Non-Resident Concealed Carry in Illinois

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 does not generally authorize concealed carry in Illinois, but qualifying non-residents may carry within their vehicles under the exception described below. 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 unless a statutory exception, such as qualifying vehicle carry, applies.^[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. The ISP surveys the other states to make this determination and posts its list of substantially similar states on its website.

Substantially Similar Standard

The "substantially similar" definition in 20 Ill. Adm. Code 1231.10 has four criteria. The applicant's home state must:^[2]

• Regulate who may carry firearms, concealed or otherwise, in public
• Prohibit carry by persons who have had an involuntary mental health admission, and by persons with a voluntary admission within the past 5 years
• Report persons denied a carry authorization to NICS
• Participate in reporting persons authorized to carry through the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NLETS)

States without a permit requirement must still meet the four substantially similar criteria, including regulating who may carry firearms in public, for their residents to qualify to apply. Applicants must also be licensed or permitted to carry firearms in public in a substantially similar state.^[7]

Application Process for Non-Residents

Non-resident applicants must meet the resident eligibility criteria except for Illinois residency, provide the required substitute identification and FOID eligibility documentation, and pay the non-resident fee.^[3]

• Fee: The non-resident application fee is $300, compared with $150 for residents
• FOID Exemption: Non-resident CCL applicants submit FOID eligibility documentation in place of an Illinois FOID card. The FOID Act provides specific exemptions for other non-residents

Non-resident applicants are subject to the same 16-hour training requirement from an ISP-approved instructor, with credit for qualifying prior training or military service and exemptions for applicants who qualify under the Act. The training must be conducted by an ISP-approved instructor. Live-fire qualification requirements are identical to those for residents.^[2]

Non-Residents Without a CCL

The FOID Act exempts non-residents whose firearms are unloaded and enclosed in a case, and non-residents who are currently licensed or registered to possess a firearm in their resident state. Under the federal Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA, 18 U.S.C. 926A), a person not prohibited by Chapter 44 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. The firearm must be unloaded, and neither it nor the ammunition may be readily or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. If the vehicle has no separate compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console.^[4] The FOID exemptions for nonresident hunters with valid nonresident hunting licenses during hunting season in areas where hunting is permitted and non-residents using ISP-recognized shooting ranges require their firearms to be unloaded and enclosed in a case outside those activities. In addition, 430 ILCS 66/40(e) permits 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 their home-state law, with a home-state carry license or permit if applicable, to transport a loaded concealed firearm within their vehicle in Illinois. If the vehicle is left unattended, the firearm must be stored within a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with Section 65(b).^[5]

Penalties for Carrying Without an Illinois CCL

A non-resident who carries a concealed firearm in Illinois without an Illinois CCL and outside the statutory exceptions may be charged with unlawful possession of weapons (720 ILCS 5/24-1) or aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon (720 ILCS 5/24-1.6), even if they hold a valid permit from their home state. Penalties can include a Class A misdemeanor under Section 24-1 or a Class 4 felony under Section 24-1.6, with a second or subsequent Section 24-1.6 offense classified as a Class 2 felony.^[6]

See also: Transporting Firearms in Illinois