Illinois residents must hold both a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card and a Concealed Carry License (CCL) issued by the Illinois State Police. Cook County Sheriff handles fingerprinting and certain endorsement checks but does not issue the license.
Under 430 ILCS 65 (FOID Act) and 430 ILCS 66 (Concealed Carry Act), Illinois requires a FOID card to possess any firearm and a separate CCL to carry concealed. The CCL is shall-issue with 16 hours of training, fingerprinting, and a $150 fee. The Illinois State Police processes applications statewide; Cook County Sheriff provides fingerprinting and may object to applications based on local arrest history. Open carry is prohibited. CCL holders cannot carry in schools, courthouses, government buildings, public transit, or licensed liquor establishments.
Carrying concealed without a CCL is Unlawful Use of Weapon under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6, a Class 4 felony with mandatory minimum one year in prison.
See how Evanston's concealed carry rules stack up against other locations.
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