By Patricia Jones Yes, guns are legal, but firearm ownership and carrying are heavily regulated. Illinois residents generally need a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card to acquire or possess firearms and ammunition. Carrying a concealed handgun in public normally requires a separate Illinois Concealed Carry License. The state also prohibits certain firearms, including weapons classified as assault weapons, and restricts large-capacity magazines.
What Does Illinois Law Say About Gun Ownership?
The primary law governing basic firearm possession is the Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification Card Act.
A person generally may not acquire or possess a firearm or firearm ammunition in Illinois without a valid FOID card issued by the Illinois State Police, unless a specific legal exemption applies.
A FOID card establishes that the holder is eligible under Illinois law to possess firearms and ammunition. However, it does not automatically authorize concealed carry in public and does not permit possession of firearms that are otherwise prohibited by state law.
Who Can Get a FOID Card in Illinois?
Illinois State Police determines whether an applicant qualifies for a FOID card.
Certain people are legally disqualified. These can include people with felony convictions, certain domestic violence or other criminal convictions, some individuals subject to qualifying protection orders, and people who fall within particular state or federal firearm prohibitions.
People under 21 may qualify for a FOID card in certain circumstances but generally need written consent from an eligible parent or legal guardian unless an applicable exception applies.
A person who previously qualified for a FOID card can also lose firearm privileges if later circumstances make that person legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
Can You Carry a Gun in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois permits licensed concealed carry.
An eligible person who is at least 21 may apply for an Illinois Concealed Carry License, commonly called a CCL. Applicants generally must have a valid FOID card, satisfy background and eligibility requirements, and complete the required firearms training.
A valid CCL generally allows the license holder to carry a loaded or unloaded handgun completely or mostly concealed from public view, including in many situations involving a motor vehicle.
Having only a FOID card does not provide the same authority to carry a concealed handgun in public.
Where Are Guns Prohibited Even With a Concealed Carry License?
An Illinois concealed carry license does not allow a person to carry a handgun everywhere.
Firearms are prohibited or heavily restricted in many locations, including:
- Schools and child-care facilities
- Courthouses
- Certain government buildings
- Hospitals and mental-health facilities
- Public transportation vehicles and facilities
- Public playgrounds
- Certain public parks
- Correctional facilities
- Bars where more than half of gross receipts come from alcohol sales
- Certain public gatherings and special events
Federal law and private-property rules can create additional restrictions.
Are AR-15s and Assault Weapons Legal in Illinois?
Illinois significantly restricted certain semiautomatic firearms through the Protect Illinois Communities Act, commonly known as PICA.
The law prohibits the manufacture, sale, purchase, importation and, subject to limited exceptions, possession of firearms that meet Illinois’s statutory definition of an assault weapon.
People who lawfully possessed covered firearms before the law took effect were generally required to follow the state’s grandfathering and endorsement requirements in order to continue possessing them legally.
Therefore, a firearm such as an AR-style rifle cannot automatically be assumed legal in Illinois simply because the owner has a FOID card.
Are High-Capacity Magazines Legal in Illinois?
Illinois also restricts large-capacity ammunition feeding devices.
Under current state law, a large-capacity magazine generally includes a magazine capable of accepting:
- More than 10 rounds for a long gun
- More than 15 rounds for a handgun
There are limited exceptions and special rules involving certain previously owned magazines, but ordinary acquisition and possession of prohibited large-capacity magazines are restricted.
What Are the Rules for Buying a Gun in Illinois?
A person buying a firearm in Illinois generally must have a valid FOID card or another qualifying authorization.
Licensed firearm dealers must conduct the required background check before completing the transfer.
Illinois also generally imposes a 72-hour waiting period before a firearm can be delivered following an agreement to purchase it.
Therefore, having a valid FOID card does not mean a buyer can necessarily enter a gun shop and immediately leave with the firearm.
Can a Convicted Felon Own a Gun in Illinois?
Generally, no.
Illinois law prohibits a person convicted of a felony from knowingly possessing a firearm or firearm ammunition unless the person has obtained legally effective restoration of firearm rights or another applicable form of relief.
A felony conviction can also make a person ineligible to obtain or retain a FOID card.
Federal firearm restrictions may apply at the same time.
Do Guns Have to Be Stored Safely in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois has firearm storage requirements that apply in certain situations.
Beginning in 2026, Illinois law strengthened safe-storage requirements when a firearm owner knows or reasonably should know that an unauthorized minor, prohibited person, or certain at-risk individuals may gain access to the firearm.
In those circumstances, firearms generally must be secured in an appropriate locked container or otherwise stored in a way that prevents unauthorized access or use.
Improper storage can create legal consequences, particularly when a prohibited person or child gains access to the weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is open carry legal in Illinois?
Illinois does not generally provide civilians with a broad right to openly carry loaded firearms in public. The state’s public-carry system primarily operates through concealed carry licensing.
Q2. Do ordinary guns have to be registered in Illinois?
Illinois does not generally require every ordinary handgun, rifle, or shotgun to be individually registered with the state. However, firearms covered by the state’s assault-weapons law may be subject to separate endorsement requirements for qualifying grandfathered owners.
Q3. Can an Illinois resident buy a gun in another state?
An Illinois resident may be able to purchase a firearm from an out-of-state seller, but federal and Illinois transfer rules still apply. Buying the firearm elsewhere does not allow the purchaser to avoid FOID requirements, background checks, waiting periods, or Illinois restrictions on prohibited firearms.
Q4. What must you do if a gun is lost or stolen in Illinois?
Illinois firearm owners are required to report a lost or stolen firearm to local law enforcement within the period required by state law after discovering the loss or theft. Failure to make the required report can create legal consequences and may also affect firearm eligibility.