No Reciprocity
Illinois does not recognize or honor concealed carry permits issued by any other state.[1] A valid concealed carry permit from another state provides no legal authority to carry a concealed firearm in Illinois. This applies regardless of whether the holder's home state recognizes Illinois CCLs. Visitors from other states who wish to carry in Illinois must obtain an Illinois non-resident CCL.[2]
Non-Resident CCL Eligibility
The Firearm Concealed Carry Act permits non-residents to apply for an Illinois CCL, but only if the applicant's home state has firearm laws that are "substantially similar" to Illinois's requirements.[3] The ISP determines which states meet the substantially similar standard. This determination is made on a state-by-state basis and may change as other states amend their firearms laws.
Substantially Similar Standard
The "substantially similar" analysis considers several factors, including whether the applicant's home state requires:[2]
- A comparable licensing or permitting process for firearm possession
- Background checks for firearm purchases
- Training requirements for concealed carry permits
- Restrictions on persons with felony convictions, mental health adjudications, or domestic violence convictions
States with very permissive firearms laws (such as constitutional carry states with no permit requirement) may not meet the substantially similar threshold because they lack the regulatory framework Illinois uses for comparison.[4]
Application Process for Non-Residents
Non-resident applicants must meet the same eligibility criteria as Illinois residents, with two key differences:[3]
- Fee: The non-resident application fee is $300 -- double the $150 fee for residents
- FOID Exemption: Non-residents are not required to hold an Illinois FOID card, since the FOID Act applies only to Illinois residents
Non-resident applicants must still complete the same 16-hour training course from an ISP-approved instructor. The training must be conducted in Illinois or by an Illinois-approved instructor. Live-fire qualification requirements are identical to those for residents.[2]
Non-Residents Without a CCL
Non-residents who do not obtain an Illinois CCL have very limited options for lawfully possessing firearms in the state. They may transport firearms through Illinois under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA, 18 U.S.C. 926A), which requires the firearm to be unloaded and not readily accessible from the passenger compartment.[4] Non-residents may also transport firearms directly to and from licensed shooting ranges and recognized hunting areas if they hold a valid permit from their home state.[5]
Penalties for Carrying Without an Illinois CCL
A non-resident who carries a concealed firearm in Illinois without an Illinois CCL -- even if they hold a valid permit from their home state -- may be charged with Unlawful Use of Weapons (720 ILCS 5/24-1) or Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.6). Depending on the circumstances, charges may range from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class 4 or Class 2 felony.[6]
See also: Transporting Firearms in Illinois
Sources
Related
- Duty to Inform and CCL Holder Obligations
- Universal Background Checks for Private Sales
- Protect Illinois Communities Act: Assault Weapons Ban
- PICA Banned Firearms: Features Test and Named Models
- Magazine Capacity Limits: 10 Rounds Rifle, 15 Rounds Handgun
- Endorsement Affidavit: Registering Pre-Owned Assault Weapons