Transporting Firearms in Illinois

Illinois has specific rules for transporting firearms that vary depending on whether you hold a FOID card only, a Concealed Carry License (CCL), or are a non-resident passing through the state. This guide covers each scenario.^[1]

FOID Holders Without a CCL

If you have a valid FOID card but do not hold a CCL, you may transport firearms under the following conditions:^[2]

• The firearm must be unloaded
• The firearm must be enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container
• Ammunition must be stored separately from the firearm

A "case" means a container specifically designed for transporting firearms, or any fully enclosed container. A soft case, hard case, or gun sock all qualify as long as the firearm is fully enclosed. A holster alone does not qualify as a case for transport purposes.

CCL Holders

If you hold a valid CCL, you have broader transport privileges under 430 ILCS 66:^[3]

• You may carry a loaded, concealed firearm on your person while in a vehicle
• You may store a loaded, concealed firearm in the vehicle
• The firearm must remain concealed at all times

Parking at Prohibited Locations

When driving to a location where concealed carry is prohibited (such as a school, government building, or hospital), you may still carry the firearm in your vehicle into the parking area. However, before entering the restricted building, you must:^[4]

• Store the firearm or ammunition concealed in a case within a locked vehicle or locked container out of plain view
• The vehicle or container must be locked
• The firearm must not be visible from outside the vehicle

Non-Residents

Illinois does not recognize concealed carry permits from other states. A non-resident who does not hold an Illinois CCL must transport firearms according to the following rules:^[1]

• The firearm must be unloaded and enclosed in a case
• Non-residents are not required to have a FOID card for transport through Illinois, provided the firearms are kept unloaded and cased at all times
• Non-residents may not carry loaded firearms in their vehicles while in Illinois unless they hold an Illinois non-resident CCL

Transport of Grandfathered Assault Weapons

If you lawfully possess a registered grandfathered assault weapon under PICA, transport is limited to trips between permissible locations (your private property, another person's private property with permission, and licensed firing ranges). During transport, the weapon must be:^[5]

• Unloaded
• Enclosed in a case

Carrying a grandfathered assault weapon in a vehicle without following these rules, or transporting it to a non-permissible location, is a violation of PICA.

Transport Across State Lines

When crossing into or out of Illinois, the federal Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA) provides limited protection for interstate transport. Under FOPA, a person may transport a firearm through any state if:^[6]

• The person may lawfully possess the firearm at both the origin and destination
• The firearm is unloaded and not readily accessible during transport
• Ammunition is stored separately from the firearm

FOPA protects travelers who are passing through Illinois without stopping beyond what is necessary for travel (such as refueling or rest). It does not protect extended stays. If you plan to stay in Illinois, you must comply with Illinois law, which may require a FOID card for possession.

Duty to Inform During a Traffic Stop

Illinois does not require CCL holders to proactively tell law enforcement officers that they are carrying a concealed firearm. However, if asked by an officer, you must disclose and present both your CCL and FOID card.^[1]