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]

• One transport option is to keep the firearm unloaded
• For this option, the firearm must be enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container. Section 24-1(a)(4) also permits transport of firearms that are broken down in a non-functioning state or are not immediately accessible
• Ammunition may be transported in the same vehicle. Illinois law does not require it to be stored separately from the firearm. Federal FOPA protection for interstate transport requires that neither the firearm nor any ammunition be readily accessible or directly accessible from the passenger compartment. In a vehicle without a separate compartment, the firearm or ammunition must be in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console (18 U.S.C. 926A)

Section 24-1(a)(4) allows a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container. For storage in a prohibited parking area, 430 ILCS 66/65(b) states that "case" includes a glove compartment or console that completely encloses the firearm or ammunition, the trunk of the vehicle, or a firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.

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 keep or carry a loaded or unloaded concealed handgun on or about your person within the vehicle
• The CCL vehicle-carry rule covers a handgun on or about your person within the vehicle. Specific concealment requirements apply when storing it in a prohibited parking area as described below

Parking at Prohibited Locations

Under 430 ILCS 66/65(b), a CCL holder may carry a concealed firearm within a vehicle into an otherwise prohibited parking area, except at nuclear sites covered by paragraph (22) and areas where federal law prohibits firearms under paragraph (23). In parking areas covered by this exception, a licensee may use the storage option described below.^[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]

• One transport option is to keep the firearm unloaded and enclosed in a case. Non-residents who are currently licensed or registered to possess a firearm in their resident state may instead use the Section 24-1 transport alternatives for firearms that are broken down in a non-functioning state or are not immediately accessible
• 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
• Under 430 ILCS 66/40(e), a non-resident who is eligible to carry a firearm in public under the laws of their home state or territory, possesses a home-state concealed carry license or permit if applicable, is not federally prohibited from possessing firearms, and does not hold an Illinois CCL may transport a loaded concealed firearm within their vehicle in Illinois. If they leave the vehicle unattended, they must store the firearm in a locked vehicle or locked container within the vehicle in accordance with Section 65(b). The vehicle exception does not authorize concealed carry outside the vehicle

Transport of Grandfathered Assault Weapons

If you lawfully possess a registered grandfathered assault weapon under PICA, you may transport it to or from private property you own or immediately control, private property not open to the public with the express permission of its owner or immediate controller, a licensed firearms dealer or gunsmith for lawful repair, or a properly licensed firing range or sport shooting competition venue for legal use. During transport, the weapon must be:^[5]

• Unloaded
• Enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container

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 who is not prohibited under federal firearms law from transporting, shipping, or receiving a firearm may transport it through a state for a lawful purpose if the following conditions are met.^[6]

• The person may lawfully possess and carry the firearm at both the origin and destination
• The firearm is unloaded, and neither the firearm nor ammunition is readily accessible or directly accessible from the vehicle's passenger compartment
• If the vehicle has no compartment separate from the driver's compartment, the firearm or ammunition is in a locked container other than the glove compartment or console

During stops for fuel or rest, FOPA's requirements still apply, including the restrictions on access to the firearm and ammunition. Protection can be lost during an overnight stay if the firearm and ammunition are readily accessible. 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. Upon an officer's request during an investigative stop, you must disclose that you are carrying or present your CCL. Upon request, you must also identify the location of the concealed firearm and permit the officer to safely secure it for the duration of the investigative stop. Presenting your CCL satisfies the disclosure requirement. Under 430 ILCS 65/2(c-5), physical possession of a valid Illinois CCL satisfies the FOID card possession requirement.^[1]