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.
Confused about FOID cards? An Illinois FOID card is not a carry permit.
What it costs if you get this wrong
Carrying in Illinois without a license it recognizes is a crime. Class A misdemeanor for a first offense. Felony, up to 3 years, if the gun is loaded and accessible.
Base offense for carrying without a valid or recognized license. Aggravating factors can raise it. Source: 720 ILCS 5/24-1, 5/24-1.6.
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.
Not sure where you stand?
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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.