Illinois

FOPA applies, but IL police strictly enforce local laws. Travelers should ensure travel is continuous and uninterrupted. Stopping for the night may void FOPA protections in the eyes of local law enforcement.

Open carry is illegal in Illinois.

Standard TSA rules apply. IL laws apply upon departure/arrival (FOID required for possession).

Shall Issue.

Shall Issue. Requires 16 hours of training, FOID eligibility, and no objections from local law enforcement (which can be appealed).

Prohibited.

State law prohibits carry on school property. Federal GFSZA applies, but IL CCL exempts from the federal 1000ft buffer zone (though not the school property itself).

Allowed ONLY with a Concealed Carry License (CCL). Without CCL, must be unloaded and enclosed.

While federal law allows carry in National Parks if state law allows, IL state law prohibits carry in parks under the control of a park district and many public lands. It is highly restrictive.

Extensive list: Schools, gov buildings, courts, hospitals, public transit (CTA/Metra), bars (>50% revenue from alcohol), public gatherings, parks, zoos, museums, stadiums.

If no CCL: Must be unloaded and enclosed in a case. 'Case' is defined as a container that completely encloses the firearm. A glove box or console is NOT a legal case.

SBRs are legal ONLY if the owner has a C&R License (FFL 03) AND a federal tax stamp. SBSs are generally banned.

Unserialized frames/receivers are banned. Must be serialized by an FFL.

Banned for civilians.

All frames/receivers must be serialized.

Not required.

Suppressors are banned. Flash hiders are considered a feature of 'assault weapons' and are restricted on semi-auto rifles.

Banned. Possession only allowed if owned prior to Jan 10, 2023, and registered by Jan 1, 2024.

10 rounds for long guns, 15 rounds for handguns. Possession of pre-ban magazines is allowed only on private property, at ranges, or during transport.

Registration window has closed. No 'featureless' builds are explicitly permitted if the receiver is listed or if it has any prohibited feature. Fixed magazine modifications must be permanent.

No general registry for standard firearms. Mandatory registration for 'assault weapons' owned prior to 1/10/2023.

Required if a minor under 14 is likely to gain access. Must be secured, locked, or with a trigger lock.

Firearms Restraining Order (FRO) allows family/police to petition for temporary removal.

Must apply for FOID within 60 days of obtaining IL DL/ID. Cannot bring banned 'assault weapons' or LCMs unless they were possessed in IL prior to the ban (which is impossible for new residents).

Must report loss/theft within 72 hours.

Must verify buyer's FOID with ISP and keep records for 10 years.

Allowed temporarily if owner is present (e.g., at a range). Long-term lending requires FOID verification/transfer rules.

Not currently mandated by state law.

Criminal liability if a child under 14 gains access and causes harm/death/possession.

While IL state law (430 ILCS 65/8(e)) attempts to exempt cannabis use from state prohibition, Federal law (18 USC 922(g)(3)) still prohibits possession by unlawful users. Purchasing a firearm requires completing Form 4473, where answering 'No' to drug use while using marijuana is perjury.

Legal permanent residents (green card holders) can obtain a FOID. Non-immigrant aliens are generally prohibited unless they fall under specific exceptions (e.g., hunting license, official diplomat) AND obtain a FOID.

Private sellers must verify the buyer's FOID card validity through the ISP website and receive an approval number. Records must be kept for 10 years.

Illegal under both state and federal law.

Conviction of domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery results in FOID revocation.

Illinois is a Point of Contact state. Dealers contact the Illinois State Police (ISP) via the Firearm Transfer Inquiry Program (FTIP).

Includes admission to a mental health facility within the past 5 years, intellectual disability, developmental disability, battery/assault convictions in some cases, and being under 21 with any misdemeanor conviction.

Felons, fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, those adjudicated as mental defectives, illegal aliens, dishonorable discharges, renounced citizens, and those subject to certain restraining orders.

21 for FOID without parent consent. Under 21 requires parent sponsor. Federal law restricts FFL handgun sales to 21+. PICA restricts 'assault weapon' purchase, effectively limiting most semi-autos to 21+.

72 hours for all firearms (handguns and long guns).

No state-level roster, though melting point laws exist (720 ILCS 5/24-3(A)(h)).

A valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card is required to purchase or possess firearms and ammunition.

Legal, but must be shipped to an FFL for background check and FOID verification.

No state limit on number of firearms purchased.

No quantity limits, but FOID is required for all ammo purchases/possession.

Residents can buy long guns in other states if compliant with IL laws (including waiting period and AWB). Handguns must be shipped to an IL FFL.

Seller must verify FOID validity with ISP before transfer.

Illinois has a castle doctrine law that justifies the use of force, including deadly force, within one's dwelling against unlawful entry or attack, removing the duty to retreat inside the home.

Illinois imposes a duty to retreat before using deadly force in public places, but this duty does not apply within one's own dwelling.

Illinois does not have a stand your ground law; case law confirms a general duty to retreat from public places if one can do so safely before using deadly force.