FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What does CCL stand for?
A. CCL stands for Concealed Carry License.
Q. Who is eligible for a Conceal Carry License?
ILLINOIS RESIDENTS
§ I am at least 21 years old.
§ I have a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification card.
§ I have not been convicted or found guilty of a misdemeanor involving the threat of physical force or violence to any person within the past 5 years.
§ I do not have 2 or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, intoxicating compounds within the past 5 years.
§ I am not subject to a pending arrest warrant, prosecution or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification to own or possess a firearm.
§ I have not been in a residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the past 5 years.
§ You may be eligible if you satisfy the above and no objections are filed by law enforcement.
NON-RESIDENTS
§ I am at least 21 years old.
§ I have not been convicted of any Felony.
§ I have not been adjudicated as a mental defective by a court of law.
§ I have not been involuntarily committed to a facility for the purpose of mental health treatment.
§ I have not been admitted as a voluntary patient in a facility for the purpose of mental health treatment within the past 5 years.
§ I have not been addicted to narcotics.
§ I am not intellectually disabled or developmentally disabled.
§ I am not subject to any active Order of Protection.
§ I have not within the past 5 years been convicted of battery, assault, aggravated assault, violation of an order of protection, or a substantially similar offense in which a firearm was used or possessed.
§ I have not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic battery or substantially similar offense.
§ I have not been adjudicated a delinquent minor for the commission of an offense that if committed by an adult would be a felony.
§ I have not been convicted or found guilty of a misdemeanor involving the threat of physical force or violence to any person within the past 5 years.
§ I do not have 2 or more violations related to driving while under the influence of alcohol, other drugs, intoxicating compounds within the past 5 years.
§ I am not subject to a pending arrest warrant, prosecution or proceeding for an offense or action that could lead to disqualification to own or possess a firearm.
§ I have not been in a residential or court-ordered treatment for alcoholism, alcohol detoxification, or drug treatment within the past 5 years.
§ You may be eligible if you satisfy the above and no objections are filed by law enforcement.
Q. Do I need a F.O.I.D. card to take a concealed carry class?
A. No, but a F.O.I.D. card is required to own or carry a gun in Illinois. If you do not possess a FOID Card you will have to rent our firearm when going to the range.
Q. What is a F.O.I.D. card?
A. FOID is an acronym for Firearm Owners Identification. To legally possess or purchase firearms or ammunition, residents of the state of Illinois are required to have a FOID card.
Q. How many hours of training do I need to get a concealed carry permit?
A. In Illinois, most people are required to take 16 hours of training, however former military, and former law enforcement persons are only required to take 8 hours. Some other forms of prior firearm training may also be recognized by the state, which could result in you only needing 8 hours of training. You must provide proof of these things in order to waive the first 8 hours.
Q. How long does it take to get a Concealed Carry permit?
A. Once you complete the class, and If you submit your fingerprints with your application, the state of IL has 90 days to issue the permit. If you do not submit fingerprints the state has 120 days to issue the permit.
Q. Are fingerprints mandatory?
A. No, fingerprints are not mandatory to obtain an Illinois permit, however, if you submit prints you will receive your permit faster since it speeds up the background check.
Q. How do I apply for the Illinois CCW permit?
A. Once you’ve completed your training, you can then apply for your permit. The State of Illinois prefers that the application be submitted on-line, through their website www.ispfsb.com. This must be completed (by the student) following the receipt of your class certificate.
Q. How long is an Illinois permit valid?
A. Illinois permits are good for 5 years from the date of issuance. After 5 years, Illinois requires that you attend a 3 hour renewal class in order to renew your permit.
Q. How much does the actual permit cost?
A. Cost of the permit is $150 (+$3.53 service charge) paid directly to the state of Illinois at the time you file the application, payable by either credit card or electronic check.
Q. What States honors Illinois Conceal Carry Permit?
A. The states that honor the Illinois concealed carry permit are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Q. How will I complete the range test if I do not have a firearm of my own?
A. A firearm and ammunition is available for rent.