Illinois has significant carry restrictions, and the legal landscape has shifted substantially since the 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. New legislation, court rulings, and injunctions continue to affect what is currently enforceable. This page provides a general overview only — verify the current status of any specific provision with Illinois State Police or a licensed Illinois attorney before relying on it.
Illinois carry status overview
Illinois requires a FOID Card + Concealed Carry License (CCL) to carry a concealed handgun, issued by Illinois State Police. Illinois requires BOTH a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card AND a separate Concealed Carry License (CCL) — a two-step process unique among states. The CCL requires 16 hours of mandatory training, among the most extensive in the country. Chicago has historically had additional local restrictions.
| Concealed carry | FOID Card + Concealed Carry License (CCL) required |
| Governing law | 430 ILCS 66 (Firearm Concealed Carry Act) |
| Issuing authority | Illinois State Police |
| Open carry | Generally prohibited |
| Vehicle carry | Strict requirements — verify current rules |
| Post-Bruen changes | Yes — significant sensitive-location and process changes since 2022 |
Applying for a permit
Apply through Illinois State Police. Be prepared for a more involved process than in most other states — additional documentation, longer processing times, and in some cases an in-person interview may be required. Training requirements are typically more extensive than in shall-issue states.
Application info: https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/CCL.aspx ↗
Sensitive locations (post-Bruen)
Following the 2022 Bruen decision, Illinois enacted expanded "sensitive location" restrictions that prohibit carry — even with a valid permit — in a substantially wider range of places than before. Categories commonly include:
- Government buildings and courts
- Schools and educational institutions (K–12 and higher ed)
- Healthcare facilities
- Public transit
- Places of worship (unless authorized)
- Bars and establishments serving alcohol
- Public parks and gathering places (varies)
- Polling places
- Private property, unless affirmatively authorized by the owner (varies by state)
These categories are illustrative — the specific list and ongoing litigation status varies. Verify the current, enforceable list directly with Illinois State Police before carrying anywhere in Illinois.
Frequently asked questions — Illinois
Is it difficult to get a carry permit in Illinois?
The process in Illinois is generally more involved than in shall-issue states — expect more documentation, training requirements, and processing time. Apply through Illinois State Police for the current specific requirements.
Has Illinois's carry law changed recently?
Yes, likely. Following the 2022 Supreme Court Bruen decision, many restrictive states including Illinois enacted new legislation addressing "sensitive locations" and permit processes. This area of law is actively litigated and continues to change. Always verify the current status before relying on any specific provision described here.
Does Illinois honor permits from other states?
Generally, Illinois does not broadly recognize out-of-state carry permits the way many other states do. Verify the specific current reciprocity status — if any — with Illinois State Police or the state attorney general's office before assuming your out-of-state permit is valid here.