The Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), signed into law on January 10, 2023, as Public Act 102-1116, banned the sale and acquisition of certain semiautomatic firearms and large-capacity magazines in Illinois. However, many common firearms remain fully legal to buy, own, and use. This guide explains what is and is not permitted under PICA.[1]
Firearms That Are Still Legal
PICA targets specific categories of semiautomatic firearms based on features and named models. The following types of firearms are not affected by the ban:
Handguns
- Revolvers of all calibers
- Semiautomatic pistols that do not have prohibited features (most standard handguns without threaded barrels, barrel shrouds, or second pistol grips remain legal)
- Single-shot pistols
Rifles
- Bolt-action rifles of all calibers
- Lever-action rifles
- Pump-action rifles
- Semiautomatic rifles with fixed magazines that hold 10 rounds or fewer
- Semiautomatic rifles without any of the prohibited features (pistol grip, thumbhole stock, folding/telescoping stock, grenade launcher, barrel shroud, or flash suppressor) even if they accept detachable magazines
- Rimfire semiautomatic rifles (such as .22 LR) that do not have prohibited features
Shotguns
- Pump-action shotguns
- Break-action shotguns (single-shot and double-barrel)
- Semiautomatic shotguns without prohibited features. Prohibited features for semiautomatic shotguns include a revolving cylinder, a pistol grip, a folding or telescoping stock, and a fixed magazine capacity exceeding 5 rounds under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9(a)(1)(F)(v). A semiautomatic shotgun with any one of these features is classified as an assault weapon and is banned regardless of the other features.[6]
What PICA Bans
PICA bans the sale, purchase, and manufacture of:[2]
- Semiautomatic rifles that can accept a detachable magazine and have one or more prohibited features
- Specific models listed by name, including AR-15 and AK-47 variants
- Semiautomatic pistols and shotguns with specified features. For shotguns, prohibited features include a revolving cylinder, a pistol grip, a folding or telescoping stock, and a fixed magazine over 5 rounds under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.9(a)(1)(F)(v).[6]
- .50 caliber rifles and .50 caliber cartridges
- Rapid-fire devices such as bump stocks and trigger cranks
Magazine Capacity Limits
PICA restricts magazine capacity for new purchases:[1]
- Rifles: Maximum 10 rounds
- Handguns: Maximum 15 rounds
Magazines exceeding these limits that were possessed before January 10, 2023, may be retained if registered through the endorsement affidavit process (see below). New large-capacity magazines cannot be purchased, sold, or imported into Illinois.
Grandfathered Firearms
If you lawfully possessed an assault weapon or large-capacity magazine before January 10, 2023, you may keep it under PICA's grandfathering provision, but only if you submitted an endorsement affidavit to the ISP. The ISP began accepting submissions on October 1, 2023, with a deadline of January 1, 2024.[3]
Grandfathered firearms are subject to strict possession restrictions. They may only be possessed:
- On the owner's private property
- On another person's private property not open to the public (with permission)
- At a licensed firing range
- During transport to and from these locations -- unloaded and enclosed in a case
Cook County and Local Ordinances
Some Cook County municipalities have their own assault weapons ordinances that may be stricter than PICA. Municipalities with their own bans include Buffalo Grove, Dolton, Evanston, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lincolnwood, Riverdale, and Skokie. Check local ordinances in your area, as a firearm compliant with state law may still be restricted locally.[4]
Active Litigation
PICA is the subject of multiple ongoing constitutional challenges in federal court. In November 2024, a federal district court ruled the bans unconstitutional, but the Seventh Circuit stayed that ruling pending appeal. As of early 2026, the Seventh Circuit's decision remains pending. The law remains in full effect during the litigation. Gun owners should comply with current law regardless of pending court challenges.[5]
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Possession of a banned assault weapon without proper grandfathering is a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense (up to 364 days in jail and up to $2,500 fine) and a Class 3 felony for subsequent offenses (2 to 5 years in prison). Sale or delivery of a banned firearm is a Class 3 felony.[1]