An Illinois Concealed Carry License expires 5 years after the date of issuance. To maintain your concealed carry privileges, you must complete a 3-hour refresher training course and submit a renewal application through the ISP portal before your license expires.[1]
Renewal Eligibility
To renew your CCL, you must continue to meet all the eligibility requirements that applied to your original application under 430 ILCS 66/25. If you have become subject to any disqualifying condition during the license period -- such as a felony conviction, an order of protection, or a mental health adjudication -- your renewal will be denied. You must also possess a valid FOID card at the time of renewal.[2]
The 3-Hour Refresher Course
Under 430 ILCS 66/75, CCL renewal requires a 3-hour refresher training course instead of the full 16-hour course required for initial applications. The refresher course must be conducted by an ISP-approved instructor and covers:[2]
- Updates to Illinois firearms laws since the original or most recent training
- Review of use-of-force principles and legal responsibilities of CCL holders
- Reinforcement of safe firearm handling and storage practices
When to Take the Refresher
The 3-hour refresher course can be completed up to 6 months before you submit your renewal application. Do not wait until the last minute -- scheduling a course well in advance ensures you have the training certificate ready when you apply.[1]
Live-Fire Requirement
The refresher course does not require a live-fire qualification component. The 3 hours consist of classroom instruction only, unlike the initial 16-hour course which includes a 30-round live-fire qualification exercise.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
Step 1: Complete the 3-Hour Refresher Course
Find an ISP-approved instructor and complete the refresher training. Your instructor will provide a certificate of completion with a unique certificate number.
Step 2: Log In to the ISP Portal
Access the ISP Firearms Services Bureau portal at ispfsb.com and log in with your existing credentials.
Step 3: Submit the Renewal Application
Select "Renew Concealed Carry License" from your account dashboard. Enter your refresher course certificate number, update any personal information that has changed, and upload a current photograph.[1]
Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee
The CCL renewal fee is $150 for Illinois residents and $300 for non-residents. This fee covers another 5-year license period.[1]
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Track your renewal application through the ISP portal. The ISP follows the same processing timeline as new applications -- 90 days with fingerprints on file, 120 days without.[2]
When to Apply
Submit your renewal application before your current CCL expires. Given the ISP's processing timelines, applying at least 120 days before the expiration date provides a practical buffer. An expired CCL means you can no longer legally carry concealed, even if a renewal application is pending.
What Happens If Your CCL Expires
If your CCL expires before the renewal is processed, you lose your concealed carry privileges immediately. You may not carry a concealed firearm while your renewal is pending. Your FOID card (assuming it is still valid) continues to allow you to possess firearms at home and transport them unloaded and enclosed in a case, but concealed carry is not permitted without an active CCL.[3]
Fingerprints and FOID Auto-Renewal
If you submitted fingerprints during your original CCL application, they remain on file with the ISP. You do not need to submit them again for renewal. These fingerprints continue to serve double duty -- maintaining your enrollment in the FOID automatic renewal program as well.[4]
Denial of Renewal
If your renewal is denied, the ISP will send written notice with the reason for denial. You may appeal through the same process available for new application denials: an administrative hearing before the Director of State Police, followed by judicial review in circuit court if necessary.[2]