Carrying a Concealed Handgun

The Illinois State Police issue a license to carry a concealed firearm to an applicant who meets the Act's qualifications, files the application and documents, pays the fees, and is not found to pose a danger. A complete application is decided within 90 days.

• The license is valid throughout the State for 5 years from the date of issuance.
• It permits carrying a loaded or unloaded concealed firearm, fully or partially concealed, on or about the person, and keeping one on or about the person in a vehicle.
• A licensee carries the license whenever carrying a concealed firearm, except on their own land, in their home or fixed place of business, or as a permitted guest in another's, and except when the handgun is broken down, not immediately accessible, or unloaded and enclosed in a case.

• §430 ILCS 66/10StatuteIssuance of licenses to carry a concealed firearmOpens ilga.gov ↗

• A licensee carrying a concealed firearm discloses it upon an officer's request during an investigative stop, including a traffic stop.
• Presenting the license to the officer satisfies that disclosure.

• §430 ILCS 66/10StatuteIssuance of licenses to carry a concealed firearmOpens ilga.gov ↗

Possessing a handgun that is uncased, loaded and immediately accessible without a currently valid concealed carry license is aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, a Class 4 felony, and a second offense is a Class 2 felony with not less than 3 years and not more than 7 years in prison.

• §720 ILCS 5/24-1.6StatuteAggravated unlawful possession of a weaponOpens ilga.gov ↗