The state does not honor concealed carry permits from any other state. This guide explains how reciprocity works in Illinois, options for non-residents, and what to know when traveling with firearms.[1]
Illinois Does Not Recognize Other States' Permits
Under 430 ILCS 66, Illinois does not honor or recognize concealed carry permits, licenses, or authorizations issued by any other state. If you hold a concealed carry permit from Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, or any other state, it does not authorize general concealed carry in Illinois, but it may establish your home-state eligibility for the non-resident vehicle exception. Carrying a concealed firearm in Illinois without an Illinois CCL is a criminal offense unless a statutory exception applies, including the conditional vehicle exception for eligible non-residents.[2]
Non-Resident CCL
Illinois offers a non-resident Concealed Carry License under 430 ILCS 66/40. However, eligibility is limited. Non-residents may apply only if they are residents of a state that has firearms laws "substantially similar" to Illinois. The ISP determines which states qualify.[2]
Non-Resident CCL Requirements
- Must be a resident of a state with substantially similar firearms laws (as determined by ISP) and be licensed or permitted to carry firearms in public in that state
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must meet the 16-hour approved firearms training requirement, including live-fire qualification, subject to statutory training credits and exemptions
- Must satisfy the ISP applicant background check required by 430 ILCS 66/35
- Application fee: $300 (double the $150 resident fee)
- License valid for 5 years
The ISP publishes a list of states whose laws are deemed substantially similar. This list is subject to change. The ISP currently identifies Arkansas, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Virginia as states whose residents may apply for an Illinois non-resident CCL.[1]
Options for Non-Residents Without a CCL
If you are a non-resident visiting or traveling through Illinois without an Illinois CCL, your options are limited:
- Transport only: Non-residents are exempt from the FOID possession requirement when their firearms are unloaded and enclosed in a case. The weapons-law transport exemption also applies when the firearms are not immediately accessible
- Shooting ranges: You may possess firearms without a FOID card while on a firing or shooting range recognized by the Illinois State Police
- Vehicle carry: Under 430 ILCS 66/40(e), a non-resident without an Illinois CCL who is not federally prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm and is eligible to carry a firearm in public under the laws of their home state or territory may keep a loaded concealed firearm within their vehicle in Illinois. They must possess a carry license or permit issued by their home state if applicable. If they leave the vehicle unattended, they must store the firearm within a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with Section 65(b). Outside the vehicle, public carry of a loaded firearm generally requires an Illinois CCL unless a statutory exemption applies, such as lawful hunting
Federal FOPA Protection
The federal Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA) provides a limited safe harbor for interstate transport. Under FOPA, a person who is not prohibited by federal firearms law from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm may transport it through Illinois for a lawful purpose between places where they may lawfully possess and carry it, subject to the following conditions.[3]
- The firearm is unloaded, and neither it nor the ammunition is readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment
- In a vehicle without a compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition is in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console
- The transport is for a lawful purpose between places where the traveler may lawfully possess and carry the firearm
FOPA protects transport between places where the traveler may lawfully possess and carry the firearm, provided the traveler is not federally prohibited and complies with the unloading and accessibility conditions. Minimize stops in Illinois when relying on FOPA protection.
States That Recognize the Illinois CCL
While Illinois does not recognize other states' permits, some states do recognize the Illinois CCL. Recognition is one-way. Illinois residents with a valid CCL may carry in states that recognize it under those states' laws. A permit issued by another state does not authorize general concealed carry in Illinois, although the conditional non-resident vehicle exception and other statutory exemptions may apply. Check the destination state's reciprocity laws before traveling and follow that state's laws on carrying a firearm.[2]
Vehicle Storage When Entering Prohibited Areas
Even with an Illinois CCL, Section 65(a) lists 23 categories of prohibited locations, and private property owners may impose additional restrictions. Except at nuclear sites covered by Section 65(a)(22) or areas where federal law prohibits firearms, you may store your firearm loaded or unloaded, concealed in a case, inside a locked vehicle and out of plain view in the parking area of a prohibited location.[4]
See also: Non-Resident Concealed Carry in Illinois
Sources
Related
- Traveling Between IL, IN, WI, MO, and IA With Firearms
- Illinois Self-Defense Law: Castle Doctrine and Use of Force
- Cook County vs. State Law: Navigating Local Firearms Ordinances
- Illinois Preemption: What Home-Rule Municipalities Can Regulate
- Federal vs. Illinois Law: Where They Overlap and Diverge
- PICA Compliance: What Firearms Are Still Legal in Illinois