Illinois is the home of famous anti-gun city Chicago. Former president Obama’s home state requires individuals to be 21 years old in order to obtain a concealed carry permit. In addition to other requirements, applicants must also have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card. Applicants should submit their paperwork (and associated fee) to the Department of State Police. It’s worth noting that there is an education component to obtaining a concealed permit that cannot be completed solely online. Upon approval, the license is valid for 5 years. Ironically, Illinois does issue non-resident permits. While Illinois does not respect any other state concealed permit, holders of an Illinois permit can carry in 29 other states.
This information was last updated in January 2019.
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Illinois Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept IL License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit*
Reciprocity Map for Illinois
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept an Illinois concealed carry permit or those states that Illinois will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Illinois Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Maine – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does not honor state issued concealed carry permit from IL
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does not honor state issued concealed carry permit from IL
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Does not honor state issued concealed carry permit from IL
- Wisconsin
Illinois Will Honor The Following States
Illinois does not honor any other states’ concealed carry licenses.
How To Apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Illinois?
Illinois is a shall issue state for concealed carry permits. Any person who meets the necessary requirements will be issued a concealed permit. Applicants will need to be of proper age, of sound mind, and in good standing with the state. Criminal records may prevent successfully obtaining a CCW. For a full list check out the section below.
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What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in IL?
Among other requirements, Illinois requires applicants for a concealed permit be a minimum of 21 years old. Furthermore, applicants must also have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card to be eligible for a concealed carry permit.
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Who issues a concealed carry permit in Illinois?
Residents of Illinois, and non-residents alike should send the completed application for a concealed permit to the Department of State Police.
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How long is an Illinois concealed carry permit good for?
An Illinois concealed carry permit is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. This license is valid in the entirety of the state.
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Does IL issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Illinois does issue non-resident permits. Any person who has not resided in the state for at least 30 days and is a resident of another state/territory is considered a non-resident. Applicants for a non-resident permit are subject to the same requirements as resident applicants, except the resident clause found in Section 430-65-4.
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How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
The Department of State Police of Illinois will issue or deny an applicant their concealed permit within 90 days. However, should the department accept applications without electronic fingerprints, this window will extend to 120 days.
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How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
The cost for an Illinois concealed carry permit varies depending on circumstances. Resident permits are $150 for new permits or renewals. Any non-resident applicant will pay $300. Any individual needing a replacement license due to address change should expect to pay $75.
Each of the fees is divided among the State Police Firearm Services Fund, Mental Health Reporting Fund, and State Crime Laboratory Fund. A full breakdown of each
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What are the accepted forms of competency training?
Illinois has very explicit instructions about what constitutes competency training. The state will not accept online only courses, since the 16 hour minimum time of training includes range qualification.
In addition to firearms safety, and basic marksmanship, Illinois requires concealed carry applicants to have basic firearm cleaning and maintenance training.
A full listing of acceptable courses can be found on the Department of state police website. And a list of all necessary requirements can be found in the below code.
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Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Illinois
Is Illinois an Open Carry State?
Illinois is not an open carry state. The code states that a permit entitles the holder to carry a loaded or unloaded firearm either partially or completely concealed. There is no mention of whether the weapon can be carried openly.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
According to the below excerpt from Section 430-66-10 an individual with a concealed license is permitted to carry a firearm in their vehicle. Because Illinois does not recognize permits from other states, this only applies to residents
“keep or carry a loaded or unloaded concealed firearm on or about his or her person within a vehicle.“
Anyone who does not have a concealed permit, must have the firearm in their vehicle meet one of the following conditions:
- broken down in a non-functioning state
- not readily accessible
- are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container by a person who has been issued a currently valid Firearm Owner’s Identification Card
* Illinois is NOT a safe passage state, so adhere to the above bulleted items if you are not a licensed resident of the state.
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Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
Permit holders are allowed to carry in state parks, as long as the following conditions are met:
“[…]nothing in this paragraph shall prohibit a licensee from carrying a concealed firearm onto the real property, bikeway, or trail in a park regulated by the Department of Natural Resources or any other designated public hunting area or building where firearm possession is permitted as established by the Department of Natural Resources under Section 1.8 of the Wildlife Code.“
Generally speaking, permit holders may not carry in Illinois Department of Natural Resource offices and buildings, or in any are designated with an “ISP-approved sign prohibiting firearms”.
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Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Concealed carry in restaurants is a risk for permit holders. Any establishment which has “50% of the gross receipts within the prior 3 months from the sale of alcohol” is an area where concealed carry is forbidden.
Furthermore, Illinois considers it an unlawful use of weapons, when a person:
“Carries or possesses any firearm, stun gun or taser or other deadly weapon in any place which is licensed to sell intoxicating beverages“
Therefore, for all intents and purposes, it is not legal to carry concealed in restaurants. Given the citation of the code above, it is expressly forbidden to conceal carry in a bar.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Unlike medical facilities, it is legal for a concealed carry permit holder to carry in a place of worship, unless there is posted signage prohibiting the carry of firearms. Any private property owner can post this signage and must be obeyed by persons carrying a concealed firearm.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Under Illinois code, it is not illegal to carry into a bank. However, if there is posted signage prohibiting the carry of firearms on the premises it must be obeyed.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Illinois code specifically lists hospitals as areas that are prohibited areas for concealed carry. Therefore, even with a concealed carry permit, individuals should NOT carry a firearm onto the grounds of a hospital or other medical facility. It is worth noting that this includes any public or private facility as well as nursing homes.
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The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.