Illinois has a few extra steps for becoming a gun owner vs other states, but there are no special or extra steps if you live in Chicago or Cook County. Before 2013, Chicago used to have a Chicago Firearm Permit process, but that is now gone, and the gun registration is also gone.
On January 10, 2023, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 102-1116 Opens in new window , the Protect Illinois Communities Act (Act). The Act regulates the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and switches in Illinois. The Act went into effect immediately upon signing.
With a Concealed Carry License (CCL) you can have a firearm in your vehicle locked, loaded and ready to go. You can have it on you in a holster, concealed or open. You could have it sitting on the seat next to you, or even under the seat.
Anyone who is found to be illegally in possession of a handgun is guilty of a Class 4 felony and can be punished by jail time for one to three years, a fine of up to $25,000, or both.
The circumstances depend whether it's a felony or a misdemeanor. Illinois law is in line with federal law in stating you can't get a FOID card if you have either a felony conviction or a domestic violence offense on your record.
You will be notified by email if your CCL application has been approved. Allow 90 days for processing or 120 days if electronic fingerprints are not provided.
Unless specifically exempted by statute, any Illinois resident who acquires or possesses firearms, firearm ammunition, a stun gun or a taser within the state of Illinois must have in their possession a valid Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card or Illinois Concealed Carry License (ILCCL) issued in their name.
Illinois has a few extra steps for becoming a gun owner vs other states, but there are no special or extra steps if you live in Chicago or Cook County. Before 2013, Chicago used to have a Chicago Firearm Permit process, but that is now gone, and the gun registration is also gone.
Chicago's gun registration requirement was retained, with new registrations being allowed for the first time since 1982.