Illinois has the most demanding concealed carry licensing process in the continental United States. The state requires a 16-hour training course — double the requirement of most other states — plus a separate Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card, an Illinois State Police application, and a $150 fee. It's a significant commitment, but for Illinoisans who want to carry legally, it's the only path forward. There is no permitless carry in Illinois.
This guide walks you through every step of the process so you know exactly what to expect.
Start Here: The FOID Card Requirement
Before you can even think about a concealed carry license in Illinois, you need a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card. The FOID is a separate license issued by the Illinois State Police that you must obtain first.
To get a FOID card:
- Apply online through the ISP FOID/CCL portal at isp.illinois.gov
- Pay a $11 application fee
- Pass a background check
- Processing takes 30–90 days (the backlog has been significant in recent years)
You cannot purchase firearms, possess firearms, or apply for a CCL without a valid FOID card. If you don't already have one, start the FOID process before anything else. Build 2–3 months of lead time before you plan to carry.
Illinois Concealed Carry License: Training Requirement
Illinois mandates 16 hours of concealed carry training from a certified Illinois State Police instructor. This is the most extensive state-mandated training requirement in the country, and it's designed to be taken seriously.
The 16-hour course must include:
Classroom instruction (at least 8 hours):
- Firearm safety principles
- Illinois law on the use of force and deadly force
- Prohibited locations under the Illinois FCCL Act
- Firearm storage, transportation, and unloading
- Non-violent conflict resolution
- Anatomy of a defensive shooting scenario
Live-fire range qualification (at least 16 rounds, multiple distances):
- Students must demonstrate proficiency with a handgun
- Minimum passing score applies
- Range time is conducted by a certified range officer under instructor supervision
The course cannot be completed in one day by most providers — expect to attend over a weekend or multiple evenings. Your instructor must be certified by the Illinois State Police, and the course must be conducted by or under the supervision of that certified instructor.
Find Illinois CCW training courses on TrainingOS — all listings are with ISP-certified instructors.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an Illinois Concealed Carry License:
- Be 21 or older
- Hold a valid Illinois FOID card (or qualify for a non-resident application)
- Not be prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law
- No felony convictions
- No domestic violence convictions or active orders of protection
- No convictions for battery, assault, or aggravated stalking in the past 5 years
- No 2+ DUI convictions
- Not have been a patient in a mental health facility in the past 5 years
- No pending felony charges
- Not be an unlawful user of a controlled substance
The Application Process (Step by Step)
Step 1 — Obtain your FOID card. If you don't already have one, apply through the ISP portal. Allow 60–90 days.
Step 2 — Complete your 16-hour training course. Book a course with a certified Illinois instructor. Receive your certificate of completion.
Step 3 — Gather your documents. You'll need your FOID card, training certificate, and a passport-quality photo (color, head-and-shoulders, taken within the past 30 days).
Step 4 — Apply through the ISP portal. Illinois CCL applications are submitted online at isp.illinois.gov. You'll upload your documents, provide your eligibility information, and complete the application.
Step 5 — Pay the fee. The Illinois CCL application fee is $150. Active-duty military and veterans may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Step 6 — Wait for processing. Illinois law allows the ISP 90 days to process your application. In practice, the timeline can vary. The ISP has faced significant backlogs in recent years. You can check your application status through the ISP portal.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| FOID card | $11 |
| 16-hour training course | $150–$250 |
| Passport photo | $10–$15 |
| CCL application fee | $150 |
| Total | ~$320–$425 |
The Illinois CCL is valid for 5 years. Renewal costs $150 and requires completion of a 3-hour refresher training course.
Prohibited Locations in Illinois
Illinois has one of the longest lists of prohibited carry locations in the country. Even with a valid CCL, carrying is prohibited in:
- Any building or property under the control of a unit of local government
- Schools (K-12) and school buses
- Pre-schools and child care facilities
- Colleges and universities (unless the institution expressly allows it)
- Public libraries
- Zoos and museums
- Stadiums and arenas during events
- Amusement parks and carnivals
- Hospitals and medical facilities
- Establishments where more than 50% of gross revenue comes from on-premises alcohol sales
- Gaming facilities licensed by the state
- Public parks
- Public transit (buses, trains, stations)
- Polling places on election days
- Courthouses and court facilities
- Cook County Forest Preserves
- Any building with a posted notice prohibiting firearms
The prohibited location list is extensive. Violating it can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on circumstances.
Chicago-Specific Notes
Chicago follows state CCL law but applies it within a dense urban environment with heightened law enforcement scrutiny. Key notes for Chicago residents and visitors:
- Chicago has additional local ordinances that may interact with state law
- The Chicago Police Department has historically had its own reporting requirements
- Cook County prohibits assault weapons under a county ordinance separate from state law
- Carrying in CTA buses and trains is prohibited regardless of CCL status
If you live in or regularly travel to Chicago, consulting with an Illinois firearms attorney is worthwhile.
Illinois CCL Reciprocity
Illinois has very limited reciprocity. The Illinois CCL is recognized by only a small number of states — historically, reciprocity has been narrower than most other states. This is partly because Illinois's 16-hour training requirement makes Illinois reluctant to recognize licenses from states with lower standards, and partly because many states' reciprocity policies specifically exclude Illinois.
Check the ISP website for the current list, as it changes periodically.
Renewal
Illinois CCL holders must renew every 5 years. Renewal requires:
- Completion of a 3-hour refresher training course
- Completed online renewal application through the ISP portal
- $150 renewal fee
- Current FOID card must remain valid
Getting an Illinois CCL takes time, money, and genuine effort — but that's the point. The process ensures that license holders in Illinois have a meaningful baseline of training and have passed thorough background checks.
Find Illinois concealed carry courses on TrainingOS and start your path with a certified Illinois State Police instructor. Browse all CCW training courses to compare options near you.
Related: State Guides
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