CCW Permit Guide
Illinois Concealed
Carry Permit 2026
Illinois concealed carry requirements: permit fees, training hours, reciprocity states, prohibited locations, and official application information. Illinois requires both a FOID (Firearm Owners Identification Card) and a Firearm Concealed Carry License (FCCL). No permitless carry. Illinois has the most extensive training requirement in the country at 16 hours. Very limited reciprocity.
Shall-Issue State
Non-Resident Permits Available
2026 CCW Quick Facts
Reference 2026
Resident Fee
$150
Required for concealed carry
Validity
5yr
Renewal required after expiration
Training
16 Hours
16 hours total: 8 hours classroom + 8 hours range (most extensive requirement in the US)
Processing
90
typical processing time
Permit Details
Illinois CCW Permit Requirements
Official requirements for obtaining a Illinois concealed carry permit or weapon license.
Issuing Authority
Illinois State Police (Firearm Concealed Carry License)
— Official Site
Permitless Carry
Permit Required — a permit is required to carry concealed
Issue Standard
Shall Issue — the issuing authority must issue a permit to any qualified applicant who meets the requirements
Open Carry
Not Permitted — open carry of handguns is prohibited in Illinois
Resident Fee
$150.00
Non-Resident Fee
$300.00
Permit Valid
5 years from issuance date — renewal required
Minimum Age
21 years old (resident permit)
Background Check
Required — FBI NICS background check required for permit application
Processing Time
90
Duty to Inform
Yes — Required — you must immediately notify law enforcement officers that you are carrying when contacted
Training Requirements
Illinois CCW Training Requirements
Training Required
Illinois requires completion of an approved firearms training course before a permit will be issued. Minimum training time: 16 hours. Approved training types: 16 hours total: 8 hours classroom + 8 hours range (most extensive requirement in the US).
Illinois requires completion of an approved firearms training course before a permit will be issued. Minimum training time: 16 hours. Approved training types: 16 hours total: 8 hours classroom + 8 hours range (most extensive requirement in the US).
Prohibited Locations
Where You Cannot Carry in Illinois
Extensive list: schools, colleges, preschools, libraries, parks/playgrounds, public transportation, government buildings, hospitals, public gatherings requiring permits, gaming facilities, restaurants/bars that serve alcohol, museums, theaters, stadiums, amusement parks, zoos, forest preserves, gun shows
Note: Federal law also prohibits carry in federal facilities, federal courthouses, and other locations regardless of state law. Always check both state and federal restrictions.
Important Notes
Illinois-Specific CCW Information
Illinois has the most restrictive CCW environment of any shall-issue state. 16-hour training requirement is by far the highest. $150 resident fee, $300 non-resident fee. Illinois does not recognize any other state's CCW permit. Also requires a separate FOID card ($10, 10-year validity) to legally possess a firearm in Illinois.
Legal Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Concealed carry laws in Illinois are subject to change through legislation and court decisions. Always verify current requirements with Illinois State Police (Firearm Concealed Carry License) or a qualified firearms attorney before carrying a firearm.
Source: Illinois State Police (Firearm Concealed Carry License) (www.ispfsb.com).
For reference 2026. Laws change — always verify directly with the official issuing authority before carrying.