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Unless specifically exempted by statute, any Illinois resident who acquires or possesses firearms, firearm ammunition, tasers or stun guns within the State must have in their possession a valid FOID Card issued in his or her name. Non-residents are not eligible to have a FOID Card.

Yes. The FOID Act outlines the following exemptions.

• United States Marshals, while engaged in the operation of their official duties.
• Members of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard, while engaged in the operation of their official duties.
• Federal officials required to carry firearms, while engaged in the operation of their official duties.
• Members of bona fide veteran's organizations which receive firearms directly from the armed forces of the United States, while using the firearms for ceremonial purposes with blank ammunition.
• Nonresident hunters during hunting season, with valid nonresident hunting licenses and while in an area where hunting is permitted.
• Nonresidents while on a firing or shooting range recognized by the Department of State Police.
• Nonresidents while at a firearm showing or display recognized by the Department of State Police.
• Nonresidents whose firearms are unloaded and enclosed in a case.
• Nonresidents who are currently licensed or registered to possess a firearm in their resident state.
• Un-emancipated minors while in the custody and immediate control of their parent or legal guardian and the parent or legal guardian currently has a valid FOID card.
• Color guards of bona fide veteran's organizations or members of bona fide American Legion bands while using firearms for ceremonial purposes with blank ammunition.
• Nonresident hunters whose state of residence does not require them to be licensed or registered to possess a firearm and only during hunting season. The nonresident must have a valid hunting license and be accompanied by and be using a firearm owned by, a person who possesses a valid FOID card. This is allowed only while in an area within a commercial club licensed under the Wildlife Code where hunting is permitted and controlled, but in no instance upon sites owned or managed by the Department of Natural Resources.
• Resident hunters who are properly authorized to hunt and, while accompanied by a person who possesses a valid FOID card, hunt in an area within a commercial club licensed under the Wildlife Code where hunting is permitted.

No. The FOID Card is not the same as a concealed carry license. You must have a valid FOID in order to have a CCL.

The FOID Card is valid for 10 years, subject to auto-renewal in certain circumstances.

The FOID Card application fee is $10.00. The Illinois State Police uses the state of Illinois e-Pay program, therefore, a service fee of 2.25% or a minimum of $1.00 for credit/debit cards will be applied. Electronic checks are accepted. Cash, check, or money-orders are not accepted.

After you log into your FOID Dashboard at our website, you will find a section called "My eCard" on the left hand side. When you click on this area, it will pop-up a window that will display your eCard.

Yes. The FOID eCard may be used to purchase firearms and ammunition. However, it is within the dealer's discretion whether to accept the eCard in lieu of the physical FOID card.

Yes, you will be required to provide an Alien Registration Number, I-94 Admission Number, or USCIS Number upon application to determine your eligibility. You can find these numbers on either your Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Card. Subject to a narrow exception, if you are currently in the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa, you will not be eligible to obtain a FOID Card.

Yes. However, under Federal law, you are subject to restrictions that prohibit you from acquiring or possessing firearms and firearms ammunition. These restrictions are pursuant to the Gun Control Act of 1968, specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 922, and remain in effect for one year after the revocation or relinquishment of your medical cannabis card.

Yes, Amish or religious exempt applicants will only be able to apply for a FOID card through the alternative call-in application method or visiting an FSB kiosk at an ISP Troop headquarters. Applicants will need to provide a set of fingerprints using an Illinois State Police approved fingerprint card.

Yes. You will need to provide information for the base where you are stationed while in Illinois, a copy of your military assignment orders, a copy of your U.S. Military ID and the completed Out of State Affidavit, found in the FOID tab of the section Helpful Documents.

No. A parent or someone who has been appointed as your legal guardian by court order must be your sponsor.

A person under age 21 can apply for a FOID Card as long as they have a sponsor who is a parent or legal guardian. If your parents are not living, you will need someone appointed as a legal guardian to sponsor your application. The legal guardian must also sign an affidavit, have the affidavit notarized, and attach it to the application. If you are denied a FOID card because your sponsor is not eligible, you may seek relief by filing an appeal with the Office of Firearms Safety.

Yes. The ISP can waive the sponsor requirement. Minors who are active duty military must also submit their Orders annually to the ISP for their FOID card to remain valid.

No. The parent or legal guardian cannot sign the application on behalf of the minor applicant. If the minor applicant is not able to sign the application, a copy of the applicant's birth certificate is required.

Yes

Yes. Paper applications may be obtained by contacting the Firearms Services Bureau Call Center at (217) 782-7980, but will only be accepted from applicants with appropriate proof an individual is unable to apply either on the internet or at a customer service kiosk due to a religious exemption or a disability. Proof of disability includes, but is not limited to, documentation from: A) the Social Security Administration; B) the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission; C) the U.S. Department of Defense; D) an insurer authorized to transact business in Illinois who is providing disability insurance coverage; or E) a physician or healthcare provider licensed in this State and is in the position to know the applicant's medical condition.

No

You will need to provide your full name, date of birth, street address of residence, Driver's License or Identification Card number, and a color photograph.

Applicants need to provide a color photograph, recently taken, and in a likeness of the applicant. The face cannot be obstructed. If applying through the online application you will need to upload an electronic photograph that is a color, head and shoulders photo with no obstruction of the facial features and no digital alterations. Please remove hats and sunglasses before taking the picture. If you are applying through the alternative call-in method, you need to attach the color photo to the front of the paper application with clear tape. Do not send a picture of your driver's license or state ID.

The Illinois State Police will issue your card pending verification that all information is accurate and you are eligible under the FOID Act. FOID renewals are processed within 60 business days. New FOID applications are processed within 30 calendar days. Please allow up to 10 additional days for printing and mailing before inquiring about your card.

Your FOID card can be renewed through the online method at our website or at one of our four self-service kiosks in: Troop 3/District 5,Lockport; Troop 6/District 9,Springfield; Troop 8/District 11,Collinsville; or, Troop 10/District 13, Du Quoin.

Now that Illinois is issuing combination-style cards with no printed expiration dates, if, upon renewal, nothing changes except your expiration date, no new card will be sent.

If you chose to allow your FOID card to expire, you will no longer be able to purchase or possess firearms in the state of Illinois. Any firearms in your possession will need to be transferred to a person lawfully eligible to possess firearms either through a Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer or the Person to Person Verify Portal at www.ispfsb.com and then clicking on Transfers.

You may request a replacement card by logging into the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website.

A replacement FOID card costs $5.00 plus a $1.00 ePay service fee for credit or debit cards. Electronic checks are accepted. Cash, paper checks, or money orders are not accepted.

FOID Cardholders may request a name or address change to their FOID card by logging into the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website. Once at your dashboard, select "EDIT NAME/ADDRESS."

A corrected card for a name or address change to the FOID Card costs $5.00 plus a $1.00 ePay service fee for credit or debit cards. Electronic checks are accepted. Cash, paper checks, or money orders are not accepted.

NO. Simply proceed with the renewal process. You will be given an opportunity to make the necessary changes during the FOID renewal process.

Simply mail it back to the Firearms Services Bureau at 801 S. 7th Street, Suite 400M, Springfield, Illinois 62703. Include a note that you would like us to cancel the card and why. Be sure to include a telephone number where we can contact you.

During the application process you will be given the opportunity to apply without the application fee. You will be required to attach a copy of your Military ID.

No. You are still required to pay the fee for a replacement card due to name or address change or if your FOID card is lost, stolen, or damaged, even if you are entitled to a military fee exemption from the application fee.

The fees are (non-refundable per 430 ILCS 66/60) $150 for Illinois residents and $300 for out-of-state residents. The ISP uses Illinois ePay. Illinois ePay applies a 2.25% service fee, or a minimum of $1.00 for credit/debit cards. Electronic checks are accepted. Cash, paper checks, or money orders are not accepted.

You may apply for a CCL by visiting the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website.

A newly-issued Concealed Carry License has a five-year expiration date.

Yes. As long as your FOID is valid, 430 ILCS 65/3 (a) allows you to present your CCL in lieu of a FOID to purchase a firearm or ammunition.

No. You must have a valid FOID in order to have a CCL.

No. You can only carry a handgun as defined in the Firearm Concealed Carry Act if it is completely or mostly concealed from view of the public.

Yes, if the person meets the qualifications for a license holder. There is no exemption from these standards for people with physical disabilities.

No. The Live Scan photo may not be used as the photo submission.

Upon receipt of a completed application, including the fee, the ISP issues or denies the applicant an Illinois Concealed Carry License within 90 days, provided the applicant submits a full set of fingerprints in electronic format. If fingerprints are not submitted, the ISP is granted an additional 30 days to complete a manual background check.

A list of licensed live scan fingerprint vendors is available here.

This list is all inclusive. Accordingly, any vendor not on this list is not a licensed Illinois live scan vendor. Fingerprints from non-licensed vendors will not be accepted.

Once you submit a Transaction Control Number (TCN), it will remain a permanent part of your Illinois CCL record.

Only when the local police department is a licensed Live Scan vendor for fee applications.

In most circumstances, yes. However, if you renew your CCL after its expiration date, your card will be invalid while your application is being processed.

Now that Illinois is issuing combination-style cards with no printed expiration dates, if, upon renewal, nothing changes except your expiration date, no new card will be sent.

You can report your CCL lost or stolen by logging into the ISP Firearms Services Bureau website, or by calling the Customer Service Center at 217-782-7980. You must notify the ISP within 10 days of discovering your CCL is lost or stolen.

You may request a replacement CCL by logging into our website or by calling the Customer Service Center at 217-782-7980. You will retain your current CCL number and expiration date. You must notify the ISP within 10 days of discovering your CCL is destroyed.

CCL holders may request a name or address change by logging into our website. Once at your dashboard select "EDIT NAME/ADDRESS." Please Note: your CCL must match the name and address on your Illinois Driver's License or State Identification Card. Click here to change your address with the SOS. You may also request a name/address change by calling 217-782-7980 for the call-in alternative application. The fee for the name or address change is $75 plus a nominal service fee.

Currently, you CAN change your address during a CCL renewal. You CANNOT change your name during a CCL renewal.

If the CCL has not yet been mailed, you can provide the new name or address by selecting the "EDIT NAME/ADDRESS" button on our website. If you are not able to make the change on the website, you may contact the Customer Service Center at 217-782-7980 for help updating your name or address. If the card has already been printed and mailed, you will need to complete the procedures for a "NAME/ADDRESS CHANGE."

Simply mail your CCL back to the Firearms Services Bureau at 801 S. 7th Street, Suite 400M, Springfield, Illinois 62703. Include a note that you would like us to cancel the card and explain why.

A 16 hour training course must -- at minimum -- cover the following topics:

1. Firearms Safety - a minimum of 1 hour;
2. Basic Principles of Marksmanship - a minimum of 1 hour;
3. Care, Cleaning, Loading and Unloading of a Concealable Firearm - a minimum of 1 hour;
4. All Applicable State and Federal Laws Relating to the Ownership, Storage, Carry and Transportation of a Firearm (including but not limited to the appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm) - a minimum of 2 hours; and
5. Weapons Handling - a minimum of 1 range hour.
   All applicants must pass a live-fire exercise with a concealable firearm consisting of:
   1. A minimum of 30 rounds
   2. 10 rounds from a distance of 5 yards, 10 rounds from a distance of 7 yards, and 10 rounds from a distance of 10 yards, fired at a B-27 silhouette target approved by the ISP.

The statute provides that active, retired, and honorably discharged members of the United States Armed Forces shall be considered to have completed 8 hours of the 16-hour training requirement. Those applying for a CCL who have completed a training course that is approved by the ISP and recognized under the laws of another state may receive up to 8 hours of training toward the 16-hour training requirement.

Current military personnel will need to provide documentation identifying the holder as an active member of the US Armed Forces (CAC or DD Form 2 ID cards in green, blue, or red, for instance). Veterans will need to provide a copy of their DD-214 or NGB 22.

The ISP and certified firearms instructors shall recognize up to 8 hours of training already completed toward the 16 hour training requirement. Pursuant to the discretion granted within the statute regarding the proficiency of trainees, instructors must verify the prior training and can, within their discretion, determine the need for further training on a case by case basis. The Department maintains a list of approved curricula here to guide individual instructors with this decision. Two different four-hour classes from the list of approved curricula may be combined for up to eight hours of prior training credit.

Any remaining hours that the applicant completes must at least cover applicable State and Federal Laws Relating to the Ownership, Storage, Carry and Transportation of a Firearm Instruction as well as Weapons Handling as defined in the statute and administrative rules. The Instructor shall verify the aggregate number of hours for which the applicant provided proof of instruction in Firearms Safety, Basic Principles of Marksmanship, and Care, Cleaning, Loading and Unloading of a Concealable Firearm, based upon a list provided by the Department of accepted training courses, and provide the necessary additional hours of training to equal 16. Applicants must meet the minimums set out in the 16-hour curriculum. The instructor will need to assess and verify the areas on which the applicant was previously trained and modify the blocks of instruction in sections 1, 2, and 3 to cover the remaining requirements. Sections 4 and 5 should remain unaltered.

Yes. The instructor has the ability to apply four hours of credit for the Hunter Safety class.

No. Outside of prior training credits, you need to take all the hours during a single class. If there are multiple instructors during a single class, all instructors must sign the training certificate and provide their Instructor ID.

The ISP encourages instructors to teach to proficiency. The minimum hours of instruction listed earlier are a guide for this purpose. However, the exact make-up of the training will be at the discretion of the individual instructors.

Not necessarily. Equipment requirements will be set by approved instructors.

"Hit the Target" and "Scoring Area" mean a round that has impacted within the black portion of the silhouette on a B-27 target. Any round that breaks the line between the black portion of the silhouette and the non-scoring area is considered a "hit."

Follow the instructions in your notification letter.

If a person submits an application but fails to also submit the training certificate, the ISP will reject the application. Rejection is NOT a denial. A rejection means your submission is incomplete and needs correction or additional documentation. If your application is rejected, you will be given 60 days to submit the missing information. If you do not provide the missing information including the training certificate within 60 days, the application will be denied. If the application is denied you will have to pay another fee and resubmit a complete application including the training certificate.

Yes. The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act, 430 ILCS 66/80, sets forth the qualifications to be a firearms instructor.

A person seeking to become a certified Illinois Concealed Carry Firearms Instructor shall:

• be at least 21 years of age;
• be a legal resident of the United States and qualified for a Concealed Carry License in Illinois;
• possess a high school diploma or GED certificate; and,
• have at least one of the following valid firearms instructor certifications:
  
  • certification from a law enforcement agency;
  • certification from a firearm instructor course offered by a state or federal governmental agency;
  • certification from a firearm instructor course offered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board; or
  • certification from an entity approved by the Illinois State Police that offers firearm instructor education and training in the use and safety of firearms.

The ISP has established administrative rules consistent with the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. A link to the instructor approval application is available here.

Fees for fingerprint based background checks are set pursuant to state and federal law. The ISP cannot charge more than the fees required by law.

Some instructors have indicated they believe applicants will be looking for business names on the registry rather than just instructor names, There is no requirement for the field to be completed if the individual instructor is not associated with a business.

No. Only an e-mail address will be accepted

Upon hitting "Submit" you should receive a confirmation page. Once the ISP makes a decision about your application, you will be notified by letter via U.S. Mail.

You may email your request to isp.instructor.docs@illinois.gov

Yes

No.

To view approved courses, click here.

Yes, approved curriculum must be taught by an approved instructor. However, people who qualify for up to 8 hours of credit for prior training need not have been trained by an approved instructor.

The Illinois State Police sent a survey to each state to determine which states have laws that are substantially similar. Currently, the only states considered to be substantially similar are Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Virginia. Click here to view the CCL Substantially Similar Survey

Simply mail it back to the Firearms Services Bureau at 801 S. 7th Street, Suite 400M, Springfield, Illinois, 62703. Include a note that you have moved out of state and are surrendering your CCL. If you are moving to a substantially similar state and wish to have an Illinois CCL, you must contact the Firearms Services Bureau via email isp.ccw.illinois@illinois.gov to have your FOID canceled so that you may apply for a CCL change of address. You must submit your CCL from your new state, a copy of your new state ID, and a notarized Out of State affidavit.

Yes.

All state buildings are prohibited areas and must be posted as such.

No, regardless of whether the religious leaders of the place of worship authorize such conduct, a person who has a CCL may not carry a concealed firearm at a place of worship if there is a pre-school, after school program, or faith-based school on the premises. However, if there is no pre-school, after school program, or faith-based school on the premises, nothing prevents a person who has a CCL to carry a concealed firearm at a place of worship where transient child care is provided temporarily while parents or custodians of the children are occupied on the premises and readily available so long as the place of worship has not otherwise posted that the carrying of concealed firearms on the property is prohibited.

The ISP will continue to enforce the law in effect. Persons who carry firearms without a Concealed Carry License issued by the ISP are subject to arrest.

Any licensee prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm into a prohibited location 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. This exception does not apply to any area where firearms are prohibited under federal law or to property regulated by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Yes. However, it is within the dealer's discretion whether to accept the eCard in lieu of the physical Combo card.

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.

All cards issued by the Firearms Services Bureau are now Combination (Combo) cards because the cards are a FOID card with a CCL indicator, "CCL: Yes" or "CCL: No." A Concealed Carry License holder no longer has to carry two cards. The Combo card does not include an expiration date or issue date. All CCL cards will be replaced with the new printed FOID/CCL Combo cards.

All cardholders can log into our website via their smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device and, by clicking the "My eCard" button on the left, view their most recent card. The eCard communicates the status of your FOID/CCL in real time and looks like the new Combo card. Cardholders will be able to display the new Combo eCard (for themselves, law enforcement or firearm dealers) even before they physically have a new card. When viewed online, everyone's eCard will look like a Combo card. For example, all CCL holders will see the new Combo card with a "CCL: Yes" indicator. All FOID-only cardholders will see a Combo card with a "CCL: No" indicator. If the CCL is expired but the FOID is still valid, the viewer will see a "CCL: No" indicator. If the FOID is expired, the viewer will see "EXPIRED" stamped across the front of the eCard.