Illinois Concealed Carry FAQ

Who needs an Illinois Concealed Carry License?

Most individuals who wish to carry a concealed firearm in Illinois must obtain an Illinois Concealed Carry License (CCL).

Law Enforcement & Security Exemptions:

• Active Peace Officers: Qualified active-duty law enforcement officers are exempt from the Illinois Concealed Carry Act.
• Retired Law Enforcement (LEOSA/IROCC): Under the federal Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), qualified retired officers may carry nationwide. In Illinois, these officers typically maintain eligibility through the Illinois Retired Officer Concealed Carry (IROCC) program.
• Armed Security: A certified, armed security officer with a valid Firearm Control Card (FCC) is exempt from all 16 hours of training required for the permit.

Will persons be allowed to open carry?

No. Open carry is illegal in Illinois. A handgun carried on or about a person must be completely or mostly concealed from view of the public or on or about a person within a vehicle.

What type of firearm can I carry?

Under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, you are only permitted to carry a handgun.

• Handgun Definition: Any device designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosion or expansion of gas that is designed to be held and fired by the use of a single hand.
• What is NOT a handgun: For the purposes of this license, a “handgun” does not include:
  • Stun guns or Tasers.
  • Machine guns.
  • Short-barreled rifles (SBRs) or short-barreled shotguns.
  • Pneumatic, spring, paintball, or B-B guns.

What are the qualifications for an Illinois CCL?

The applicant must:

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Have a currently valid FOID card (if an Illinois resident).
• Not be prohibited under federal law from possessing or receiving a firearm.
• No convictions for misdemeanors involving physical force or violence within the last 5 years.
• No more than 2 DUI violations within the last 5 years.
• Not be the subject of a pending arrest warrant or prosecution.
• No residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism or drug detoxification within the last 5 years.
• Successfully complete 16 hours of firearms training.

What is the cost for an Illinois CCL?

• $150 for 5 years for Illinois residents (plus IL Internet Fee).
• $300 for 5 years for out-of-state residents (plus IL Internet Fee).
• Non-Resident Eligibility: Only residents of Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia are currently eligible to apply for an Illinois Non-Resident CCL.

How long does it take to obtain the license?

• With Fingerprints: Approximately 90 days.
• Without Fingerprints: Approximately 120 days.

Where can I carry with an Illinois CCL? (Reciprocity)

An Illinois CCL is currently honored in approximately 35 states, including: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan (Resident Only), Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Where is carrying PROHIBITED?

You cannot carry a firearm into:

• Schools and child care facilities.
• Courthouses and government buildings.
• Hospitals and nursing homes.
• Public transportation (buses, trains).
• Bars (establishments where >50% of receipts are from alcohol).
• Public playgrounds, parks, and athletic facilities.
• Stadiums, arenas, amusement parks, zoos, and museums.
• Anywhere prohibited by Federal Law.

What is “Safe Harbor”?

If you enter a prohibited parking area (like a school lot), you may keep your firearm within your vehicle. It must be stored in a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view. You may only exit the vehicle with the firearm to store it in the trunk, provided the firearm is unloaded before you exit.

Student Responsibilities

By registering for a class at Defcon-1 Firearms Training, you agree to:

• Punctuality: Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to class start.
• Safety: Follow all instructor directions. Unsafe behavior will result in immediate removal without a refund.
• Conduct: Maintain a casual, professional appearance and a respectful attitude toward instructors and fellow students.