for residents of Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia.
Illinois also allows for the combined FOID and concealed carry license, which offers cardholders the ability to apply for renewal six months before the expiration date. The state has also implemented stronger identification factors, such as fingerprints, to verify the identity of FOID applicants and firearm purchasers. Additionally, Illinois requires universal background checks on all gun sales and has created a stolen gun database to monitor state and federal databases for prohibited gun buyers.
While Illinois has a permitting system for concealed carry, there have been petitions to enact Constitutional Carry in the state. These petitions argue that Constitutional Carry would protect the liberty and right of individuals to defend themselves and their families without the delays and fees associated with the current permitting system.
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Frequently asked questions
Constitutional Carry is the right of all law-abiding citizens to purchase and carry a gun for self-defence without a concealed carry permit.
No, Illinois does not have Constitutional Carry. Illinois requires residents to have a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) to possess a firearm or ammunition.
A FOID is a Firearm Owners Identification Card. In Illinois, a FOID is required to possess, buy, or sell firearms or ammunition.
To obtain a FOID in Illinois, an individual must be 21 years or older and submit their driver's license along with a payment method and a completed form 4473. A background check is also required.
Obtaining a FOID in Illinois allows individuals to legally purchase and possess firearms or ammunition. It also enables them to apply for a concealed carry permit, which is required to carry a firearm in public.

























