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Illinois is unique because it requires residents to posses a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card to carry ammunition or firearms. There’s a period of 72 hours where you must wait to carry a handgun. Concealed carry permits are typically issued by the state police to individuals who are at least 21 and have passed a 16 hour training course. Non-resident permits are available for residents of four states, MS,AR, TX, VA and non-residents are also exempt from having a FOID card if they possess a valid CCW permit from their home state.
| Open Carry Permitted? | No |
| Carry In Vehicle? | Yes! |
| Carry In State Park? | Yes! |
| Carry In Restaurants? | Yes! |
| Constitutional Carry? | No |
| No Weapon Sign Enforced? | Yes! |
| Must Notify Officer? | No |
Illinois will not honor any other states concealed carry permits. They will however issue non-resident concealed carry licenses to residents of four states;
These states have been assessed as having substantially similar firearms laws to Illinois laws. This list is being continually updated as more states are identified as having similar CCW laws to Illinois.
No
Open carrying a handgun on your person or in a vehicle with or without a license in Illinois is illegal. Even if you have a concealed permit you still cannot legally open carry. The handgun must be concealed from view of the public.
YES
It is illegal to carry a loaded handgun in a vehicle without a permit/license. The statute does not apply however to the transportation of firearms that are: 1) broken down in a non-functioning state; 2) not immediately accessible; or 3) unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person with a currently valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card. A person who is issued a valid concealed carry license is permitted to keep or carry a loaded or unloaded concealed handgun on or about his or her person within a vehicle. There is another separate law for Non-Residents A non-resident may transport a loaded concealed handgun in a vehicle if they have a valid CCW permit in their home state. They cannot under any circumstances remove the firearm from the vehicle. If they need to exit the vehicle they must lock it or place the firearm in a locked container. The Law 430 ILCS 66/40
Yes
It is legal to carry in the following areas; State Parks: YES State/National Forests: YES (not in posted buildings) State Wildlife Management Areas: YES (not in posted buildings) State Refuge or Nature Preserves: NO Road Side Rest Areas: NO
Yes
In Restaurants That Serve Alcohol Yes, unless the bar is posted. If a bar gets more than 50% of their income from selling alcohol then you cannot carry a firearm there.
Yes
Illinois gun laws give the force of law to “No Weapons” signs. There are legal penalties for entering a private property or business that has posted these signs. The Law 430 ILCS 66/70 430 ILCS 66 Section 65(d) 1231.150 Administrative Rules
No
There is nothing in Illinois gun laws that state you must inform a law enforcement officer you have a firearm when approached on official business. You are legally required to carry the permit/license at all times during which the permittee is in actual possession of a concealed handgun. If an officer requests to see the license then you must hand it over. The Law 430 ILCS 66/10