Carrying a concealed firearm in Illinois comes with responsibilities. Whether you’re a new Concealed Carry License (CCL) holder or renewing in 2025, it’s important to understand the laws on carrying, transporting, and where you cannot bring your firearm. Staying informed helps you stay safe and compliant.
Illinois law requires both a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card and a Concealed Carry License (CCL) to legally carry a concealed firearm in public.
➡️ Source: https://isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Foid
Age requirement: 21+
Training: 16 hours of state-approved firearms training, including live fire.
Background check: Includes mental health and criminal history screening.
Even with a license, transport rules matter:
Without a CCL: Firearms must be unloaded, enclosed in a case, and not immediately accessible.
➡️ Source: https://isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Foid
With a CCL: Firearms may be carried on your person or in your vehicle, but must remain concealed.
Crossing state lines: Laws differ in Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri—always check reciprocity before traveling.
➡️ Source: https://ilccl.com/reciprocity-map
Illinois law lists specific “prohibited areas” where firearms are banned, even with a CCL:
➡️ Source: https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Signage.aspx
Schools and child-care facilities
Government buildings and courthouses
Public transportation (CTA trains, buses, Metra)
Bars and restaurants deriving more than 50% of revenue from alcohol
Stadiums, arenas, and permitted public gatherings
Private property with proper “No Firearms” signage
⚠️ Violation can result in criminal charges and license revocation.
Illinois does not have a statutory “Stand Your Ground” law. However, courts have ruled there is no duty to retreat in public if threatened with death or serious bodily harm:
Hammond v. People (1902)
People v. McGraw (1958)
Illinois concealed carry in 2025 still requires discipline, awareness, and compliance. Know where you can carry, how to transport legally, and when the law protects your right to self-defense.
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Yes. A FOID card is required to own or purchase firearms or ammunition, while a CCL allows you to carry concealed in public.
➡️ Source: https://isp.illinois.gov/Foid/Foid
No. Illinois law prohibits concealed carry on public transportation such as CTA and Metra. While a Rockford court briefly ruled otherwise in 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit upheld the ban in 2025, making it enforceable statewide.
➡️ Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/appeals-court-upholds-illinois-ban-concealed-carry-public-transit/
Violations may result in criminal charges, fines, and CCL revocation.
➡️ Source: https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Signage.aspx
Illinois does not honor non-resident permits, except for limited applications from states with similar background checks.
➡️ Source: https://ilccl.com/reciprocity-map
No. Case law establishes that individuals may stand their ground if facing deadly threats in public (Hammond v. People, People v. McGraw).
