Buying a firearm in Illinois involves more steps than in most states. Illinois requires a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card before you can legally purchase or possess any firearm or ammunition. This guide walks first-time buyers through the entire process, from obtaining a FOID card to taking your firearm home.[1]
Step 1: Obtain a FOID Card
Before you can buy any firearm in Illinois, you must have a valid FOID card issued by the Illinois State Police (ISP). You cannot even handle ammunition at a store without one. To apply:[2]
- Visit the ISP Firearms Services Bureau portal at ispfsb.com
- Create an account and complete the electronic application
- Provide a valid Illinois driver's license or state ID
- Upload a recent photograph meeting ISP specifications
- Pay the $10 application fee (plus payment processing fees)
You must be at least 21 years old to apply independently. If you are 18 to 20, you need written consent from a parent or legal guardian who holds a valid FOID card.[1]
Step 2: Wait for FOID Approval
The ISP has a statutory deadline of 30 days to process new FOID applications. In practice, processing times have varied. During high-volume periods, waits have exceeded the statutory timeline. Check your application status through the ISP portal. Do not attempt to purchase a firearm until your FOID card has been issued and is in your possession.[3]
Step 3: Choose a Licensed Dealer
Illinois requires firearms dealers to hold both a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and a state-issued Firearm Dealer License Certification (FDLC) from the ISP. Purchase your first firearm from a licensed dealer to ensure all background check and transfer requirements are properly handled.[4]
Step 4: Background Check
When you select a firearm, the dealer will initiate a background check through the Illinois State Police Firearms Transfer Inquiry Program (FTIP). The ISP searches criminal history records, FBI/NICS databases, and Department of Human Services files. The dealer cannot transfer the firearm to you until the FTIP check is approved.[5]
Step 5: The 72-Hour Waiting Period
Illinois imposes a mandatory 72-hour waiting period on all firearm purchases. The clock starts when you initiate the purchase (apply to buy the firearm), and the dealer cannot release the firearm to you until 72 hours have elapsed. This applies to both handguns and long guns -- there is no distinction.[6]
Step 6: Take Possession
After the 72-hour waiting period has passed and your FTIP background check is approved, return to the dealer to pick up your firearm. You will need to present your FOID card and a valid government-issued photo ID. The dealer will complete the federal Form 4473 and retain records of the transaction.
Age Restrictions to Keep in Mind
Federal law prohibits licensed dealers from selling handguns to anyone under 21. If you are 18 to 20 with a FOID card (obtained through parental consent), you may purchase rifles and shotguns from a dealer, but you cannot purchase a handgun from an FFL. You may, however, possess a handgun received through a private transfer or gift from a family member.[7]
Private Purchases
If you buy from a private seller rather than a dealer, the seller must either transfer the firearm through an FFL (who will run a background check) or verify your FOID card through the ISP verification portal at verify.ispfsb.com. The 72-hour waiting period still applies to private sales. The seller must retain a record of the transfer for at least 10 years.[8]
Tips for First-Time Buyers
- Apply for your FOID card well before you plan to make a purchase -- processing takes time
- Consider submitting fingerprints through the FTIP system for faster background checks and automatic FOID renewal
- Take a basic firearms safety course before your first purchase, even though Illinois does not require one for buying
- Research Illinois's safe storage requirements under the Safe Gun Storage Act (720 ILCS 5/24-9), effective January 1, 2026, before bringing a firearm into your home
- Be aware that the Protect Illinois Communities Act bans certain semiautomatic firearms and limits magazine capacity (10 rounds for rifles, 15 for handguns)
See also: Buying a Handgun in Illinois: Step-by-Step
See also: Buying a Rifle or Shotgun in Illinois