Illinois issues shall-issue concealed carry licenses through the Illinois State Police under the Firearm Concealed Carry Act, with statewide preemption of local handgun carry rules.
The Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66) requires applicants to be at least 21, hold a valid FOID card, complete 16 hours of approved training, and pass a state background review. Licenses are valid for five years. The Act preempts local regulation of the possession, carrying, and transportation of handguns by license holders, except for prohibited locations listed in Section 65, including schools, government buildings, public transit, bars, and properties posted with the official ISP no-firearms sign.
Unlawful concealed carry is a Class B misdemeanor for a first violation and a Class A misdemeanor for subsequent violations, plus license suspension or revocation.
See how Chicago's concealed carry rules stack up against other locations.
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