Illinois concealed carry laws, backed by the statute
At a glance
- Carry rule
- Shall-issue permit
- Minimum age
- 21
- Non-resident permit valid here?
- No
- Statute
- 430 ILCS 66/40
Carrying in Illinois
Illinois is a shall-issue state. Adults 21 and older who meet the requirements can get a permit.
If you pass the background check, finish any required training, and pay the fees, the state must issue your permit.
A FOID card is required in addition to the CCL. 16 hours of in-person Illinois-approved training is mandatory.
Source: 430 ILCS 66/40. Illinois State Police. Reviewed Q3 2026.
Does a non-resident permit work in Illinois?
A non-resident permit is a carry permit issued by a state you do not live in.
No. Illinois does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on it there is illegal, even if Illinois honors some other permits.
Getting Illinois's own permit
Apply through Illinois and meet the listed requirements. If you qualify, the state must issue the permit.
Common questions
- Do I need a permit to carry in Illinois?
- Yes. Illinois requires a carry permit. The minimum age is 21.
- Does Illinois honor out-of-state permits?
- No. Illinois does not honor a non-resident permit. Carrying on one there is illegal.
- Where can I check Illinois's official rules?
- Check Illinois State Police. The controlling law is 430 ILCS 66/40.
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Check your state's rules →Sources and verification
- IL: 430 ILCS 66/40. Illinois State Police.
Recognition and carry-law data compiled from each state's statutes and official Attorney General, State Police, or Department of Public Safety reciprocity pages. Reviewed quarterly. Last reviewed: Q3 2026. We review and update this information about once a quarter. Laws change between reviews, so verify with the destination state before you travel or apply. Read how we verify our information, including our public corrections log.