Overview for Illinois
One of the strictest states in the U.S. Illinois was the last state to implement the right to carry, and does not honor the permits of any other states.
Illinois requires an FOID (Firearm Owner Identification) to purchase and to own any firearm. More information on FOID card is available here. There is a mandatory 72 hour waiting period on handguns and a 24 hour on long guns. Law enforcement officers and firearm dealers are exempt from the waiting period.
Carrying a firearm while wearing a hood or mask is illegal.
- These areas have local magazine restrictions Aurora: 15 rounds, Chicago: 12 rounds, Oak Park: 10 rounds, and Cook County: 10 rounds.
- Chicago, certain Chicago suburbs, and Cook county have banned the ownership of “assault weapons”.
- Chicago requires the registration of firearms. They must be registered with the Chicago Police and the Daley Center. The registration ticket must be carried with the firearm, and is valid for 1 year.
| Law | Long-guns | Handguns |
|---|---|---|
| Permit to Purchase | Yes | Yes |
| Open Carry | No | No |
| Concealed Carry | No | Yes |
| State Preemption of Local Restrictions | Partial | Partial |
| Firearm Registration | No | No |
| Owner License | Yes | Yes |
The Concealed Carry Permit
(often encompasses the open carry permit)
- Price: $150
- Valid for 5 years
- Regarding Non-residents of Illinois: $300
- Non-resident permits are valid for 5 years
- An owner's license is irrevelent. This state requires an FOID card
- Permit to Purchase: Requires an FOID Card
- Permits to Purchase Year/Cost: 10 years / Cost $10
Official Concealed Carry page for Illinois.
Illinois Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Illinois Magazine Capacity
- More than 10 rounds of ammunition for long guns
- More than 15 round of ammunition for handguns
Illinois Ghost Gun law
The Ghost gun law in Illinois states the following:It is prohibited in Illinois to sell, offer to sell or transfer any firearm that doesn't have a serial number and unserialized unfinished frame or receiver to a buyer who is not a federally licensed manufacturer, dealer or importer.
In Illinois you cannot knowingly possess, transport, or receive an unserialized unfinished frame or receiver if you are not a licenced manufacturer, dealer or importer
Illinois Imitation Firearms
What is classified as an Imitation Firearm in Illinois?
The following is a list of imitation firearms in Illinois:
- Pneumatic gun
- BB gun
- Spring gun
- Paintball gun
- Air Rifle
Does Illinois have an inheritance gun law?
Yes, Illinois has an inheritance gun law.