Illinois does not require firearm owners to register their firearms. Although the regular licensing application and renewal process requires gun owners to submit some identifying information that would typically be a part of a firearm registration process
Illinois law requires people to obtain a license (ÒFOIDÓ Card), issued by the State Police, in order to acquire or possess firearms or ammunition. People who have valid permits to carry concealed handguns may possess firearms and ammunition without a FOID Card, but a FOID Card is required in order to acquire firearms. This law also prohibits people from selling firearms or ammunition to an individual who does not have a valid FOID card or permit to carry a concealed handgun prior to receiving the firearm. To obtain a FOID Card, a person must complete a standard application and prove that :*
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Yes, Illinois has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.
Licensed dealers in Illinois are required to contact the Department of Police (DSP) for a background check before transfering a firearm. DSP is the point of contact for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to determine if the person is not prohibited from possessing a firearm. The DSP also uses NICS to approve or disapprove someone for the Firearm OwnerÕs Identification (FOID) Card. Unlicensed gun sellers are required to use an internet portal maintained by the police department to verify the the validity of purchaser and their FOID card.
Yes, you are required to take a safety course prior to owning a firearm in Illinois.
An applicant must complete at least 16 hours of firearm safety training course approved by the DSP. The training follows the following topics :-
[720 ILCS 5/Art. 9] (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+9&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=11200000&SeqEnd=12400000) [720 ILCS 5/Art. 12] (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+12%2C+Subdiv%2E+5&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=21300000&SeqEnd=23400000) [720 ILCS 5/Art. 16, Subdiv. 5] (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+16%2C+Subdiv%2E+5&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=36900000&SeqEnd=39600000) [720 ILCS 5/Art. 16, Subdiv. 10] (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+16%2C+Subdiv%2E+10&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=39600000&SeqEnd=40100000) [720 ILCS 5/Art. 18] (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+18&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=62300000&SeqEnd=63000000) [720 ILCS 5/Art. 19] (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+19&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=63000000&SeqEnd=63800000) [720 ILCS 5/Art. 24] (https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=072000050HArt%2E+24&ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=68600000&SeqEnd=72000000) [